Well it’s 2025, that feels weird to say but here we are. It’s been a while since I have done an update and I’m currently in my 5th month of exchange here in Chile and a lot has happened. All the holidays have now passed and I’m grateful for the people that have become my family here, although it feels weird to be in summer during Christmas and New Years. Traditions are quite different, especially for Christmas; in the US we celebrate on the 25th while here they celebrate on the night of the 24th and depending on the family, open presents at midnight. New years is similar to the US but the partying tends to go longer, as me and my host family did not get home till five in the morning. It’s definitely something I have had to get used to staying up much later, but as I am on summer break it makes it a little easier. Right before school ended I went on my first big trip here in Chile, to Easter Island (Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua). It is located about a five and a half hour plane ride from Santiago and is very far from any other land. The trip was about 6 days including travel and it was such an amazing experience. Learning about the history and culture on the island was such a privilege especially as we got to visit the many Moai statues on the island. Each day was packed with activities and learning experiences: we got to visit a school and the elders of the island, getting to understand the islanders daily lives. I am so grateful I got the opportunity to go on this trip. School was done shortly after I got back and won’t begin till the beginning of March.
I recently changed into my second host family on Christmas eve and they are all so nice. I can’t wait to spend part of my time here with them. My Spanish has been improving each day and it is much easier to have conversations. I’ve also fallen into the customs and normal life here, although it still feels like everyday I learn something new or different. Some days have been hard especially over the holidays without my family but that is normal. It’s still crazy I have been here for almost 5 months already, about half way through my exchange. I can’t wait for these following months as I continue my time here!
