Hello! My name is Melanie Flores, and I am a fourth year student studying speech and hearing science at the University of Iowa. I spent this summer doing the IES internship program in Santiago, Chile, and my placement was at a daycare. I spent my time working with three-year-olds and part of my job was to teach them basic English, among other tasks.
My favorite part about being in Chile for two months was being able to explore its geographical diversity. I really enjoyed being able to experience living in a large city and learning how to use public transportation, but whenever I got the chance, I would go hiking and explore its many national parks. My favorite trips were San Pedro de Atacama and Pucon! I always felt accepted and did not feel like I stood out as a foreigner. Thankfully, I did not encounter a language barrier as I am a heritage Spanish speaker, but it did take me some time to get adjusted to the different dialects. I gained many insights about Chilean culture, but what surprised me the most was the fusion of European and South American culture that is present. Chileans are very proud of their history, and I loved seeing the pride they have for their country. It was adorable to hear the kids at the daycare chant “Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le viva Chile!”
"My advice is to ask as many questions as possible to all of the resources that you have available and go for it. I applied for every scholarship I could and once that was figured out, I went with an open mind that change is good, and I needed to give it a chance."
I learned many things about myself during my study abroad. It was my first time being abroad for more than a week, doing an internship, and going to South America. I was really nervous because I did not know anyone in the program, but within my first week there I was able to meet the amazing people that I would make many memories with. I learned how independent I have become throughout the past couple of years and that I have no reason to fear asking strangers for help (especially when I get lost in the metro). I also learned during my internship that I have different interests, and I will be changing my area of focus within my field. I am grateful that I was able to figure that out earlier rather than later. My expectations for my study abroad did change while I was there because I was not always exploring and getting to know about their culture as I had my 9-5 internship four days a week and I also took two classes. I had only been abroad to travel, but this time I had to find a balance between my work and having fun being in a foreign city. After a couple of weeks, I was adjusted and always busy!
As a Mexican American I always felt accepted by others and never felt like I had to change who I was to fit in. When others noticed my dialect of Spanish, they would be curious and open to ask about my background and how I was liking Chile. One of the biggest differences that I experienced was the change in pace of life over there. Back home everything feels very fast paced and like I always have deadlines approaching. In Chile, my supervisor and class work felt more laid back and I was able to take more time for myself. I never imagined myself studying abroad or getting to visit the desert and other countries in Latin America, but thanks to the support of my family, friends, and the study abroad office here at the university I was able to make this dream come true. As a first-generation student, I feel like I never know what I am doing or what my options are. My advice is to ask as many questions as possible to all of the resources that you have available and go for it. I applied for every scholarship I could and once that was figured out, I went with an open mind that change is good, and I needed to give it a chance. It was one of the best summers I have had, and not only did I bring back valuable work skills from my internship, but I also made incredible memories that I will be able to always look back on!
LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP
The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.
Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.