Ibrahim Gardner
The University of Chile, located in Santiago, is the oldest university in the country. It was founded in 1842 and inaugurated in 1843. The university has a rich history in academic, scientific, and social outreach and is considered the most important and prestigious university in Chile. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its leadership and innovation in various fields, including science, technology, social sciences, and arts. With its five campuses, the university provides students with access to research facilities, healthcare centres, museums, theatres, observatories, and sports infrastructure. In addition to its academic offerings, the University of Chile also has a vibrant student life with various activities and organisations. One notable organisation is the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh), which represents all undergraduate and postgraduate students and has played a significant role in Chile's political and social history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1842 |
| Location | Santiago, Chile |
| Type of university | Public research university |
| Number of campuses | 5 |
| Number of students | 40,000-42,000 |
| Number of faculties | 14-19 |
| Number of programmes | 69 |
| Sports played | Soccer, Tennis |
| Notable alumni | Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, Gabriel Boric |
What You'll Learn
Student federations and organisations
The University of Chile Student Federation (FECH) is an organisation that represents all students enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Chile. It was founded in 1906 and is one of the earliest student organisations of its kind on the continent. FECH includes the student associations from various undergraduate programs and is connected to the Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH) at a national level.
Throughout its history, FECH has played a significant role in Chile's political and social history, notably taking part in the overthrow of the dictatorship of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, the university reform movement that began at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso around 1967, protests against the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, and various student movements since the restoration of democracy in 1990.
The organisation's goal is to defend the rights and opinions of the student body of the University of Chile by being the main advocate for social and political rights for students, including better educational standards. Another goal is to grant social assistance to workers and the dispossessed, including providing them with education and launching programs to aid workers and those involved with the organisation's activities.
FECH has been led by several prominent figures, including Gabriel Boric, the current President of Chile; Jose Tohá, a minister under Salvador Allende; and Emilia Schneider, the country's first transgender woman to enter Congress.
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Sports and leisure activities
The University of Chile is a hub for sports and leisure activities. The university's five campuses in Santiago comprise more than 3.1 square kilometres of research buildings, healthcare centres, museums, theatres, observatories, and sports infrastructure.
Soccer and tennis are two of the most popular sports played at the university. The Beauchef Campus, home to the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, features sports areas, including new offices, auditoriums, and recreation and parking lots. The Juan Gómez Millas Campus, which houses the Faculty of Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Philosophy and Humanities, is currently undergoing modernisation, with new buildings, parks, and recreation areas.
The University of Chile is also well-positioned to allow students to explore Chile's landscapes, including the towering Andes mountains, deep green forests, and turquoise lakes. The city of Santiago itself offers cultural venues such as museums, theatres, and sports centres to complement the students' immersive education.
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Trips and excursions
The University of Chile is based in Santiago, which is known to be a vibrant capital city with a unique culture. Santiago was included in the world's top 100 cities for students in the 2017 QS Best Student Cities ranking. The city boasts a thriving and unique culture, from the gourmet worlds of Bellavista and Providencia to the bohemian gatherings in the old district of Barrio Brasil. The modern-day arts scene is also flourishing, with theatre, film, and a vibrant café culture.
The University of Chile's study centre arranges field trips and activities to introduce students to the local culture and special features of Chile. There is an orientation tour of Santiago, and optional excursions may be available to join after arrival.
- A ceramics workshop in Pomaire: Students can explore their creative side and learn about the local craft of ceramics in the town of Pomaire.
- A trip to an indigenous Mapuche house: This excursion offers an opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture and traditions of the Mapuche people, one of the largest indigenous groups in Chile.
- Interning in an organic garden: Students interested in sustainability and ecological practices can gain hands-on experience by interning in an organic garden.
- Exploring the breadth of Chile's landscapes: With Santiago as their home base, students can venture out to discover the diverse landscapes of Chile, from the towering Andes mountains to deep green forests and turquoise lakes.
