Student Blogs/Sierra in Chile
Hola Amigos!
I have been in Chile now for almost two months, so I want to catch you up on important things like school and living.
I think the most important thing when choosing classes is choosing things you are going to enjoy (you've heard this all before), but it really is important because you are never going to have any motivation to study if you hate the class. My university offers a few classes in English that you can take and I think it's going to lighten your load a lot if you take one or two of them. Also, taking classes that will fulfill Carleton requirements is a good idea, but I am currently taking Finance I, which has been a struggle, so you may be better off choosing classes in areas you excel in.
I have classes at 8:30 a.m. every day (right now Monday-Thursday, but starting next week it's only Monday-Wednesday). Because of the late schedule in Latin America, I really regret taking a lot of morning classes. People here like to go out a lot during the week and it can be really hard to wake up for those 8:30 a.m. classes! What I really recommend doing is making your schedule so that you have at least one day off. Some people have up to three days off. This will ensure you have time to travel and enjoy yourself as much as possible!
Go to class as much as possible! Don't skip because you don't want to get out of bed! Some classes you can only miss a limited number of times and you want to save them for important things (like traveling!). The more you sit in class, even if you are exhausted, the more you will improve your language. You might also miss announcements of tests, homework or other important things if you don't attend your classes.
Most of the American students are living with families, so I get to hear a lot of feedback (good and bad). For the first few weeks, everyone was jealous of the students who lived with host families. They do your laundry, feed you, clean for you and of course, it's a great way to learn Spanish. However, after a while, the novelty started to fade. Many people were not well suited to living with 'parents' when they had been living on their own for a while back in their home countries. They wanted to go out at night but felt they couldn't, needed to be home for lunch or dinner, or couldn't stay overnight at a friends without giving their host parents notice. All of these things vary depending on the family, but generally the students feel bad if they aren't following their host family's schedule. It would be a great experience, but it just isn't right for everyone and you don't get to pick your host family.
My apartment is amazing and really cheap compared to Canadian rates, but ours is one of the most expensive in Viña because it's a luxury building. We even have a spare bedroom for friends and we are close to everything. We a're right on the beach and the bus to school is only a couple of blocks away.
My favourite topic! So far I have only done two trips since being at school - Pucón and Santiago for Lollapalooza - but both have been amazing! Pucón is a little outdoorsy town at the foot of a volcano about 12 hours from Viña del Mar. Chile can be a difficult place explore on the weekends because a lot of things are really far away due to the shape of the country, but there are lots of things to do within a few hours and Santiago is just one and a half hours away.
I cannot stress enough how AMAZING Lollapalooza was. If you enjoy music at all, it is worth going! You can buy pre-sale tickets for fairly cheap. Keep checking their website in the Fall for tickets to go on sale. Everyone who has gone has had a very different and equally incredible experience, so even if you only recognize a few different acts, you will have a great time! Also, book your hostel early or make friends from Santiago, because things are completely booked about two weeks before the festival. During the festival, don't be surprised if your phone isn't working to stay in touch with friends so have a meeting place planned. The cell towers are overloaded because the festival attracts about 140,000 people.
It's important to explore the city and surrounding areas and I think it's great to spread yourself around and meet as many people as possible. It will open you up to more opportunities to travel, meet locals and build connections with people around the world. Nightlife is a big thing in South America! Try not to go to places with a bunch of "gringos" (foreigners). They also have more than "discotecas"– you can go to concerts for local bands, salsa clubs or small local bars to have a "Terremoto".
Having Valparaíso so close to Viña is really great because it's much more of a cultural experience and you can find cute little bars and cafes. Everyone will tell you to be very careful at night, but if you go in a group and are aware of your surroundings, you'll have a great time.
No matter how much warmer you think Chile is, that is not the case! It sure has incredible weather sometimes, but DON'T leave your winter coat at home. You may not need your down jacket, but you need a coat! I am currently freezing at school because all the doors are kept open and there is no heating.
I'm sure there are tons of things I missed, but if you have any questions for me, feel free to comment below. I am having the BEST time on exchange and love talking to others about it!