lifefromaglobalperspective-blog

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Some pictures from my first 2 days here in Chile!

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I have arrived!

After 25 hours of traveling and very spotty wifi, I can truly say that I’ve arrived in Arica. It’s so beautiful, and everything I could ask for as I complete my study abroad experience.

So far, I’ve been going through orientation (all in Spanish 😅), and I can safely say my conversational skills SUCK, but my reading and writing skills are stellar! Slowly but surely, my 4 years of Spanish classes are returning, but it is quite intimidating having 23 students around me speaking Spanish with ease. In time, I guess!

Transitioning between home and here has been very difficult. From the time I arrived, I’ve said to myself “what am I doing here?” And by the end of the day, I answer my question. As the days go on, I truly miss my parents and significant other. Not being able to contact them 24/7 is also a challenge, but I know they’re rooting for me as they wait at the finish line on December 8th.

I meet my homestay family on Sunday, which I’m very excited and nervous at the same time. All part of the experience I guess.

Till next time, keep ya girl in your prayers!

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So difficult saying bye to my parents. 😢😢 currently waiting in Atlanta for my flight to Santiago!

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So I leave....in just over 12 hours.

I've literally been preparing for this trip since March. It's finally time. Later on today, I will begin my day long trek to Arica, Chile. I'm excited for this new chapter, but also terrified. I've been out of the country, away from my family and friends, but not for 4 months. Nonetheless, I'm eager to begin this chapter without holding back. I'll never have this opportunity again, so I have to make the most of it! I'm literally finishing up my packing as I complete this blog post. I can safely say I may have overpacked just a tad. However, it will give me more options for dressing for certain events (meeting officials, climbing and hiking with the group, etc). I've also heard that in many cases, people end up getting rid of some of the items they arrived with. Instead, I'm hoping that I can recycle them, and give them to someone in need. That's my challenge for myself while I'm away: be more selfless, and provide for those that I can. Till next time, Xoxo

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First Blog Post: What’s the point?

Hello everyone! My name is Kailyn Brooks, and I am a rising junior at Spelman College. In just over a month, I will be departing the US, and embarking on a study abroad experience, per a requirement for my International Studies Major. 

Picking a program was probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve made thus far, but it seemed fitting to select a Public Health program, as I have a HUUGE interest in Global Health. My program has been formulated by SIT, or the School for International Training. They have a variety of programs in various countries that are tailored to specific areas such as Conservation, Social Justice, STEM, and Diplomacy, among others.

As I’ve gone through the motions of completing and submitting confirmation materials, I can’t help to be excited, yet scared at the same time. Am I ready? Can I do this?

Here’s to the last month and a half, and praying that I maintain my sanity as I fulfill my final requirements