Index - About AFS experience - AFS Valparaíso through pictures- News in English
About Valparaíso local Chapter and surroundings - School uniform - About money in Chile - About AFS experience
INFO for NEW AFS Students
Far away from everywhere....
Chile, republic in southwestern South America, bounded on the north by Perú, on the east by Bolivia and Argentina, and on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean ( look map). It has an extreme northern-southern length of approximately 4270 km (about 2650 mi), but its average width is less than 180 km (less than 110 mi). Archipelagoes extend along the southern Chilean coast from Chiloé Island to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the South American continent. Among these are the Chonos Archipelago, Wellington Island, and the western portion of Tierra del Fuego. Other islands belonging to Chile include the Juan Fernández Islands, Easter Island, and Sala y Gómez, all of which lie in the South Pacific. The country has a total area of 756,626 sq km (292,135 sq mi). Chile also claims a section of Antarctica. The country's capital and largest city is Santiago (5.8 millions). Chile's population is 15.2 millions.
Spanish is the official language in Chile and is spoken by virtually the entire population. The use of Native American languages is limited.
The northern region is almost entirely desert and is one of the driest areas in the world. Temperatures, however, are moderated by the offshore presence of the cold Peru, or Humboldt, Current. The average temperatures in Antofagasta range from 17° to 24° C (63° to 76° F) in January and from 11° to 17° C (51° to 63° F) in July. In Santiago the average range is 12° to 29° C (53° to 85° F) in January and 3° to 15° C (37° to 59° F) in July. Temperatures decrease about 1° C for each 150 m (about 1° F for each 275 ft) of altitude in the Andes. Rainfall increases southward, and the central region experiences a Mediterranean-like climate. Precipitation here is concentrated in the winter months (May to August) and ranges from an annual total of about 360 mm (about 14 in) in Santiago to about 14 mm (about 0.5 in) in Antofagasta. Winters here are mild, and summers are relatively cool. The southern region is cooler and experiences year-round rainfall. Precipitation reaches a maximum of about 5000 mm (about 200 in) near the Estrecho de Magallanes, much of it in the form of snow. The average annual temperature in Punta Arenas in the far south is about 7° C (about 44° F). Strong winds and cyclonic storms are common in the southern region.
AFS Valparaiso Local Chapter (In Spanish "Comité Local de AFS") 2007-2008
Our AFS Local Chapter works mainly with 5 cities Viña Del Mar, Valparaíso, Concon, Quilpué and Villa Alemana. Also sometimes others nearby cities such as Casablanca (40 kms away) or Limache (30 kms. away) are included in our hosting although we get our local applicants from all those cities. Our main activities are placed in Viña del Mar.
Our area has 850.000 Hbs., geographically pictured with a lot of hills and valleys (180 kms.or 113 miles West from the Andes Mountains) and by the Pacific Ocean.
We are around 8 -12 volunteers permanently working in AFS programs for this area, but we do receive help from many collaborators and extra volunteers, many of them former AFS students or former AFS Host families, making a larger group. Last year our Chapter hosted 9 AFS Students: 1 for the first Semester Program, 4 for the Year Program, 2 for the Winter program and 2 for the second semester program, and 1 for year program from August 08 to July 09.(Countries were: Austria, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Swtizerland, and USA)
From second semester on year 2009 we are hosting in the area for semestral and year program: Analisa, Leah and Miriam from USA will stayJuly 29th. Ploy from Thailand, Yui from Japan and Sebastian from Germany will stay for the year program until Jan 10. Becca from USA and Anna from Austria will stay for second semester until Jan '10 and Orsi from Hungary and Matthias from Austria for year program from August '09 until July '10. You can check at bottom of the page the hosting areas for all currently students (map)
Extra data:
Viña
Del Mar (288.000 Hbs.)(founded in 1874), is the most important tourist center
in Chile, with a lot of activities in summer beaches, Song Festivals, Gambling
Casino, Horse Races, water sports, and many many people visiting it. Obviously
in many of those activities AFS students should not get involved because age and
responsibility. (In Chile, you have to be 18 for going out some of those places
and even in some places requires being 21 years old) In winter is much more quiet
with fewer activities. People here use a lot urban buses to go different places.
You as school student probably you will have too (urban ticket USA$0.50 to US$0.60
one way). Nearby there is a nice beach and resort called Reñaca (8000 hbs)
you
can also visit this site: www.vinadelmar.cl, it is in Spanish but at "Galeria"
you will find pics of town. More info at: About Viña del Mar
Neighbor city is Valparaíso (280,000 Hbs. 3 kms. south of Viña). It is a traditional city (discover in 1536). It is the most important port in Chile. A picturesque place painters, poets love this city. Valparaíso is much important since 1990 because it held our National CONGRESS (House of Representatives and Senators), before it was located in Santiago. Several ships companies has their offices in town. Also the main Navy School for officers is in Valparaiso. More info at: About Valparaiso
Other city, Quilpué (includes a residential community called Belloto) (128.000 Hbs), is 12 Kms. east from Viña Del Mar, it is mainly residential, with some industries, and a principal street with many shops. In general is a quieter city. There is a growing commercial area between Quilpué and Belloto with large Supermarkets, etc) and finally,
Villa Alemana (next to Belloto) is a residential city located 17 kms. East from Viña. Full of youngers, highest rate of youth comparing to population (89.000). Not many activities besides the school ones.
