Emergency NumbersPhone Book (Must be on-campus or have a valid network account)
Kelsey Minten
Kelsey Minten is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Chile.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
After a month or two of feeling like I was making no progress in the Spanish language, I went to see a movie in theaters with my host sister. It was a Chilean film, completely in Spanish. I left the film incredibly happy, not just because I liked the movie, but because I understood it...the language, the Chilean slang, and because of the relationship that I was building with my host sister, who became one of my good friends in Chile.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I have known that I wanted to study abroad since high school. I think it is absolutely a once in a lifetime opportunity that you cannot miss out on. Because I'm a Hispanic Studies major, I wanted an opportunity to be immersed in the language. I wasn't really looking for the typical Europe study abroad experience, and I loved the host family aspect of the Chile program. Also, it is an absolutely beautiful country that I wasn't sure if I would have the opportunity to visit if I didn't study abroad... so I went, and am SO HAPPY that I did.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
It will be, hands down, the best semester of your college career. It is at times uncomfortable, awkward, frustrating, and you will feel out of your element. But when you're abroad, everyday is an adventure, every day comes with new experiences, and every day is a day to learn something new! It is so incredibly valuable.
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip has helped me to become more patient, increased my capacity immensely in the Spanish language, gave me the desire to see the world, and helped me become very self confident. When they talked about it at orientation, I doubted that 4 months abroad could have such a lasting impact, but I truly feel like it was one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences I have ever had. You don't return as a completely different person, but you will definitely be changed by the experience.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Just go. It's a terrifying adventure, but I guarantee you it will be harder to come home than it will be to go in the first place.