Arrival and FDOC

Hi y'all, Today’s the day!

I’m excited to announce the launch of this blog, which will document my adventures during my 10-month study abroad at the Universidad de Chile in Santiago, Chile.

Yes, you read that correctly! As a student in the IBA Cohort, I’m lucky enough to study abroad for two semesters. DMSB designed this cohort to put students like me together with students from specific international partner schools (in my case, the Universidad de Chile) to study on campus and abroad over multiple semesters. Ultimately, the cohort aims to help students form a global network of business connections and friends, develop deep international business competence along with proficiency in a foreign language, and gain experience on cross-cultural teams.

Wow, it’s a lot.

Luckily, I’m here with other USC students. Throughout the past three years, I’ve gotten to know my cohort decently well and they’ve been a great source of inspiration and encouragement! I’m rooming with a few of them while staying with a host family, and it’s good to recognize plenty of familiar faces while I’m walking around a foreign campus.

View from the airplane while beginning descent into SCL airport.

The spring semester officially starts this week and I’m a little nervous because the approach to academics is very laidback. Advisors don’t share any information about classes, registration is impossible, and we have to attend endless orientation sessions. Some professors have already cancelled / skipped classes. There are mandatory TA sessions (even on Fridays). Life is certainly very different at UdC!

FEN welcome banner during orientation for new students.

Luckily, I didn’t have as many issues as my peers. I’m taking five classes (three in Spanish, two in English). As a certified academic try-hard, I’m confident in my ability to handle whatever UdC has to throw my way!

Beyond academics, one of my goals for this study abroad experience is to go outside of my comfort zone. While I’m a little scared to be abroad for ten months (what if my visa is rejected? what if I forget my verb conjugations? what if people get mad at me because I can't figure out the metro?), I’m more full of excitement. Honestly! I’ve had three years to prepare for this experience, and I can’t wait to start exploring. These memories will last a lifetime.

Go cocks!