Highlights: I found my classes to be a perfect mix of challenge and fun. My professors didn’t give me any special treatment because I was an exchange student, but were very helpful when I had any questions. I met some great friends who were patient enough to correct all of my Spanish errors and help me get integrated into Chilean life.
I also had the opportunity to volunteer with the YMCA during my studies in Chile. It was such a humbling experience to be able to help low-income families and give back to the community. This was definitely the highlight of my trip as it gave me an honest look at what daily life in Chile is really like.
Morning: After getting ready and having breakfast with my host family, I would board a local bus which took me to the Universidad Viña del Mar. Today’s classes include Spanish as a Second Language, and International Business. Each class lasts two hours with a 15 minute break in between the two.
My Spanish class consisted of 30 international students from Europe, Asia, and North America. The International Business class was taught in Spanish and was composed of mostly Chilean students. Once classes were over I would grab a delicious seafood empanada and enjoy a morning snack with a few friends.
I would then catch the bus back to my host family’s house and try to complete as much homework as I could. I would also take a break to help my host mom prepare a typical meal of Pastel de Choclo (corn and meat pie).
Afternoon: Once we’re done cleaning up lunch I make my way to the local YMCA to spend my afternoon volunteering. I would begin by helping out at a local elementary school teaching Microsoft Excel to a class of twenty 7th graders. After that I would make my way down to a family community center. In addition to helping with homework I would lead a beginner English class for those who are interested. I return to my host family’s house to finish up my homework and have a small dinner of empanadas and sopaipillas. We end the meal by enjoying some tea and chatting in the living room. This was when my Spanish language abilities are both challenged and refined, as I learned new words every day and perfected my Chilean accent.
Evening: After helping clean up in the kitchen I call my friends to find out where we’re meeting. Tonight’s choice is a boutique bar in Valparaiso called Bohemia. We listen to some great local music while enjoying a pitcher of terremoto – red wine mixed with mango ice cream. Once that is finished we order vino con frutas which is similar to a wine smoothie.
Later in the night we make our way to one of Valparaiso’s most popular discotecas, El Huevo. Although literally translated as “The Egg,” it is also Chilean slang for "fun times with friends." With five floors each with their own style of music, we never get bored. We enjoy some salsa dancing before venturing up to the techno floor and ending the night by getting our reggeton on. I quietly enter my host family’s house before getting some sleep to prepare for the next day.