Brian Barry '06

Majors: International Studies and Spanish

Program Duration: Spring 2005 and Fall 2005

Study Abroad Location: Santiago (CIEE)

Favorite Courses: Historia Ambiental de Santiago (Universidad de Chile); Montañismo and Narrativa Chilena e Hispanoamericana (Universidad Católica)

Favorite Memory: I had many wonderful experiences while I was in Chile and I am very glad I stayed for the whole year. One of the best was a trip up to the Third Region of Chile, Atacama, with a student project known as "Jóvenes Sin Fronteras" (Youth Without Borders). We went on a winter project trip in July to poor, rural neighborhoods. Our work there consisted of reinforcing houses, installing playground equipment, organizing a few community events and building a bus stop. I really enjoyed doing this during my winter break, because I was traveling and doing something meaningful at the same time.

The best part of this experience was getting to hang out with people. I made eight new friends (we worked, ate and slept together for ten days) and I had a wonderful time getting to know some of the people that live in the neighborhood we visited. The more time I spent there, the more amazed I was by these people, who gave so much to us. They had so little, yet they prepared meals for us and tried to provide us with anything we needed. One man, Héctor, even wrote a poem for us and gave us gifts as we parted. I could scarcely believe their generosity and love.

This experience certainly was one of my favorite experiences. It opened me to making Chilean friends, to really allow myself to be surrounded and embraced by a new culture.