3 Countries - One Semester (Argentina, Peru, Chile)

When you have to fit 3 countries into one semester, it is a whirlwind of emotions and fun. I spent 7 weeks in Buenos Aires, Argentina; 7 weeks in Santiago, Chile; 1 week in Peru. Time moved fast and the challenge was to utilize every moment to create a lasting memory, a learning opportunity, or an eye opener. It was AMAZING, with some hard moments, home sickness, English withdrawals, and just plain weirdness (like getting stared at on the streets of BA). IES as an institute was very influential in providing us with the information to involve ourselves in each community, in each culture. For instance, they would send us emails about local events happening that week/month. Furthermore, they made a point to celebrate Thanksgiving, which reminded us that they recognize the importance of bringing aspects of our culture and sharing them others. Thanksgiving was a potluck style feast, all of our host families came, and we ate lots of food like we normally would (though the dishes were quite different). On the weekends, we took fantastic trips to deserts, waterfalls, and neighboring mountains. We went on field trips to local museums, rural towns where larger native populations reside, and did many a walking tour around the historical and politically important areas. Continually, having a small group to live these experiences with meant that sI always had people to explore with, or I could go on my own. Through IES I got to reach beyond my comfort zones and because of that I’ve gotten to spend my time with many different wonderful people. Now, all I want to do is travel more, in general, and to return to Santiago. Also, I have a better idea of what is important to me in terms of my career goals (turns out travel opportunities and continued learning possibilities are important to me). I've learned how to solve conflicts like an adult, to be open minded, to be uncomfortable, to be lost, to be willing.