chile gap year

Gap Year in Chile

 

A gap year is a period of time, typically between one academic year and the next, during which a student takes a break from formal education to pursue some combination of independent projects, travel, work experience, and community service.

The term “gap year” first appeared in print in the late 1960s/early 1970s in the UK and Australia, although the concept had been around for much longer. In recent years, there has been an increase in popularity of gap years among high school and college students in the United States.

There are many different ways to structure a gap year. Some students take a traditional approach, spending time traveling abroad or working on service projects at home. Others choose to enroll in structured programs that combine academics with experiential learning opportunities. And still others design their own unique gap experiences by piecing together various components such as internships, volunteer work, courses, and independent travel.

Whichever approach you take, a gap year can be an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. It’s an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, learn new things about yourself and the world around you, and gain skills and experiences that will help you in your future studies and career.

Is it a good idea to have a gap year?

A gap year is a great way to take a break from the rigors of academia and explore the world. It can also be a time to gain work experience, learn new skills, and mature as an individual.

There are many reasons why taking a gap year is a good idea. For one, it can be an opportunity to travel and see new places. This can be especially beneficial if you choose to travel to developing countries, as it can help you better understand different cultures and lifestyles. Additionally, spending time in another country can help you learn another language or improve your language skills.

Furthermore, a gap year can provide you with invaluable work experience. If you take the time to intern or volunteer in your field of interest, you will gain valuable hands-on experience that will look great on your resume when you return to school or enter the workforce. Moreover, working during your gap year can help you save money for future educational expenses or living costs.

Additionally, taking a gap year can give you time to pursue other interests and hobbies outside of academics. This is important because it allows you to develop as a well-rounded individual, which will make you more attractive to colleges and employers alike. Finally, using your gap year wisely can help prepare you mentally and emotionally for the challenges of college and beyond.

Is Chile a good place for a gap year?

Chile is an amazing country to spend a gap year in. The scenery is incredible, the culture is rich and diverse, and there are so many opportunities to get involved in different activities. Chile is also a great place to learn Spanish or improve your existing language skills.

One of the best things about spending a gap year in Chile is that there are so many different types of landscape to explore. From the Atacama Desert in the north, to the glaciers and mountains of Patagonia in the south, there really is something for everyone. And if you love outdoor activities, then you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the hiking, climbing and mountain biking on offer.

If you’re interested in culture and history, then Chile is definitely the place for you. With a strong indigenous presence, as well as influences from Europe and Asia, Chilean culture is truly unique. And with such a diverse range of people and traditions, there’s always something new to learn.

Of course, no gap year would be complete without learning some new skills or picking up some useful qualifications. Chile offers plenty of opportunities for this, whether it’s through volunteering programmes, internships or even just taking some classes at a local language school. Whatever your interests are, there’s sure to be something here that will help you develop both personally and professionally.

So why not give Chile a try for your next gap year? You won’t regret it!

How to make money during a gap year?

A gap year is a great opportunity to take some time off from the traditional academic schedule and explore the world, learn new skills, and make some money. Here are some ideas for ways to make money during your gap year:

  1. Freelance Writing– If you have a knack for writing, consider offering your services as a freelance writer. There are many websites and publications that accept submissions from freelance writers, so you can easily find work in your desired field. Plus, you can set your own rates and work as much or as little as you want.
  2. Social Media Consultant– With the ever-growing importance of social media in the business world, many companies are looking for consultants to help them navigate the online landscape. If you’re tech-savvy and have experience with various social media platforms, this could be a great way to earn some extra cash during your gap year.
  3. Personal Trainer– Are you passionate about fitness? Use your knowledge to help others reach their fitness goals by becoming a personal trainer. You can work at a local gym or health club, or even offer your services online or through mobile apps.
  4. Tutoring– Do you excel in a certain subject? Help students achieve success by becoming a tutor in that subject area. You can advertise your services online or through word-of-mouth; many families are always searching for qualified tutors who can help their children succeed academically.
  5. Start Your Own Business– Have an entrepreneurial spirit? Use your gap year to start up your own business venture! This could be anything from launching an online store to starting a pet sitting service; there are endless possibilities when it comes to starting your own business.

Credit to https://job.guide/ for inspiration.

What to visit in Chile during a gap year.

If you’re planning a gap year, Chile is an excellent destination. With its diverse landscape and culture, Chile has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit during your gap year in Chile.

