The U.S. Department of State website contains information about countries where you might be studying. This site also posts travel warnings issued by the government, public announcements and consular information sheets. In the event of an emergency, consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide assistance to U.S. citizens.

You will need a signed, valid passport, with a complete emergency contact page. Remember that a passport simply identifies you as a United States citizen. Many countries also require a student visa to enter and live in the country.

Also, leave photocopies of your passport, itinerary and visa in the care of a trusted relative or friend of yours in the U.S., in case of an emergency while you are abroad.

You should be familiar with the immunizations required and suggested for the area in which you plan to travel.

Visit this site to check the most recent US Dollar to Chilean Peso exchange rate.