Studying abroad was like receiving a blank canvas, where each day brought new colors and
brushes to create experiences and lessons that would have been impossible to paint at home. Every encounter and discovery added another stroke to a collective masterpiece. This experience allowed me to create memories I once thought were unimaginable and inaccessible. It opened my eyes to how small I am in this vast world while revealing how profoundly rich these new perspectives and encounters are — not only for my professional development but also for my personal growth.
Before studying abroad, I felt a mix of confidence and nervous excitement. I was eager to immerse myself in a new culture and confident in my Spanish skills, but I underestimated Chile’s fast-paced dialect. The local slang and regional expressions were unlike anything I had encountered, often leaving me both overwhelmed and fascinated. As a student of Spanish linguistics, I was particularly intrigued by the linguistic differences that quickly became apparent, whether in local slang or regional expressions. For example, Chileans often drop the -s sound at the end of words, so “¿Cómo estás?” sounds more like “¿Cómo etá?” Words like “wata” for stomach and “guagua” for baby, derived from the Mapuche language, also caught my attention. Another intriguing feature was the use of the suffix “-po,” as in “sipo” to emphatically agree and “nopo” to emphatically disagree. Each new word and phrase challenged me to adapt, deepening my appreciation for how language evolves and reflects culture. I kept a notebook titled “Chilenismos” to track all the unique words and phrases I learned throughout my time there.
Reflecting on my transformative year studying abroad in Chile, I am beyond grateful for the opportunity this scholarship provided. I embarked on my journey with the goal of learning medical terminology in Spanish and gaining experience working in the medical field while studying at the University of Chile (La Chile). Unfortunately, due to international licensure complications, I was unable to work in the medical field as planned, both financially and practically. However, this did not detract from my experience. Instead, I had the opportunity to teach English to elementary and middle school students, which allowed me to connect with the local community in a meaningful way.
Outside of school, I was fortunate to travel extensively, experiencing some of the world’s wonders firsthand. I explored the ancient heights of Machu Picchu in Peru, took in the breathtaking views from Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio, marveled at the powerful Iguazu Falls in Brazil, and ventured across Argentina. I also journeyed through the world’s driest Atacama Desert, hiked the rugged snowy mountains of Torres del Paine, and even went bungee jumping in Urubici, Santa Catarina. Among my most unforgettable experiences was visiting the small town Puerto Tranquilo and its marble caves. The stunning beauty of the caves and the surrounding scenery left me in complete awe. The drive down the Carretera Austral was nothing short of magical, with autumn lingering and golden leaves clinging to their branches amidst a blanket of snow.
In closing, this scholarship has been an invaluable part of my personal and academic journey, providing me with life-changing experiences that will shape my future in ways I never could have imagined. The lessons I’ve learned, both inside and outside the classroom, have not only deepened my understanding of language and culture but have also instilled in me a profound sense of humility and a deeper appreciation for the world. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn, explore, and truly live in ways that will impact my career and life for years to come.