El Grupo de Espanol

Just thought i would add the class photo we took on the walk through Chile, missing a couple, but basically everyone is here. I think we have a good group!

first week

Let me just say that the people here in Chile are so incredible. My family here is so very kind and fun. Today we had a huge BBQ for the Brazil vs. Chile soccer match (We have a Brazilian in the house, and not looking good for him). This was a close match and went down to the wire in overtime and than in penalty shots to the last shot. Futbol is one of the most admired sports in the world, if not the most, and Chile is no different. Walking to the store, or to class, or pretty much anywhere you are able to see the game on any television around, all you have to do is find the group of happy or sad people. Also, Thursday night we watched a movie called the Diarios de Motocicleta. This is the story of the young Ernesto "Che" Guevara. A world famous rebel leader towards big government, author, diplomat, etc. He impacted the world in many ways, and did not tolerate people getting taken advantage of. He is icon to most of the world and someone I never really knew about till the movie and researching him afterward. Sometimes when a country is biased to a citizen, the people in that country only hear what is wanted to be heard, by the leaders or media and not always the whole truth. Overall, this has been a good first week, I am slowly getting better at communicating with the Chilean people, its just catching up to their speed. I hope to continue improving and this next week should be again another full week of learning and enjoying the culture. Everyday here is a privilege and so happy to be enjoying the family of Paulina Munoz and their incredible hospitality.

k

first day of classes/Primer día de clases

Today was the day that I was able to meet the other students in the 100 hour Spanish class at the Universidad de Mayor. There are 21 of us and it is a group that is impossible to forget. We are made up of people from Brazil, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Chek Republic, Finland, France, and of course United States (6 students from Northern State). We were split into our groups today and toured the city of Santiago. We were on a group field trip to tour the Santa Lucia, a hill that is a remnant of a volcano 15 million years old. It has a very long history of importance, but it was used as a outlook in the 1500's as well. This was a great trip where you can see all of Santiago, along with the Andes mountains. The breathtaking view is something words can only attempt to describe, but it truly gives the viewer a sense of pride, wonder, and strength overlooking the entirety of the city. The emotion is more than just beauty, but also excitement in knowing where you are, as well as viewing the world in such a manner that is not usually possible. Along with our trip to Santa Lucia, we were able to watch the Chile vs Holland soccer game with a large group of Chileans, and being able to see how a country pulls together to support their team is so patriotic and exciting to witness. Our group is very diverse and this should be a very quick month, but The amount of knowledge that I will learn is unknown and endless in possibilities. Very excited and ready for tomorrow. Hope you enjoy the pictures and stay tuned!

1 day away...

Ok tomorrow night I will start this journey of mine to a exciting new world. Cant wait to see the world in such a new way. The world is only big to the ones that don't make an effort to making it small!

Getting Ready for Chile

Well in just 11 days i will find myself on the other side of the world in South America. This will be a 5 week venture of studying language and culture, traveling and scenery, and hopefully once in a lifetime experiences. I am so thankful for my friends and family that have been so supportive and excited for me to take on such an experience. This is a trip that will help me finish out my degree at Northern State University and help push me into a career of internationally teaching. Tune in to this blog every other day to see pictures and here about what is happening on my trip. I thank everyone for being apart of my trip and just want people to know that nothing is to impossible or unimaginable because life always has a way of allowing those who are persistent, achieve even the most insane things...like traveling the world:)