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Jamie Korin
Jamie Korin is an ambassador who studied abroad in Chile.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
One of my favorite experiences in Chile was the weekend of September 18th. The 18th is Chile's independence day, but the celebration lasts for at least a week. The ramadas (fairs) and asados (barbecues) were specific cultural events that I participated in during the celebration. Through participating in these events with my host family and Chilean friends, I began to understand Chilean identity and culture.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I knew coming into college that I wanted to study abroad because I went with my high school to Spain for two weeks one summer and loved it. For the longest time I had wanted to go back to Spain, but talking to people who had studied abroad in Chile convinced me that I wanted to experience another country and a different culture.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I don't know where to start when talking about my experience. It was completely incredible and so packed with fun and new and challenging adventures. It was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I am stronger and have become very independent. You don't realize how strong you are until you go through an experience like that - where your parents and relatives and close friends aren't there to bail you out when something goes wrong. It is scary, but also very freeing, and it has given me confidence in myself and in my ability to successfully face any challenge.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
My advice is to go into the study abroad experience with the right attitude. Studying abroad is not always easy and fun. Things are not always going to go your way, but if you have a positive attitude and stay open to the experiences and to trying new things, it will make all of the challenges worthwhile, and you will leave a better person because of it.
Do you have questions about studying abroad in Chile? Email Jamie at jrkorin@csbsju.edu.