High School Abroad in Chile

Studying abroad in a foreign country is an experience that will impact the way you think about the world and yourself. I went to Chile at the top of my Spanish class, but quickly found that there was so much more than raw grammar and vocabulary to learn. It was difficult and humbling at times, but by the end of the trip I felt comfortable with my classmates, was scoring well on tests, and had made a lifelong relationship with my host family. I came back to my hometown with fluency in Spanish, friends in faraway places, and quite a few recipes for my fellow gringos to try. I can’t say that studying abroad is a fun breeze — the point is, after all, to remove yourself from the comfort zone of your own language and culture — but I can say that through it, you will grow in ways that are difficult to explain, and come out with a confidence you never thought possible.

I learned things that aren’t taught in schools: what is really important to me, what I want out of life, and how to be more open-minded and confident.

Everyone is shocked to hear that I studied abroad when I was 15 years old. I’m shocked myself — yet, quite frankly, I’m shocked that it isn’t more common to study abroad in high school. CIEE gave me an opportunity that most people have never heard of. The program transformed me into the person I am today, with impeccable people skills and the ability to adapt to any environment. I owe a huge thanks to the CIEE program. I am proud to be a CIEE alumnus!

This city has given me a piece of myself that I was not aware was missing. To me, Valparaíso is the most beautiful and wonderful city in the world. The people here are some of the greatest people and the nicest I’ve ever met. There’s always a smile on their faces and a genuine greeting following close behind. Though, the people here aren’t the only great thing about this city; the food here is phenomenal — I’ve never tasted better food anywhere. Valparaíso has taught me important life lessons. It has taught me to be more independent, and to trust my instincts and the people around me, even with a language barrier. I am so thankful for this opportunity. This city has taught me more about myself than my small town in upstate New York ever could.