Chile vs. Panama, which is better for studying abroad?

Question

is one safer than the other?

Answer 1

I live in Panama, and I've been to Chile as well.  The real answer will depend on what are you planning to study.

Panama City has good universities, and if you're looking to study banking, business, logistics and the sort, I'm guessing Panama would be a great destination.  Also I'm aware that the University of Panama has one of the best medical schools in the region.

Universities in Chile have good reputation, so studying there is also a very viable option.  Santiago looked and felt like a very safe place.  I didn't feel as if I had to be looking out for my safety constantly.

However Panama as a city is, for my taste, more modern than Santiago.  There are more modern and contemporary influences in Panama City, and since Santiago is farther down in South America, all the flights to Panama City take less time.

Panama City (as any big city) is quite safe.  As always every city has places where you shouldn't go wandering.  The same could be said about NYC, London, Madrid, etc.  But for most areas it's quite safe.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I'd go with Panama. The trip flights would be safer. Plus my spanish teacher got mixed with the wrong group of people(got kidnapped for no apparent reason @ gun point) and all of his stuff except his sleeping bag w/ his passport and vital medicine was stolen in Chile. Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I studied abroad in Chile.  I cannot say which is better because I've never been to Panama, but I have to say that Chile was great.  I studied in Valparaiso, and if you do go to Chile I recommend going there over Santiago.  They have a few universities, it is very safe (I could walk around by myself as long as it wasn't late at night) and it is right on the ocean.  It is still a big city, but has a lot less pollution.