I Do Take Classes

So I realize that all I write about is food, day trips, and going out. It's not that my classes are not fun; it's just that I already have to journal about them for my Tufts requirements. After several queries about whether or not I am enrolled in any classes I have decided to write about my STUDY abroad experience so far.

I am enrolled in La Universidad de Chile (UChile) as a full-time student and La Universidad Pontificia Católica (UCatólica) as a part-time student. Being enrolled in both schools has allowed me to view two very distinct faces of the Chilean education system. UChile is a public research university and is tightly connected to the politics and culture of the country. Many of the leading politicians and professionals in Chile were educated at UChile and the most prominent academics are professors at the university. While you still have to have money to attend the university, it is often viewed as the more accessible and egalitarian choice among Chilean universities. On the other hand, UCatólica is an elite institution with a long history of educating the wealthy and powerful members of society. UCatólica has a strong study abroad program and welcomes many international students, mainly from the US and Europe, each semester. It is commonly referred to as “gringolandia.” I have the distinct advantage of taking classes and meeting students at UChile while also enjoying the amenities that are available to exchange students at UCatólica.

My biggest academic necessity this semester is an art credit. I need two credits to graduate and I have taken two ½ credit dance classes so far at Tufts. I chose a class called Baile Folklórico Nacional that covers La Cueca (Chile’s nacional dance) as well as regional dances from the northern desert, el campo (countryside), and the mythical island of Chilóe. One of the Chilean girls in my class is currently trying to convince our teacher to add a dance from Easter Island. There is a good mix of Chilean and exchange students in the class and I have learned the basics of La Cueca. I am still waiting for my opportunity to whip out my panuela (scarf) and show off my (awful) Chilean dance skills at a party.

I am also taking an advanced Spanish composition and conversation class at UCatólica. Our profesora is very nice and always incorporates Chilean culture into our class activities. We have been doing a grammar review, vocabulary work, and speaking skills. Each week we are responsible for writing at least 3 journal entries about our experiences in Santiago as well as homework that ranges from reading local newspapers to grammar exercises.

For my International Relations Internship credit I am working on an outreach project at a health organization called Foro de Salud. Foro is a collaboration between non-profit, governmental, and academic health organizations that work to improve health disparities in Chile. I am working with a project that empowers women by teaching health workshops to adolescent girls in low-income areas. I will be combining this experience with a volunteer position in a government high school but more on this to come…

So there! I am studying abroad. This may be my easiest academic semester in terms of homework and studying but I am confident that I will learn a lot from my experience here.