Studying abroad carries with it a few certainties. For instance, when you study abroad you will certainly be taking part in many cultural experiences. What is not certain, however, is just what those experiences entail. While here in Chile, we have seen some of the more expected cultural sights — we’ve seen the ruins and anthropological museum in Easter Island, we have seen the mountains of Patagonia and we have even gotten to experience and appreciate different dialects and idioms of Spanish throughout our travels. But, we have also had a slightly different kind of cultural experience. We have had the opportunity to experience some adventurous and physical activities to go along with our other encounters with culture.
In Puerto Montt, we had the privilege — as well as the obligation (since it is considered a part of our humanities grade) — to take on a rather adventurous activity. We all went water rafting. We were teamed up in groups of three, and each group had their own guide. After we struggled into our wetsuits, we walked out to our rafts (looking much like a group of penguins or superheroes). It was quite entertaining to see that each group had a very unique dynamic to it. One group went as hard and fast as they could, trying to meet the rapids with as much force as possible. One group was tranquil and just tried to enjoy the sights. While still yet, another group seemed content with trying to make sure their paddles were still in the water. However, we all did get to meet up in the middle of the river and jump off the cliffs to go swimming for a bit and just float part of the remainder of the river on our backs beside the rafts. When we finished we may have been soaked and hungry, but I can also safely say that everyone was contentedly exhausted.
Puerto Montt was a very action-packed-trip, because we also got to go zip lining there. I was really proud of our group, because even though some of us were scared of heights, we all did every single zip line till the end. This was especially impressive given the fact that since it had been raining the past two days in Puerto Montt, the lines were very slick and very fast. We zip lined over huge canyons and while they scared me much too much to open my eyes and take in the view, those that did said the view was amazing. We even got to see our guide zip line carrying a dog.
For our next adventure, we participated merely as spectators, yet the experience ended up being quite interactive. We went to watch a local futbol “soccer” match between Everton of Vina Del Mar and the Rancagua O’Higgins. This was possibly one of the truest glimpses of the culture of the people here. The way that the people here feel about soccer is so passionate. As much as we love our sports in the states, we don’t have anything that comes close to encapsulating the passion and devotion that the Chileans feel for this game — their game. The atmosphere was perhaps a little wild — a lot of gesturing and trash talk (in Spanish, of course) — but I think it was so important to see the people here in that particular light. They feel so connected with players and it is such a source of pride for them. It was hard not to feel just a little in awe (and perhaps a little moved) by how kindred they feel with their teams. There is truly nothing else like it.
As I said previously, these activities (on the whole) were required for part of our humanities grade, but I must say that I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a required school assignment more. That is the great part about studying abroad — you get to study everything in a completely different and exciting way. It makes total sense to me now why any person you talk to that went on a study abroad trip at Harding will never say anything but good things about their trip; it is truly something so awesome that you want everyone to get to experience it — whether it be HULA or another program. As for me, I will forever advocate for HULA.
