I was abroad in Chile for about 6 months.
My life in Chile was different. I lived an hour and 30 minutes away from the university via public transportation. I was an hour away from the more popular hangout spots in the center of Santiago. I knew absolutely zero people in the country. Still, it was all fine. I was able to meet strangers and make them my friends. I learned to enjoy long commutes that became time for meditation and self-reflection. I grew used to being out of my comfort zone.
In Chile, I took all non-engineering classes for the first time in college. I surfed in the ocean for the first time in my life. I took salsa classes that simultaneously taught me to enjoy dancing anything. I explored a variety of beautiful natural landscapes by hitchhiking and backpacking. I became really comfortable speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. I learned to appreciate little moments like reading in the park, or calling my mom and dad, or having the strangers around me speaking my native language.
The six months eventually ended, but coming back home was not as difficult as I thought it would be. It is nice to be back with friends and family. I still push myself to meet new people every week. I still sign up for the occasional dance classes. I am still excited about future travel opportunities, future classes, and jobs. I work a little harder back home, but now more than ever, I know the rewards of the hard work, the opportunities that studying and working have and will continue to open for me to see the world.
Thank you Northwestern University IPD for organizing this exchange. Thank you PUC for hosting me abroad. Thank you Chilean and exchange friends for teaching me so much. Thank you for reading my blog.
One of my last days in Chile: biking in Atacama