February 21st is finally here. For weeks I've been carefully calculating the organization of my luggage, while waiting impatiently for my departure date to arrive. After seeing all of my friends leave for school or their own study abroad adventures, it is finally my turn!
Although I've never been one to keep a diary, my experience has been that semesters abroad are best documented blog-style. Just as I was always curious to discover the everyday life of my friends in Italy, the Netherlands, and Australia, I figure this is the best way to give friends and family insight into my life in Chile for the next five months. While I can't possibly hope to achieve the same level of wit that my friends express in their writing, I can take the opportunity to share moments that are best explained when they are fresh in my mind. Not only will I post pictures frequently, but I also hope to put my translation skills to the test and post blog entries occasionally in Spanish for my family to read. Este blog va ser casi bilingüe!
According to my guide book, 'chilenismos' are "a very rich, exuberant and constantly expanding vocabulary of slang" unique to the Spanish spoken in Chile. Besides liking the sound of the word and ultimately being desperate for a good blog name, I think this word best fits what my study abroad experience will be like. My time studying comparative education and social change will be an exposure to the unique history, development, and culture that represents Chile. I also, as my mom points out, will most likely return speaking like a true chilena. Enjoy!
