Submitted by Nicolas Caceres on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Chile sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…
My study abroad program has unfortunately come to an end. I had an extra day to spend in Santiago as the rest of my group left on the 5th of February. I spent the last day with the go-to family of my Grandmother, Aunt, and cousin. The last weekend of excursions was spent at El Cajon de Maipo. Here we stayed in cabins and did many activities such as trekking, biking, zip-lining, and rafting. After this adventurous weekend, we had a good-bye dinner spent with all the host families and everyone involved in making this program possible.
To reflect on this program as a whole, I can say that this was more than just a requirement to cross off my degree audit for my Spanish-Education degree. This program was filled with memorable and rewarding experiences. Experiences such as using my Spanish ability to it’s potential by talking to family, friends, and strangers throughout Chile. As I enjoy the outdoors and seeing new locations, places such as Valparaiso, the Atacama Desert, and El Cajon de Maipo were unbelievable landscapes that I got to experience for the first time. Lastly, from a cultural perspective, I always felt at home here in Chile. Growing up, I’ve always been surrounded by Chilean culture from the Spanish to the food and to the various mannerisms. This program presented just the right amount of opportunity to go outside my comfort zone while not totally feeling overwhelmed. All in all this program was the perfect thing I needed in terms of experience and I’m glad I did it.
