These have been some of the most rewarding weeks I've probably ever had! I've had countless discussions about politics, social issues, cultural differences, spirituality, education and historical events. I've traveled to Valparaíso where I saw Pablo Neruda's house, the Open Sky Museum, caught up with my good friend from high school, made tator tots, and felt the differences between cordillera-filled Santiago and the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar.
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| At the top of a cerro in Viña del Mar |
I've learned how to navigate a brand-new city with a subway system that is surprisingly easy to use and a city-bus system that is surprisingly similar to Minneapolis public transportation (yay for long waits!). I'm getting to know some amazing people from the University and the exchange program I never would have met if not for this opportunity.
So far, my classes are great. Definitely not as challenging and demanding as back home, which is refreshing because I have more time to wander around the city and talk with my host family. I'm taking a Spanish class, which is showing me just how much Spanish I've lost since the years of Park Spanish Immersion; a medical Spanish class, which will hopefully help me communicate better with doctors; and a clinical observation seminar, where I'm learning about the Chilean healthcare system and will have the opportunity to observe doctors, interact with Chilean patients, observe a surgery, learn about the needs of rural healthcare, and learn how indigenous communities are able to practice their native medicine. I'm hoping this will help me decide if a career in medicine is right for me. :)
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| Mad scientist? or Not-sure-what-she-wants-to-do-with-her-life-pre-med-student? Let's just go with mad scientist for now. |
My favorite class with IES is Native Cultures, where I'm learning about the indigenous communities pertaining to Chile and how they fare in modern life. My other favorite class is at the Pontificia Universidad Católica, a theology class called Religions and Christianity, where I'm learning about the basis for religious thought and about the relationships between different religious practices from around the world. I'm definitely loving the lack of a lab and being able to take classes that really challenge my previous ways of thinking.
As far as extracurriculars, I'm planning on taking yoga classes (2 dollars per class!!), working out at the track they have at the University, and hopefully a class on aerial silk if it fits with my schedule. There's always something to do in Santiago, from museums to discussions to yoga-in-the-park, so I'm never bored. :)
So far I have plans to travel north to the Atacama desert in October, south to Patagonia in November, and in a few days I'll be leaving for Bolivia to stay with an indigenous community that lies 3 hours outside of Santa Cruz. I'll be traveling with my host mother, and we'll learn about what kinds of resources they need to improve their quality of life and hopefully work with the women on female empowerment. I'm so excited for this trip, it's a chance to see more of Latin America with a Latin American!
Not only am I surrounded by countless opportunities to learn about a new culture, but I'm also challenged everyday to learn more about myself, my place in the world, and how US culture has influenced my values and worldview. Just like Dumbledore used the pensieve to examine his memories and thoughts from different angles, my study abroad experience thus far has helped me examine myself and the US from the outside. I talked with my host mother about this a little, and she has a strong belief that "con la conciencia viene la responsibilidad" (with awareness comes responsibility). I'm not sure exactly what this will mean for me in the future, but I've got a few more months to figure it out. :)
I have 13 weeks. 3 months. 2/3 of my stay. I can't even imagine what else is in store.
Besitos y abrazos,
Athena