Tag: study abroad

Colorado Sunshine Withdrawals

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When I did my exchange program in Chengdu, China, the one thing I was not expecting was the lack of sunshine. Of the time I was there during the summer, I had three days of blue skies. For the first couple weeks there this was not a problem. I was fully immersed in my language courses and enjoying my independence outside the states. As the first month finished, however, I began to feel mellow, and less bubbly than I had felt in my initial weeks. While I knew the “honeymoon” period of my program had worn off, this feeling was not homesickness or any sort of changed relationship with the people around me.

 It took me awhile to figure out, but finally I realized what was wrong. I missed my Colorado sun.

Granted, a difference in weather was not what I had expected to encounter as a problem. The sun was a hazy red ball in the sky, and I could look at it without having to squint. The sky was always hazy, partly from pollution and partly from the region’s climate. I began to wish for Colorado skies and mountains, with dry, crisp air and weather that was sunny but still made me sweat less than I sweated here.

Luckily, I had one of my closest friends on the trip, and we were able to talk about this. It’s weird to miss the sun, and I was completely unprepared for it. After recognizing what was bothering me, I was able to address my problem and focus on my program and the time in the city. When I return to China this August, I am prepared for China’s weather and pollution. Recognizing a problem and realizing there are situations you will encounter abroad that are completely unexpected is one of the most important things a person can do when going abroad. Yes, there will be challenges, but how you respond to them determines how your experience is. For me, it helped especially to remember that I was going back to Colorado at the end of the summer, and that made me focus on my time abroad rather than dwell on the future. I also found it helpful to throw myself into a number of activities, from calligraphy lessons to jamming at karaoke bars after class.

All in all, my experience was more memorable because I was able to focus on it. Just remember, you will encounter problems while abroad. But by recognizing this, you have already taken the first step in overcoming them.

– Michelle Yeager, DUSA Student Staff

While in Chile—Don’t Miss Out on Easter Island

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Easter Island/Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Most remote island in the world
  • Home of the famous “bellybutton of the world,” the birdman cult, and the mysterious moai statues

Never heard of it?  That’s ok, most people haven’t.  But Easter Island is a stunning, remote and incredible island that officially belongs to Chile, although the indigenous Rapa Nui community claims independence.  Considered the most remote island in the world, its culture is related to that of native Hawaiians and other Polynesian groups, but without the massive over tourism that has turned many of those cultures into tourist attractions.  A five hour flight from Santiago, it is pretty difficult to get to from anywhere other than Chile, but if you’re in Santiago, it is an incredibly easy trip to plan.  I was there for a week, and it was fantastic.  I warn you though—it is an “outdoorsy” kind of trip.  There are no five star resorts, only locally own hostels and family ranches.  Activities available are pretty physical too—biking, hiking volcanoes, camping, horseback riding, scuba diving and snorkeling to name a few.  If you are looking for a week on the beach, this is not the place to go.  If, however, you’re looking for an incredibly unique travel experience (I’m still the only person I know outside my travel group who’s has been to Easter Island), getting to know an incredibly ancient culture and enjoying some outdoor activities, you can’t do better than this!

Planning is pretty simple—

  • LAN Chile is the only airline that flies to the island.  Roundtrip tickets typically run between $200-300 and go throughout the week.  Book the ticket early, since there are limited daily flights.
  • Hanga Roa is the main (and really only) town on the island.  There are multiple hostels and campsites just outside the town and is probably the best and easiest place to stay.  I recommend booking at least your first couple of nights, but you may decide to do some camping so leave yourself some flexibility.
  • Be prepared for higher costs of food on the island since almost everything needs to be flown from the “mainland.”  I would buy some basic staples in Santiago (bread, breakfast stuff, even water) to avoid having to pay the higher prices on the island.  Definitely go to the grocery store though, since it’s the only one on the island and a great way to meet locals.
  • I’m usually not a huge fan of the guided tour, but I do recommend it for the island.  In one day you can get around the entire island, see all the main sites and learn about the culture and history of the island, and then plan to go back to your favorite places later on.

Only locals can own land or be employed on the island, so wherever you end up, your guides and hosts will all be Rapa Nui individuals with a great pride in their heritage.  I highly recommend this trip if you plan on spending any time in Chile—it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

– Stephanie Roberts, DUSA Peer Advisor