Below is a text about housing policy in Chile. After reading it, choose the correct answer, a), b) or c), for questions 7 – 12.
Living In Chile
Chile has one of the most successful housing policies in the world. Today, seven out of ten Chileans own homes and since 1990 the housing deficit has been halved, with the construction of almost two million homes. The country has become a model for many other countries.
Foreigners arriving in the country have no restrictions on buying property.
The range of residential properties in Chile is varied, as are the prices. In Iquique, you can rent a house for around 150,000 pesos. In Santiago, for the same price, you can rent a one- or two-bedroom apartment. By paying four times as much, you can opt for a large house with a pool and gardens. All in all, Chilean cities are among the most affordable in the world to live in.
Studying in Chile is one of the reasons that brings many foreigners to the country. Some
are hosted by middle-class families who are willing to be hosts in exchange for a small down payment for the house, interesting cultural contact and less expense for the foreign student who, in addition, has access to a situation that facilitates their integration. The social network of students and teachers, as well as contact with other Chileans, allows them to obtain information and speed up the procedures once they are in Chile, or even from abroad, about these families.
There is also the system of boarding houses or residential homes, where visitors can rent a room in a neighborhood close to their place of work or study. There is also the option of aparthotels, which offer furnished and independent apartments for long periods; in addition, of course, there are traditional hotels whose level of quality, amenities and prices is indicated by their star rating.
It is useful to know, in order to use any electronic equipment that you may bring without problems, that the domestic electric current in Chile is 220V. It is recommended to bring adapters or buy them in electronic stores in Chile.
If you are staying for a longer period of time with family, there are new apartments, of
various sizes, and houses in residential neighbourhoods. A good alternative are condominiums, as they offer internal community rules for security, services and recreation.
If you are looking for contact with nature without going too far from the city, you can opt
for houses on the coast or in the mountains, generally available at lower prices outside the tourist season.
Chile has a large middle class and its neighborhoods are generally safe. Residents, whether Chilean or foreign, should take the same precautions as anyone else anywhere in the world to avoid security problems. In addition, the country’s police have the respect of the population and a reputation that makes them completely trustworthy.
Questions
7. The text says that before the 1990s:
a) There was a housing problem in Chile.
b) 70% of Chileans owned their homes.
c) Many houses were built.
8. The text states that houses in Chile:
a) Cannot be bought by foreigners.
b) They have very similar prices throughout the country.
c) They are among the cheapest in the world.
9. According to the text, the option of living with a Chilean family:
a) Makes many foreigners come to Chile.
b) Has many advantages for a student.
c) It is cheaper, but difficult to manage.
10. The text says that people who are going to visit Chile should:
a) Buy furniture if they are staying in an aparthotel
b) Be careful with their electrical appliances.
c) Choose comfortable and quality hotels.
11. According to the text, houses on the coast or in the mountains:
a) Are cheaper in the low season.
b) Are quite far from the city.
c) Are advisable if you come to Chile with family.
12. The text states that in Chile:
a) Security problems are like in other places.
b) There are many problems with public safety.
c) Foreigners should not trust the police.