The Atacama Desert is one of the most unique places on Earth. Located in northern Chile, this arid region is home to some of the world’s highest volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Visitors can also go sandboarding or stargazing in the clear night sky.

Easter Island is another must-see destination during your gap year in Chile. This remote island is home to the famous Moai statues and is a great place to learn about Rapa Nui culture. When you’re not exploring the island’s archaeological sites, enjoy its stunning beaches or go surfing at world-famous spots like Papakolea Beach.

If you love outdoor adventure, Torres del Paine National Park is a must-visit during your time in Chile. Located in southern Patagonia, this park offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and kayaking amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Don’t miss seeing the iconic Torres del Paine massif up close!

Chile’s capital city Santiago is worth spending some time in as well. Start by exploring its historic center, which includes Plaza de Armas square and La Moneda Palace. Then head to one of Santiago’s many museums or art galleries, such as Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino or Museo Nacional Bellas Artes.

If you’re looking for nightlife and live music, Barrio Bellavista is the place to be. And no trip to Santiago would be complete without taking a day trip to nearby Valparaiso – Chilean writer Pablo Neruda’s favorite city – with its colorful houses clinging precariously to hillsides overlooking the sea.

chile gap year
chile gap year

What food to try in Chile during a gap year?

Chile is a land of contrasts, with its towering Andean peaks, eerie Easter Island statues and unspoilt Patagonian wilderness. This varied terrain results in an equally diverse range of food. From fresh seafood to hearty stews, Chilean cuisine has something to offer everyone. Here are traditional dishes you should try during your gap year in Chile.

1) Curanto: This dish from the island of Chiloé consists of shellfish, meats and vegetables cooked in a pit oven. It’s usually prepared for special occasions and takes several hours to cook.

2) Empanadas: These savoury pastries can be found all over Latin America, but each country has its own twist on the recipe. In Chile, empanadas are often filled with beef or chicken and sometimes even seafood.

3) Humitas: Another popular Chilean dish, humitas are sweet corn tamales wrapped in corn husks and boiled or steamed. They’re typically served with cheese and mayonnaise as a dip.

4) Cazuela de vaca: A hearty soup made with beef, potatoes, carrots and squash – perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s day.

5) Porotos granados: A vegetarian option, porotos granados is a stew made from beans, corn and squash – all staples of the Chilean diet.

6) Seafood: With over 3,000 miles (4,828 km) of coastline, it’s no surprise that seafood features prominently in Chilean cuisine. Popular dishes include centolla (king crab), congrio (conger eel) and merluza (hake).

7) Asado: No trip to Chile would be complete without trying asado – BBQd meat which is typically served as part of a shared meal called an asado chileno. Lamb chops or ribs are commonly cooked as part of an asado but any type of meat can be used.

8 ) Sopaipillas: These deep-fried pastry snacks are traditionally served with pebre sauce (a salsa made from tomatoes, onion & chili peppers). They can also be eaten sweet by topping them with jam or honey.

chile food
chile food

 

What travel attractions to visit while in Chile?

Chile is a land of great natural beauty with a huge variety of things to see and do. Situated in South America, it offers visitors the chance to experience a different culture while enjoying some amazing scenery. Here are just a few of the travel attractions that you can visit while in Chile.

The Atacama Desert is one of the most arid places on Earth and is located in northern Chile. It covers an area of over 105,000 square kilometers and is home to many unique plant and animal species. Visitors can take part in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and even sandboarding.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, then why not head to one of Chile’s many beaches? With over 6,000 kilometers of coastline, there’s plenty to choose from!

Popular beaches include those at Viña del Mar, Concón, Valparaísoand Antofagasta. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try your hand at surfing or kayaking.

For those interested in Chilean history and culture, Santiago should definitely be on your list of places to visit. The capital city is home to numerous museums and art galleries as well as being the starting point for many different day trips. Why not take a cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views of the city below? Or explore one of Santiago’s many parks such as Parque Forestal or Cerro Santa Lucía?

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some amazing wildlife during your trip to Chile then make sure you add Torres del Paine National Park to your itinerary! Located in Patagonia (southern Chile), this park is home to guanacos, rheas, condors, pumas and much more. You can go hiking or camping here too – just make sure you bring warm clothes as it can get very cold at night!

 

by Sorin

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.