Chile program to provide unique experience for learners, adventurers
By Lindsey Dinges
Skiff Staff

For the first time in TCU history, students will be shipped down south to Chile for the new study abroad program at the Universidad de Valparaiso.

According to brochures provided by the International Education Office, the TCU study abroad program covers most of the globe, spanning more than 30 countries. From the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica to the peaks of the Himalayas, TCU students are given the opportunity to broaden their horizons and learn about themselves among different cultures throughout the world. By providing such opportunities, TCU offers students an affordable chance to live in a foreign country, elevate their cultural awareness and integrate with other societies of the world.

Arturo C. Flores, a professor in the Spanish department and founder of the TCU Chile study abroad program, is a native of Chile and said he is excited about the chance to share the culture and beauty of his homeland with TCU students. Chile is recognized for its breath-taking landscape, famous wine gardens and adventurous skiing, Flores said.

“Chile is a beautiful country filled with a diverse culture and one of the fastest growing economies in South America, thus making the experience and opportunities endless for students who desire to visit,” Flores said.

Monica Trujillo Clark, a student in the MBA program and native of Chile, agrees that Chile is a country worth experiencing.

“Chile is such a diverse country and has so much to offer,” Clark said. “The things to do and the sites to see are unlimited. I think Chile would be the ideal place to visit for any student interested in studying abroad.”

The program runs from May 16 to 21. Flores said the program consists of morning and evening classes — 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m.

“The classes will cover a variety of topics including Chilean culture, civilization and the role of women in the 21st century,” he said.

Even though a large portion of the day is spent at school, the learning experience extends far beyond the classroom.

“During the six weeks abroad, they will see all aspects of Chile while visiting various parts of the country and interacting with people from each region within,” Flores said. “This allows students to learn first hand of the many facets of the Chilean culture and its diversity.”

For example, Nicole Carman, a senior marketing major at TCU, had the chance to study in Sevilla, Spain, in summer 2001.

“By communicating with people in Spain day after day, I was able to obtain something I could never learn in a textbook,” Carman said. “Not only was I able to learn more about the language, but about the people as well.”

While on their journey in Chile, students will be given opportunities for leisure and adventure during weekend trips included in the program. Flores has planned for the students to travel as a group to the town of La Serena (located on the coast for a stay of three days and two nights), La Ruta del Vino, La Isla Negra and finally a ski trip to El Valle Nevado.

“Each excursion presents its own piece of the Chilean culture to students,” Flores said.

La Serena is a colonial town located about 300 miles north of the capital of Santiago. It has become known as a beach resort town and a haven for the wealthy citizens of Chile and Argentina. The town also provides some of the best-preserved examples of Spanish colonial-style architecture in all of Chile and the Plaza de Armas, with its 16th-century cathedral containing the death mask of the Nobel Prize-winning poet, Gabriela Mistral.

La Ruta del Vino is the location of some of the country's finest wineries. Wine tasting is a favorite of tourists and a sure favorite for students wanting to study in Chile. On La Isla Negra, students will be able to see more examples of Chilean architecture and visit the home of the Nobel Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda.

Flores said students interested in studying abroad for the 2003 summer semester can find out more information at the TCU Office of International Education located in Saddler Hall 16. To be eligible, students must have completed at least two semesters at TCU and demonstrated academic success and motivation. Students are required to meet all pertinent deadlines specific to the Chile program.

Studying in Chile will provide a unique opportunity to improve communication skills in the Spanish language and learn what could never be taught in the United States.

“The only way to truly understand another culture is to immerse yourself into their everyday life,” Carman said. “It is a life touching experience that I recommend to all college students and an adventure I will never forget.”

Lindsey Dinges