Santiago de Chile

Question

I have not been on in a while due to school work. However, I have recently been accepted to a USAC program to study at the Universidad Andrés Bello in Santiago. Starting in August, 2015 I will live there for 10 months while going to school. So if anyone could share any personal, cultural, or any other kind of tips about the area that would be great!

Answer 1

Hi there! My Chilean professor, who taught us about Spanish-American political and cultural history, told us that if we'd ever go visit his beautiful country, we'd do well to avoid bringing up the subject of the dictatorship of Pinochet: it's still a painful and controversial topic to them: many lost people to the regime and even within families, between (former) friends, neighbours etc. there are heavily contrasting opinions; arguments on this topic will not stay friendly.

From what I know about their culture, I can only advise you to travel as much as you can while there! Because of its shape, Chilean people of different regions deal with completely different climates and thus cultures, but all of them in their unique way are interesting to see. :D Make sure not to forget to visit Easter Island with it's impressing & mysterious statues..

Santiage is really the centre of Chile, though, it's where everything comes together, so take your time exploring and integrating there. :3 I once saw a movie that took place in Santiago and in the background frames I really noticed how many parts of the city seem to remain unfinished, it's a bit hard to describe what feel it gives off.. sort of... authentic? real? something like that..

Oh! And if you'd like to see a cueca (the national dance), you'll find some for sure at the 18th of september, especially in Santiago :3 Chances are you'll have the day or even the whole week off to celebrate! :D http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiestas_Patrias_en_Chile

Either way I must say I'm jealous, OP! 10 months in Chile, wow! You've picked a beautiful country, and a (comparing to other Latin American countries!) fairly safe/'wealthy' one; I bet you're going to have a great time! Have fun, OP! :D

Thanks! I'll be studying culture there.... Do you know if it's safe to bring up Salvador Allende or Victor Jara there? I'm writing about both of them for my honors thesis and a research conference and I was just wondering.... - kdfore, Dec 15, 2014

Hmm.. It's a lot better than talking about Pinochet, for sure.. And of course you can if the person you're talking to is involved with your projects or asks you about them. :)) As long as you're respectful about it and present yourself as having - Suzanne_Romijnders, Dec 15, 2014

nothing but good intentions from an academic interest, I think it'll be fine. :) Just don't happy-go-luckily ask the family you're staying with/your roommates/classmates etc. over lunch what they think of the regime, it'll be fine I think. :) - Suzanne_Romijnders, Dec 15, 2014

Ok thanks for the tips! - kdfore, Dec 15, 2014

Answer 2

I am open to Skype talks about the Chile I knew until 1979. I still watch TV programs from there and I have a good idea of currents affairs in Chile, too.

Just PM me your Skype name and I will contact you.

Thanks so much! I will as soon as I create a Skype account:) - kdfore, Dec 15, 2014

I knew you'd show up here. X)) - Suzanne_Romijnders, Dec 15, 2014

:) - chileno, Dec 15, 2014