My Time in Concepción By: Madison Liggio

Ellie from UP once said, "adventure is out there." I wanted to see what adventure was out there, so I decided to participate in the LSU's Teaching in Chile. Many emotions, including, nervousness, anticipation, and excitement, were felt when I was waiting to board one of three flights to concepción, Chile. Arriving in Chile was especially nerve-racking because everything was in Spanish and it signaled a step closer to meeting the family that I would be staying with for the next three weeks. After three grueling flights, including one overnight flight, I was meet with a crowd of waiting host families wanting to meet us. I immediately felt intimidated by this, but my host family helped me feel comfortable by being so welcoming and loving. 

My host family and I at the airport

That night I was able to meet some of the parent's, Victor and Elicia,  closest friends because they had a celebratory dinner in my honor. We feasted on meat, corn, lettuce, tomato salad, and carrots, finishing off with homemade lemon pie. I found it comforting, but also interesting, that they knew so many English songs and artists. The food was so delicious, and I finished feeling full and happy. 

Celebratory dinner on the night I arrived 

The next day was Mother's Day. It was a bittersweet day because I wanted to wish my mom in person happy Mother's Day, but I also got to spend this special day with my host mom and her family. We went to La Parilla de Dan Talo, which I like to call carnivores paradise. The meal consisted of a bowl of various meats and potatoes. There, I also tried the traditional Chilean drink, Pisco Sour. Everything was wonderful, and I left feeling happy and full. My host father is a huge star wars fan, so he, Valee, the oldest daughter, and myself ended the night by watching Rouge One.

A carnivore's Paradise

Mother's Day lunch at Dan Talo

 The next day was the first day in the school, so we got a tour of both the Villa school, older students, and Huertos school, younger students. I am working with PK students. They are so cute and precious!!!! I did find the language barrier especially apparent because they would try to talk to me in Spanish, but, since I do not speak much Spanish, I could not respond appropriately. Luckily, my teacher, Carolina Mella, speaks some English and can help translate. For dinner, I had a traditional Chilean hot dog called completo, which is a hot dog with a bunch of stuff on it.

Completo-a traditional Chilean hotdog

On Tuesday, the LSU study abroad group learned about Concepción (weather, famous places to go, skyline view of the region) and the school, Colegio Concepción San Pedro. We then proceeded to the library to do speed friending, in which we rotated among students to talk with them. I had a fantastic one-to-one conversation with a student named Louis. It was neat to see the similarities and differences we had. We also are planning workshop development on mental health in reference to the younger grades, a task that is proving difficult but will be rewarding in the end.

Talking and meeting students at Colegio Concepcion San Pedro

On Wednesday, I read a book, Good Night New Orleans, to my PK class. It was a neat and rewarding experience to share my culture with the students. That night, I went to the mall with the oldest daughter, Valentina, and her cousin. We ate a churro and explored the areas that were close to the mall. The downtown is so beautiful and always has something to keep one entertained. I have recently wanted to try the virtual reality headset. The mall had this opportunity, so I did a virtual reality version of fruit ninja. It was amazing and felt so real. I also helped the students construct a mobile with pictures of food they colored. Every day I struggle with the language barrier that is present, but the adventures and memories being made make up for this consistent challenge. 

My class and I 

Myself with a churro filled with chocolate

Open-air Market

Open-air Market