Santiago, Chile is a sophisticated metropolis set within the peaks of the Andes and just a short drive from beautiful skiing, swimming and horseback riding. Yes, it's certainly a South American paradise, for the most part.
My weekends have been filled with these escapades of sorts, and I have the breathtaking pictures to prove it, but it's not always as simple and accessible as European excursions. As a whole, South America seems to just be catching on to the student-friendly wave, so I had to turn to some native assistance. Who exactly are these wonderful Chileans who so quickly offered their help? My host family, of course.
Unfortunately, even after two months into my studies, I have yet to make any real Chilean friends. I'm taking classes full of Chilean students, with whom I've bonded a little over friendly homework small talk, yet I remain outside of the social circle.
As disappointed as I am, it's not too surprising. How many foreign students are you friends with? It's not that people are closed-minded, but that they already have friends and don't have that same eagerness to make new ones everywhere they go. I've only gotten as far as meeting exchange students from other universities and countries, which is actually fascinating as well.
Academically, life has been enjoyable for the most part. Classes are challenging but doable, and trekking around from campus to campus certainly keeps my weekdays interesting. The problem is the administration, whose accessibility and communication skills leave something to be desired.
All in all, I'm having an incredible time. Once you get past the Latin machismo, this city became much like any other. There's a great metro system, and the plazas and parks are well kept. And best of all, there are more than one of my beloved Starbucks.
Most recently I've had a cream-of-the-crop cultural experience during the month long deiciocho celebration, bigger and better than any Fourth of July party I've ever been to. Now if only I could get the Chilenismos down. Let me warn all those Spanish students: these people take speaking to a completely different foreign language level.
dealvare@syr.edu
Be the first to comment on this article!