Valparaiso
I'm not sure what this means, but I was definitely aware of what i was getting myself into. I had travelled and volunteered in Canada, India, and throughout South America already, so I understood many things about entering a new culture.
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They speak Spanish here, and I didn't know much when I first travelled here. I learned a little bit of it while volunteering here, but didn't speak it until I went back to Canada and had decided to move to Chile. That's when I really decided to start learning the language. When I was finally living here is when I became more comfortable speaking the language, and I picked it quickly. Having a Chilean partner really helps!
No, not really. Chile is very forward and, in a lot of ways, very similar to North America. Language is a bigger factor, I think.
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Insignificant.
Not really. I had to adjust to the change in temperature, the language, a different eating pattern (lunch is the biggest meal of the day), and crazy drivers. Other than that, I felt very comfortable from the beginning entering the culture.
I was a bit frustrated with not having many people to talk to. Chileans can be friendly on the surface, but difficult to get to know. So, of course, this made me miss my own friends in Canada. Once I found work, I felt really good.
The focus on family! It is the most important focus of everyone's lives here! Also, the sense of community. People here seem like they are united when it's important to do so - during the earthquake, a political issue. They are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, nor unite during times of turmoil. I admire the nationality of this country for these reasons.
Getting to know people. How strangely people look at me when I prefer to drink a glass of water instead of a "bebida" (pop/soda), and when I want to use my own bags at the supermarket instead of getting the bag-boy to give me a new bag for every two items I buy.
The best thing is to stay motivated and positive and go out and look for people to talk to, things to see, things to do, all in very social settings. Realize that you're here because you want to be here. It's your decision to be there... unlike most people in the country you are in. So make the most of it!
If you're moving to Chile, this is a must-read article that covers it all - best places to live, healthcare, earthquakes, driving permits, schools and more.
Expats in Chile offer advice to newcomers about shipping to Chile, customs inspections and more.
After considering their individual health, Expats moving to Chile should carefully consider the health care options where they'll live, and what else is available in the immediate vicinity.
Expats in Chile enjoy the stable economy, friendly people and relatively affordable cost-of-living. Many find becoming close friends with Chileans, who primarily socialize with family, a big challenge. But, the expat community in Chile is strong and offers a great support system for newcomers.
Expats in Chile enjoy the country's beaches, beautiful cities and lower cost of living. Santiago, La Serena, Vina del Mar and other destinations top their favorite places to live in Chile.
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Expats in Chile enjoy the stable economy, friendly people and relatively affordable cost-of-living. Many find becoming close friends with Chileans, who primarily socialize with family, a big challenge. (more)
If you're moving to Chile, this is a must-read article that covers it all - best places to live, healthcare, earthquakes, driving permits, schools and more. (more)
Expats in Chile enjoy the country's beaches, beautiful cities and lower cost of living. Santiago, La Serena, Vina del Mar and other destinations top their favorite places to live in Chile. (more)
After considering their individual health, Expats moving to Chile should carefully consider the health care options where they'll live, and what else is available in the immediate vicinity. (more)
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