For my readers who are wondering why I haven't posted a blog in two months, my computer died and I'm unable to create and attach my videos and pictures. Even though this is my concluding blog, once I return to the US, I promise to post the other two blogs of my time in Chile, as well as my other blog page about my recent travel adventures outside of Chile.
145 days in Chile, and first and foremost, I give all the glory to my Lord and Savior. I would not be here without Him. It’s amazing how He works. In high school, I told myself that I was going to study abroad somewhere in South America and learn Spanish. By my sophomore year, I had originally planned to study abroad the spring semester of my junior year, but things were not in my favor. Since study abroad is a part of my degree requirements, the only option I had left was to go the fall semester of my senior. Good signs started to appear as the application process began. I received all the approvals I needed for my university, as well as acceptance from my host university. As time past after that, it seemed like hell broke loose for me. I had issues with purchasing my flight and many difficulties to obtain my visa. I was so stressed that I didn't even want to go anymore. Two days before take-off, I finally got my visa. I was ready to leave the country before anything else could possible go wrong. Everything isn’t easy. You have to work for what you want. “12Beloved, do not think it is strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13)." And please believe, I am beyond glad with exceeding joy!
Now on to my lessons and tips:
- What I've learned living abroad
- Spanish- I remember the first time when my Chilean father and sister picked me up and spit Spanish to me as if I was fluent. *umm pause(-_-)* My favorite phrase came to be "no entiendo nada." I remember that day as it was yesterday. It was freezing cold and my head was throbbing from being exhausted and trying to translate the little pieces I did understand. I thought I wasn't going to make it, but love and behold, now I am able to converse with family members and other Spanish-speakers very well. There are still some things I don't understand, but that's normal and I still have some learning to do. There’s no greater feeling than someone that speaks Spanish tell you that your Spanish is great and they can understand you clearly. #Progress #NextStageFluent. SideNote: Chilean Spanish is one of the hardest to understand, especially with all their Chilenimos. If you do not know or understand the Spanish language, it's possible to learn during an opportunity like this. It's one of the best ways to learn a language.
- Chile- If you had asked me before I came to Chile what I had known about the country, I would have told you that it’s on the west side of South America, Easter Island is a part of Chile and Michelle Bachelet is the current and first female-elected president. Living here with the people, traveling around the country, and by accident, taking a literature class over the city of Valparaíso (3rd largest city in Chile), I've been able to learn a lot about the country's economy,(past to present), and problems the country is experiencing. Chile's location geographically is amazing. It is amazing how you have the I lived on the coast, you can see a wide range of mountains, and in other places you can get a great view large volcanoes and snow-cap mountains. Everywhere you go in Chile, you will experience some beautiful environment. Traveling outside of Chile is easy a well. I had the opportunity to travel to some amazing places and see other cultures and life outside of Chile.
- Sickness:
- If you're going abroad anywhere, make sure you get all the vaccinations you need and bring enough medication to last during your time abroad. We came to learn that medical facilities are not the same everywhere and don't have the same procedures. Thank God I didn't get ill during my time here, but a few others did and they didn't have good experiences. These are the times you wish you were fluent or had a translator. I barely know all the medical terms in English. Know your body and take good care of yourself.
- Money Expenses:
- Wonder how much money is need abroad? It all depends on your needs and wants. Even though transportation is cheap, it adds up. Traveling is essential to being abroad. If you're not familiar with hostels now, you will when you go abroad. I'm all about the best use of my money and when I can get the best rates. Stay up on exchanges so you can project when best time to pull out money. When I first got to Chile, the x-rate was 555CLP to $1. Now the rate is 610CLP to $1. *FYI: don't confuse the currencies and assume things are cheap. That's a major mistake with travelers abroad. Know the rates and do the math.*
- Take Caution:
- There are dangerous places everywhere in the world and you should always be cautious. I always felt safe in the streets, but I also didn't bring attention to myself. Wherever you go, always have someone with you and/or travel with trusted locals in the nighttimes if you're unsure of the areas. If you're in an area for a long period of time, get to know the area. You won't look like a "tourist" if you walk like you have a purpose and know where you're going. But, it's okay to be a tourist.
As my journey has come to an end, I want to thank you all for partaking in my journey with me. We all may go to the same places, see the same things, but our experiences will never be the same. Everyone is different. No matter where you go or what you do, make the best of it in your situations and the people you’re with. It’s always a once and a lifetime journey. It's been great telling my story. My journey doesn't end here.
Until next time,
CHAO!
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