Chile

Living Conditions & Daily Life 

Students follow a structured schedule with classes and field activities typically running from 8 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and some Saturdays. Accommodation is in shared dormitories with communal dining facilities, where meals are provided. 

A daily curfew is enforced throughout the program, except during the mid-semester break and select weekends for independent travel. Independent exploration beyond Puerto Natales is limited to the mid-semester break, when the SFS Center is closed and students are required to travel independently. 

Due to the program’s intensity and frequent travel, free weekends are limited. 

Physical Readiness 

This program includes physically demanding activities such as trekking and camping in mountainous, uneven terrain, often while carrying personal gear (20–30 lbs). Students can expect 6–7 hours of fieldwork per day in challenging conditions that may include wind, rain, sleet, snow, and cold temperatures. 

Accessibility for students with mobility impairments is very limited. All participants should arrive with a strong fitness baseline—the ability to run a mile in under 12 minutes and comfortably hike 4–5 miles in under two hours is recommended. 

June temperatures (winter in the Southern Hemisphere) range from the high 20s to low 40s°F. Be prepared for snow and colder conditions throughout the program. 

Travel & Transitions 

Students are based in Puerto Natales, a remote town in Patagonia, but frequently travel to field sites throughout the region. This includes weekly day or overnight trips, as well as multi-day camping excursions. 

Travel involves long car rides and brief stays in basic camping conditions, often without Wi-Fi, heating, plumbing, or other amenities. During the semester, students also travel briefly into Argentina near the Chilean border. 

Flexibility and adaptability are essential. 

Program Location & Natural Environment 

Puerto Natales is a small, quaint tourist hub that sees fluctuating activity between the high season (October–March) and low season (April–September). The surrounding Patagonian landscape is dramatic and dynamic, with rapid weather shifts. 

Despite its remote setting, students often adjust quickly—finding favorite cafés, walking routes, and scenic views. 

Cultural & Linguistic Differences 

Chilean culture is rich with regional customs and distinct dialects of Spanish. While all SFS classes are taught in English and no language proficiency is required, prior Spanish knowledge enhances interactions, especially in local and rural settings. 

Language instruction is provided to support students in daily communication. English is spoken in some tourist areas, but fluency is inconsistent across the region. 

Allergies & Dietary Preferences 

Puerto Natales offers a variety of dining options, but local cuisine often includes meat, starches, and vegetables. Students may prepare some meals in the shared kitchen and occasionally dine in town. 

Gluten-free and dairy-free options may be limited, and cross-contamination is possible. Students with dietary restrictions or allergies should contact studentlife@fieldstudies.org to confirm if their needs can be accommodated. 

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS does not require any specific vaccinations for this program, but students should consult with a travel medicine professional prior to departure. 

Medical care in this remote region may be delayed up to 24 hours. Two basic clinics and a hospital are located 10 minutes away in Puerto Natales, but advanced care, including psychiatric services, requires a 3-hour drive to Punta Arenas. 

Routine medical and counseling services are not available during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic drugs, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills are typically not feasible without prior arrangements.