What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

So I just wanted to elaborate on my first Airbnb experience and to let others know what is out there!

The location of the Airbnb was not very good, which of course depends on what your plans are while staying in France. Yes, Herblay is fairly close to Paris, certainly closer than Pontoise, but it is a really small town. There is not much going on there in the way of nightlife, grocery shopping, events, etc. In fact there isn’t any perceptible sign of nightlife and there is one grocery store — but they do have a really nice farmer’s market Saturday mornings!

Overcoming Pre-Departure Hurdles

Well, I have made it ! I arrived in France 6:55 a.m., August 26.

The flight itself was fairly lengthy — about 14 hours total — however, this moment itself has been a long time in the making. I have dreamed about this for almost a lifetime and made it my goal about three years ago; to not just study abroad but to extend my stay for as long as possible, which to date is about 10 months.

I battled through classes, homework, financial stresses and personal loss. I have overcome many challenges in my life and have surmounted the odds … truly. I am very, very fortunate and privileged to be where I am now, not only in France about to embark on the experience of a lifetime, but probably one of my most important experiences in life.

Ecuador: Radiating Gratitude

I have observed a different world in just two months of working at a small ecotourism agency, and living completely immersed in the culture of Ecuador. The most important thing I’ve learned is to appreciate the small things.

A mentality that I plan on bringing home with me — and one that we could all benefit from adopting — is that of gratitude. Gratitude for mother earth, gratitude for our successes and gratitude for family.

Don’t Even Try to Escape the World Cup

Let me start off by mentioning that the country that I am living in (Ecuador) did not qualify for this year’s World Cup. That being said, talk of soccer is still heavily present in every conversation and every inch of this country. If there’s not a game being played at the time, there will be conversations surrounding yesterday’s unbelievable game, or the anticipation for tomorrow’s game.

Got somewhere to go? You don’t even have to worry about missing the game when you leave the house, because it will be broadcasted on the radio in the car on your way over. And I can say with certainty that it is being shown at your destination. If there is a television showing the World Cup, you will find people flocking to watch, even if they are not customers. Everyone is invited to take part. And surprisingly, I have never seen anyone turned away from watching even without a purchase.

My Educational Experience Abroad

My educational experience at the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez in Chile has been fantastic and memorable. It has given me the opportunity to learn and gain new skills that I will be able to take back home with me, and apply them to all aspects of my life.

Culture Shock: Business Edition

When I moved to California, having grown up on the East Coast, I thought that San Diego was as relaxed as business culture was going to get. I was wrong.

I began my internship at a boutique travel agency in Ecuador about a week ago, and business culture here could not be more different.

My Homestay Experience in Chile

During my study abroad here in Chile, I’ve been lucky enough to find a great homestay. Before my departure to Santiago, I thought I had reserved a homestay but later found out that it never actually booked. Soon after, I quickly booked my current situation, and I have found it to be a blessing.

Daily Life While Studying In Chile

My daily life while studying abroad in Chile consists of going to school, running errands like going to the grocery store and cooking food in my homestay and — whenever I get the chance on weekends — traveling around Santiago with friends.

In the photos below, I’ll take you through my typical school day!

Ten Observations About Chile

I have noticed a few things about Chilean culture during my first month here. Here are 10 things that have stuck out to me during my time in Santiago.

Welcoming Adventures in Santiago, Chile

During the first couple of days in Santiago, I was fortunate to have plans with a club from my university that helps exchange students feel more welcome in Chile. Also, I was able to go on a trip with a group of exchange students that was hosted by a coordinator who is a Santiago native.

Here some photos from my introduction to my new host country!