- Visiting cultural venues within the city: In addition to the excursions outside the city, students can explore museums, theatres, and sports centres in Santiago, enhancing their immersive educational experience.
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Student life in Santiago
Santiago is Chile's vibrant capital and was included among the world's top 100 cities for students in the 2017 edition of the QS Best Student Cities. The city boasts a thriving and unique culture, from the gourmet worlds of Bellavista and Providencia to the bohemian gatherings in the old district of Barrio Brasil. The modern-day arts scene is also flourishing, with theatre, film, and a vibrant café culture.
The University of Chile is the oldest university in the country, founded in 1842 and inaugurated in 1843. It is a public research university with around 40,000 students and five campuses in Santiago. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including artistic and cultural initiatives. The University of Chile Student Federation (FECh) is an organisation that represents all students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has played a significant role in Chile's political and social history and is known for its involvement in various social and political movements.
The cost of living in Santiago is relatively affordable compared to other Latin American countries. A standard monthly budget, including food, transport, and residence, can range from US$700 to US$1,100. The University of Chile is also inexpensive to attend compared to North American universities.
In conclusion, student life in Santiago offers a rich cultural and social experience, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and immersion in Chilean life. The University of Chile provides a well-rounded education and a range of extracurricular activities, making it a great choice for those seeking a dynamic and engaging student life.
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The University of Chile's history
The University of Chile, located in Santiago, is the oldest university in the country. It was founded on November 19, 1842, and inaugurated on September 17, 1843. The university was established as the continuation of the former colonial Royal University of San Felipe, which was set up in 1738.
The University of Chile was formed to address the need to modernise the country, which had gained independence from Spain just two decades prior to its inception. It replaced the Real Universidad de San Felipe.
During its formative years, the university provided significant support to education and institutional organisation. It also contributed to the building of the country's road network and energy and production infrastructure.
The University of Chile has played a pivotal role in the formation of the country's intellectual elites and leaders. Most Chilean presidents have studied at the university, along with prominent figures in politics, business and culture.
The university underwent major reforms during the military regime of Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1989. In 1973, a decree stated that the university's presidents would be designated by the military regime. Another decree in 1981 restructured the university, with all its provincial campuses separated and designated as separate universities.
Despite these changes, the University of Chile remains the country's most prestigious university in terms of research, applicant preferences and social impact. It is also recognised as one of the best universities in Latin America for its leadership and innovation across various fields.
The university has a rich history of academic, scientific and social outreach. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its commitment to sustainability and social justice. With its five campuses spread throughout Santiago, the University of Chile stands as a pillar of Chilean intellectual, social and political life.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Chile offers a wide range of student activities to cater to different interests. These include:
- Sports such as soccer and tennis.
- Field trips and activities to introduce local culture.
- Social and political movements, such as those organised by the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh).
- Extracurricular clubs and groups, such as reading groups.
Yes, the University of Chile is home to the University of Chile Student Federation (FECh), one of the earliest and most influential student organisations in Latin America. Established in 1906, FECh has played a significant role in Chile's political and social history, including the overthrow of the dictatorship of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo and various movements since the restoration of democracy in 1990.
The University of Chile is recognised as one of the best universities in Latin America for its leadership and innovation across various fields. It is the oldest university in the country and has produced numerous notable alumni, including:
- 21 Chilean presidents, including the current president, Gabriel Boric.
- Two Nobel laureates: Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral.
- The first woman to attend university in Chile and South America: Eloísa Díaz Insunza, who graduated as a doctor in 1887.
- The first woman lawyer in Chile: Matilde Throup, who graduated in 1892.
International students applying to the University of Chile will need to demonstrate their proficiency in Spanish and take a selection test called the Prueba de Seleccion Universitaria (PSU). The university also offers special admission routes for outstanding athletes, blind students, and students with media studies qualifications from other countries, among other categories.
