Well I have made it through my first week back here in Chile, also completing my first week by at school. I am happy to say that everything has been going well. For those of you who followed me last semester you know that my classes weren't terrible difficult and that I spent a lot of time traveling. This semester however I will be spending more time studying and having a more regular college experience here. I have two economics classes this semester; all in Chilean spanish (with the emphasis on Chilean). Luckily after spending a semester here already I understand most of it, but it is still going to take some work to stay on top of everything and to not miss important information. My other two classes shouldn't be too hard as well so I am sure I can do it. I am the only American / foreign student in one of my classes so we will see how that one goes, as I'm sure you can imagine it is a little intimidating. In my other economics class we also have a huge group project to do so that is going to be really interesting, however there are more Americans in that class so at least there is that. I am very excited to be taking actual classes with Chileans, and especially about the economy. It gives me a perspective that you wouldn't get any where else, and it is interesting to here what they have to say about the United States and how we affect them (nothing bad though).
Even though I have been here for a semester I still had a rather embarrassing mis hap at school friday. Each day you have to check these tv screens to see which room your class is in, since it changes from day to day which is a little odd. But anyway I found my class and then went to what I thought was the right room. After siting for a while and watching all the students come in I then looked up and realized that it wasn't my teacher. And therefore it was the wrong room and class. Luckily I noticed right as class was starting and left before making a scene. I then re checked the board only to find out I did not know where my class was. I then spend the next 15 min. wandering around campus and probably looking like an idiot. I eventually found my class which was basically hidden under the library. I walked in about 20 min late and it just happened to be the class where I am the only American. Luckily they were just doing an activity and I didn't disrupt the teacher or the class. However, needless to say it was an embarrassing moment for someone who has been here 6 months. I look to not repeat this mistake as I now (hopefully) know where every class room on campus is.
This weekend has been relaxed if you will. I went to a party at a friends from last semester on thursday night and then didn't go out friday. And yesterday I went with my host brother to one of his friend's birthday parties which was actually a lot of fun. You haven't partied until you have partied with Chileans. Its not that they go wild its just there is always conversation and music and sometimes dancing. With everyone from my are to the grandparents and the parties go all night. But it was a tame night for Chilean standards as we left at 2am.
I think the hardest part of being back is that the location is familiar but know one else is (not including my family or a few people that are staying a year). I have to make basically all new friends without the orientations or beginning activities I had last semester so that has been rather challenging. I am again trying to make Chilean friends but as with last semester it isn't as easy as you would think. However I now have the communication skills to make them and not just ask them what they like to do on the weekends and their name. So it is a work in progress and I have only been here a week so I'm not too concerned.
I will post again soon with an update. Enjoy the warm summer weather while you can. Its been cold here lately. NOS VEMOS.
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