If you’re reading this, then you’re someone who likes to travel. How do I know? Well, I’m the same way. I’m Rebecca Carey, a 21 year-old college senior living in Iowa City, Iowa. When I was 18, I moved to the Midwest for college. I’m originally from south Texas, where expansive fields of cattle and public schools closing down for the annual fair and rodeo is the norm. In high school, I studied abroad in the UK and Ireland, and before starting college I traveled to Thailand after high school graduation.

And in the blink of an eye, my time abroad is almost up! With less than a week left in Santiago, Chile, I wanted to reflect on some of my favorite places that I’ve been around the city, or just outside of it. From the weekend markets to the endless museums, Santiago has plenty to keep you busy.

As I prepare for my first study abroad experience, I’m filled with an incredible amount of excitement and anticipation. I know that during my time abroad, I’m going to be filled with dozens of amazing experiences that I will get to carry with me for the rest of life; however, one thing I’m not filled with is knowledge on how to pack in my suitcase.

As in the U.S., Sunday was Mother’s Day in Chile. At every street corner, vendors with their hands full of heart-shaped balloons and single-packed roses jumped out into the street at red lights to sell gifts for Mom through car windows. My host mom had gone to her mother’s house for the day, and so I headed to the park to enjoy the still-warm fall weather. I picked up some pad Thai from a food truck and wandered around families taking pictures and moms holding daughters’ hands as they ran around the fountains and chased birds. I called my own mom.

I am so excited to start the Paris Internship program with IES Abroad this summer!

Bonjour, Jacques here! I’m writing this from the airport, bag packed and suitcase checked, and I’m listening to the new Vampire Weekend. Just yesterday, I submitted the last assignment due for spring semester which means I’m done with all the classes required for my major! Whoo! All that’s left is this internship abroad and I’ll have the last credits I need, so I’ll graduate at the end of summer. I’m so excited to end 16 years of schooling and start a career as a Real Adult. I’ll wear blazers!

Well I'm back in the U.S., and I'm dealing with a whole array of bittersweet emotions.

Slipping back into my American routine was like putting on a forgotten favorite sweater that had fallen into some hidden crevice of my closet. You hadn't really thought about it much while it was gone, but you have so many fond memories of it, and you're glad to have it back. It feels nice to rest in my own bed again, to walk the familiar paths of my town, and to cook with proper teriyaki sauce again.

This past weekend, my friends and I set off to spend our weekend in Patagonia. We chose San Carlos de Bariloche as our destination, which is a city that sits at the foothills of the Andes and on the shores of the Nahuel Huapai Lake. Bariloche is famous for its incredible panoramic views of the lake and mountains, and is often used as a hopping-off point for travelers who are making their way through the region of Patagonia. 

The Spanish you have learned in your high school and university classrooms is invariably different than the Spanish you will encounter abroad. Before coming to Argentina, I heard a lot about the thick Argentine accent, which is famous for pronouncing its double l’s differently than every other Spanish-speaking country in the world. While this is true, and while Argentines do tend to speak incredibly quickly, it is not too hard to adjust to. But it does help to know a few colloquial phrases before you go abroad.

To be truthful, I originally wavered about my decision to go abroad. The uncertainty of traveling far away to stay in a foreign place with no familiar faces overwhelmed me. However, my curiosity in the opportunity and comfort in others' stories pushed me to look past my doubts. In the beginning, I stated that, "I am most excited to be pushed outside of my comfort zone. There is no way to be certain of what I will encounter but I know that it is an opportunity like no other".