We just had a few hours worth of essential information training, all of which was in Spanish. I understood about 70% and I think I could have done better if I weren't so tired. Our coordinators speak slowly and without a strong Chilean accent, which helps. We'll see how i do in the "real" Chile. Our resident Director, Hector, is from Puerto Rico. He told us his first year in Santiago he only understood about 1 out of every 3 words he heard because in Santiago, they don't speak Spanish, they speak Chilean. He then quickly reassured us and told us not to be discouraged if we struggled at first.
The other students in the group are great. Mostly international business/studies/relations majors or some similar liberal arts major. They are from all over the country and quite a diverse group. Everyone seems really excited to be here and ready to go on awesome adventures. Trips to Argentina (Buenos Aires and Mendoza), Brazil (Rio), Peru, and other cities in Chile (Pucon and Valpariaso) have already been discussed. Some boys are really excited about one of Santiago's soccer teams Colo Colo, which starts playing in early August. Apparently the stadium holds 80,000 crazy, uncontrollable fans. I can't wait to go!
The first two rules CIEE gave us were 1: you must attend class. and 2: you cannot participate in any protests or marches. Welcome to Chile!
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3 comments:
Hey Kayla, I'm so glad you made it safe and sound! We love you and are so proud of you for this adventure you're undertaking. Can't wait to hear all about your life in Chile. Love you, Lori & Family
If I were going to Chile I would probably understand 0% of what they were saying.
Madison, when you get to China you may be the only one in your family who understands 1% of what is said! Kayla will have to pick up some Chinese while in Chile!
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