Our LOCAL WEATHER is template usually, not too cold in winter, and not too hot in summer (dries summers). Temperatures in summer low's 10°C (up 50's F°), High's 24°C (70's F°), average day 18-22°C. But at night usually is cold, and a cold wind factor from the sea is important. Our sea is very cold comparing to the Atlantic Ocean at the same latitude. Water temperature is between 7 to 14°C. It is normal to have foggy mornings and some cloudy days too. However climate changes every year due to Niño's current. Now we are having a nice warm summer. Winter low's 6°C, High's 15°C, average day 11°C. At cities inland extreme temp. are higher or lower than the coast. We don't have too much rain, never snow unless up to the Andes mountains (180 km east) or Coast Mountains (40 kms. east). People use a lot umbrella or raincoat (o similar coat). But in the morning always is kind of cold (especially with school uniform). Also you can notice very well the year's four seasons.
The official currency in Chile is called Peso, the symbol for peso is the same as the dollar sign. Denominations are: coins $1 (rarely used), $5, $10, $50 and $100, and bank notes: $500, $1.000, $5.000, $10.000 and $20.000. (Note the use of a dot to indicate thousands.)
The government does not regulate the market of foreign currency in Chile making it possible to exchange money at any established "Casa de Cambio" at market driven exchange rates. Last weeks one US dollar has being equivalent to approximately 600 pesos. This rate is relative stable, so you must expect to get between $530 to $550 for US$1.00. However you can check everyday average rates at: http://www.sii.cl/pagina/valores/dolar/dolar2009.htm . Also you can use this website for all type currency convertion: http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic?lang=en Euros are about 770 pesos the unit (but last year went up to 880)
If you come from abroad, bring US dollars with you. Other currencies can only be traded in downtown Viña del Mar during business hours. If you bring chilean pesos it is very likely that the rate of exchange will be very bad.
While trading in US dollars is legal, very few shops take them. (They do in the airport, many hotels, travel agencies, and other touristic sites.)
US dollars can be changed freely in money exchange shops (open during business hours, Mon. to Fri.), travel agencies, and hotels. You can also buy some pesos at the airport, in the baggage claim area. In addition, some shopping malls have an exchange shop which opens every day and buys US dollars at a reduced rate: use them only for small amounts.
In commercial and banking areas as well as gas stations, it is easy to find Automatic Teller Machines (Redbanc network) honoring cards of all local banks as well as Cirrus cards, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Exchange rates are very good.
Because 1 peso is so little money, no decimals are ever used in prices. Unless otherwise specified, prices shown in stores include VAT (Value-added Tax, or in Spanish IVA, Impuesto al Valor Agregado).
Inflation in Chile has been going down steadely in the last few years. Currently it is about 2/3% yearly. However, the value of the US dollar has been relatively stable over the last year, slightly above $520, (but we had some highs as $720 in early 2002 and as low as $370 by mid 1995). Thus, the cost of living as expressed in US dollars has been up and now is getting close to that of developed countries. 2005 was also a great year for the national economy since our main income (40%) is the copper sales and its prices has raised out of any previous analisis. (1 US$ cent up for 1 year average means US$100 millions for Chile)
Some examples of Chile's currency:
1. A Chile $20.000 pesos bill. (not common to carry on)
2. A $10.000 pesos bill:
3. A $5.000 pesos bill:
4. A $2.000 pesos bill:
5. A $1.000 pesos bill: (common for students)
6. A $500 pesos coin (accepted for some soda and food machines, ex. 1 half liter bottle of Coke or similar about $300-400):
7. A $100 pesos coin. There are 2 versions: on left the old one (brown and very used for public phones, food machines, soda machines) and on the right the new one (not so common), however schools students use both a lot as well the 500 pesos coin:
8. A $50 pesos coin:
9. A $1 , $5 and $10 pesos coins (not so used):
(dollar exchange was considered 550 pesos for one American dollar)
FOR
GIRLS: 
The
girl's uniform has at least the following parts
1 blue "Jumper" -
Price range US$20 to US$35
3 to 5 white blouses - Price range US$12 to US$18
each. -
1 Sweater - Price range US$20 to US$35
1 pair black shoes US$18
to US$100 (average US$40)
Sometimes is required a blue jacket US$40 to US$80
A
gym suite around US$55
A handbag (for copybooks, books) US$8 to US$30
Total
range US$180 to US$320 according quality/size & quantities
FOR
BOYS:
The
boy's uniform has at least the following parts :
- 1 special blue jacket -
Price range: US$38 to US$75
- 3 to 5 white shirt - Price range : US$12 to US$24
each.-
- 1-3 gray pants - Price range; US$18 to US$35 each
- 1 Sweater -
Price range : US$22 to US$45
- 1 pair black shoes : US$17 to US$95 (average
: US$55)
- A gym suite : around US$55 or less
- A hand bag (for books and
notebooks) : US$8 to US$30
Total range : US$170 to US$320 according quality/size
& quantities.-
Or
at least US$200-250 in order to have the options to choose. Prices may vary due
to high offer and sales pre-school season. Actually uniform sales started on Jan
31st, 5 weeks before school classes starts.
Suggest : You can bring at least
the black shoes is they are cheaper in your country. Theree is also a chance to
find used uniforms but sizes for taller people are not common. If you are taller
than Chilean's average height (over 1.80 for boys or over 1.70 for girls) probably
some parts have to be specially ordered at local stores.
