Chile: Valparaíso

   View of Valparaíso from the Dunes in ConCon

 Alex Grinberg '14


What is your major?
I am a physics major!

Why did you decide to study abroad? 
Studying abroad was always a part of my plan no matter where I went to college. I think it is the best way to learn about a new city, country, culture, and it forces you completely out of your comfort zone. Being out of the US for months at a time gives you a whole new perspective on life and makes you realize what a small portion of the globe you inhabit. Also, I felt I was at a point with my Spanish where I could not improve until I really immersed myself in the language. 

Torres Del Paine

Why did you choose Chile: Valparaíso?
I chose to go to Chile because I had already done a summer program in Spain in high school and wanted to go to South America since I had never been before. I knew I wanted a program that was going to be language intensive and not only LC students. 

What was your living situation like?
I lived with a host family in the next city over from Valparaíso, in Viña del Mar. The family consisted of a single mom, a 21-year-old boy, 20-year-old girl, and 6(!) host animals. I had my own room and a half bathroom. 

Sunset in Viña

Highlights of the program:
I think what really sets this program apart from the other LC programs is that it is not a strictly LC program. It was great being able to meet students from other universities across the US. CIEE, who runs the program in Valpo, was an incredible resource, with a very hands-off approach, which was extremely important to me since I wanted a more independent abroad experience.  Another part of the program I was thankful for was that we didn't have to take classes with other Americans (except for 1). I was able to take classes in the Art, physics, and Geology departments with the Chilean students. 

 Overlooking Valparaíso

The university we were attending was on strike for the majority of our time there so we were able to learn about the student protests that are not so uncommon in Chile. Because of this time off, I had the opportunity to travel the majority of Chile as well as parts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It was awesome to really get to know all of Chile and see glimpses of its surroundings countries. Chile has so much to offer in terms of the variety of climates, I saw glaciers and penguins in the very South as well as the driest desert on the planet that lies in   the very North. 

Challenges of the program:

 Backpacking an unmarked Volcano

Studying abroad is one of the most emotionally exhausting things you can do. There are moments of extreme joy and there are times when the 6,000 mile distance from anyone you really 'know' gets to you. There are times when the bus driver acts like he doesn't understand you even though you are speaking as clearly as possible and you just need to get to class. No matter how fluent in Spanish you consider yourself, everyday interactions will be 10x more exhausting and that can really get to people. Also while I enjoyed the host family experience, it was hard to adapt to a huge family and how they operated. 

In the end, the challenges were really what made the experience. When I talk about my time in Chile it seems that those are the best stories even though they may not have seemed so funny at the time. You have to remember that difficult experiences, like getting dropped off by a bus in the middle of nowhere Patagonia with only a backpack and a friend, are just a part of the experience. 

 Taking pictures with Guanacos in the South

Jumping at the Altiplano Lagunas in the North

Advice you wish you had been given before your program?

Chile is not cheap. In fact, a lot of things are going to be more expensive than in the US. That being said, girls should bring as many feminine products as they are going to need for the semester because they are extremely expensive. I would also say to travel as much as you can afford (both time-wise and financially) but also get to know Valparaíso and its beautiful Cerros. 

Additional comments?
It is really important to put yourself out there as much as possible. I think if being abroad taught me anything it was humility. You endure so many incredibly awkward experiences while you are abroad and the most important thing is learning to laugh at yourself.


If you have any questions for Alex or about the Chile programs in general, please follow this link to the Ask An Alum moodle page. 

 

Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso, Chile

Rachel Wolf '12

What is your major?

 International Affairs and Hispanic Studies

  

Why did you decide to study abroad? 

 I have always been fascinated by Latin America, and there is no better way to become fluent than live abroad. 

Why did you choose Valparaíso, Chile? 

 I wanted a language-intensive program where I wouldn't be with all LC students and professors, just in another country. I wanted to be independent and have the freedom to take any classes I wanted. Valparaíso is also much smaller than Santiago, and on the ocean - two deciding factors for me.

What was your living situation like? 

 I lived with the most amazing host family in a house in Valparaíso.

Mil Tambores Festival, Playa Ancha

Highlights/challenges of the program. 

 Sometimes it felt like I would never understand Chileans, but after a few months it all just clicked. I had complete freedom to travel as I chose, and the travel we did with the CIEE program was great as well. All of the CIEE classes were fascinating, and the staff were incredibly helpful with everything from living to traveling to food to classes to finding volunteer opportunities. The semester was so much more than I could ever have hoped, largely because of the incredible support given by the CIEE staff and the freedom and independence we were given during our study abroad. Joining the university swim team was an incredible experience as well.

Advice you wish you had been given before going on your program. 

 I was told that Chile is somewhat dangerous, and I agree to an extent. I am glad we were told to bring bags that zip closed and have a flap or a strap so you don't get robbed, because that was definitely an issue. Practically, for girls it is a good idea to bring a hair dryer and as many feminine products as you need for the semester. They aren't that easy to find, and are pretty expensive. I wish I had been told that peanut butter is not a thing in Chile, nor are chocolate chips. I would have brought a huge jar of peanut butter and a huge bag of chocolate chips.

Additional comments? 

San Alfonso del Mar, Algorrobo, Chile The largest pool in the world

 It is hard to make Chilean friends in class because all of them have been in the same courses together for years, and the exchange students are mostly ignored. Although it is hard, it is essential to put yourself out there and walk up to people and make friends. Chileans are friendly and interested in Americans, but you have to make the first move.
Travel as much as you possibly can. Chile is an incredible country with every possible climate, so take advantage of it while you are there. 

If you have questions for Rachel, you can find her on the Ask An Alum Moodle page by clicking this link.