My name is Evvy, and I spent 6 weeks in Chile.
Before my trip, I thought that 6 weeks would feel like a long time, but by week 3, I was shocked that my stay was halfway done. Despite my nerves beforehand, my host family welcomed me right away. I met aunts, uncles and cousins, and from them, I got to experience the average life in an entirely different culture.
My family introduced me to typical Chilean foods and showed me around Santiago, Chile. My host sister and I went on lots of adventures in and around Santiago to see iconic places, buildings, and monuments. Thanks to her, I always had a friend to hang and talk with.
My friends at school also welcomed me into their community and taught me all about life as a teen in Chile. I learned slang words, jokes, and favorite snacks, and they soon became my friends for life. They brought me to malls and parks downtown. I'm so grateful to all of the incredible memories I made with my friends.
Aside from getting to know a new culture and improving my Spanish, this trip gave me new confidence in myself. I was very nervous to speak in a language I was unfamiliar with and live with unknown people, but I was able to make a home for myself in Chile, complete with family and friends. By the end of the 6 weeks, I wanted to stay for 6 weeks longer!
If you are considering traveling abroad, expect to feel anxious, nervous, and afraid of the unknown. Before I left, I was nervous to even think of my upcoming trip! But know that these nerves aren't a bad thing. You will be able to get through it, and perhaps discover that you can thrive in more places than you expected.
