¡Hola a todos! My name is Abbey, a fourth-year student at the University of Auckland, and I’m so excited to begin this journey. Over the next four weeks, I’ll be based in Santiago, Chile, and participating in the Apacheta program held at UC Chile, a Spanish language and cultural immersion programme.
One of my key goals for this programme is to strengthen my Spanish language skills. I have been studying Spanish at university since 2023, or according to Duolingo, 1026 days! By improving my Spanish language skills, I also improve my ability to connect to people and their cultures. I am excited for the opportunity to practice the language every day in conversations outside of the classroom. My aim is to become more confident speaking with locals, understanding different dialects, and using Spanish in meaningful ways. On a personal level, my goal is to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Whether that be making new friends, trying new things (like Latin Dancing) or adapting to a new city, I hope that by stepping outside of my comfort zone, I can build my confidence in ways I couldn’t have at home.
I am most excited about experiencing everyday life in Santiago. Exploring the local neighbourhoods, hearing and speaking Spanish, learning social norms, local history, culture, and traditions, everything that makes Chile unique. Alongside this, I am also looking forward to our seminars, where I aim to gain a deeper understanding of how cultural values influence and shape the business environments of Latin America.
While overseas, I expect to learn a lot not only about Chile and the Spanish language, but also about myself as an individual. Who I am when I’m far from home, how I adapt to new situations, and how I connect with people from different backgrounds. Through Apacheta’s combination of Spanish language classes, cultural immersion, and seminars, I expect to acquire a range of skills, including navigating cross-cultural communication and understanding the nuances of conducting business in Latin America. All of this will help me become a culturally aware and confident global citizen.
As I prepare to embark on this journey, I’m excited about the challenges, the opportunities to grow and the connections that lie ahead. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the PMSLA program, and I look forward to sharing it with you here. ¡Nos vemos pronto!