Chile Forum

My husband and I are expat-wannabees of the retiring-boomer sort, eyeing Chile for January-February. He spent a couple of months this winter learning Spanish in an Ecuadorean language school, so we thought this is how we'd begin. If anyone can suggest a good language school, some cultural venues, and ways to meet people to kick-start this process, we'd be grateful. They let us out of Canada for six months of the year, so we are looking for a second home.

Just looking for life beyond the rat-race. We have no huge expectations beyond finding a stimulating city, an accessible back-country, a few compatible companions, and maybe the opportunity to do perform some rewarding work, paid or otherwise.

Your experiences and suggestions much appreciated.

You sound like you would want a bit of civilization and perhaps some Expat community. The central region, say around Vina del mar is good. For a bit of back country, check out http://www.allsouthernchile.com to start. There should be lots of opportunities listed there to give you some ideas. You would likly also find some ideas in terms of volunteer type work.

For Spanish Schools you should contact EES http://www.ees.cl. They are primarily an English School, but they are now starting to offer private Spanish classes in Santiago area. I am also aware of another Spanish school in the Pucon area of Southern Chile. Finding people for private lessons should not be too difficult anywhere in Chile.

For back country areas that are starting to gain an expat population durring the summers, you might try the Futaleufú area. It is a bit remote, but not so bad to get to durring the summer months. The land values are still good deals.

Thanks, you've given me a good place to start doing some research.

Thanks for information on retiring in Chile. I just returned from a three week visit to the area, and fell in love with Region XII.

I'm nearing retirement age (50+) and am looking ahead. I'm tired of the BS in the US and am seriously considering relocating to another country. I speak a bit of Spanish, but picked up lots on the recent trip.

What is the cost of living in Chile compared to US? Anyone know good resources on this?

I've found some information on purchasing property, but it's sketchy at best. What are the chances of getting a smallish estancia?

I was hoping to be somewhere north of Puerto Natales, but in the steppes and plains in that area. Near Torres del Paine, or in the area.

Anyway, thanks for any information you can share! KB

Not living there but planning in the near future..
I found this site with some info.
Seems to be actual based in the FX factor.
[url]http://www.<BANNED LINK>/en/chile-information.php[/url]
Perhaps it will give you a broad idea and you can use it to discuss with other member of this forum and discuss accuracy.
Good Luck