First Graduate

This post is part of an ongoing series of blog entries by Anjie D (FG3), a Junior at Barnard College writing about her experiences studying abroad in Chile. Here's an excerpt of her latest musings.

I hope you North-Hemispherians are enjoying your summer. I’d give anything for a true “beach day” right about now.

A Pothole in the Road: La Huelga

Thanks to the wonderful but achingly slow process of democracy, I will not be taking classes with Chilean citizens during my time spent studying abroad.

I hate having to say that. It’s a little bit heartbreaking. One of the main reasons I selected an IFSA-Butler program for my study abroad experience was because I thought I could take courses alongside Chileans. And I would have, if the majority of the Chilean population and an incredible number of student activists did not think the educational system needs change–drastic change–and that the change needs to start with this semester, nonetheless.

Or, look at it from the other side: I would be able to take classes with Chileans if the Chilean government had only accepted all of the students’ demands and initiated the changes necessary for Chileans to have a free and high-quality education system.

I’m still not sure which perspective is closest to mine, just as I still do not completely understand what the beef is (this article helps), but I do know that the student sit-ins and demonstrations have a direct impact on my study abroad experience.

To read the full post, please visit please visit Anjie's blog on IFSA-Butler site.