Category: Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Latin America

As the unfamiliar becomes familiar

It has been a little over a week that we have been here in Santiago, Chile, and I can’t believe how much has changed already.  Upon first arriving here, this city overwhelmed me. The heat made my head spin, the language barrier left me reeling, and the lack of proximity to any sort of natural…Continue Reading As the unfamiliar becomes familiar

Santiago, Chile: At the foothills of the Andes

Magnificent mountains that tower in the sky. This was my first impression of Santiago which reminded me of home. I find comfort and nostalgia in seeing mountains, which was the main feature in my hometown in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and in Kyoto, Japan, where I lived before moving to Aotearoa. In Santiago, the distant snow-capped…Continue Reading Santiago, Chile: At the foothills of the Andes

Connecting in Santiago Week 1 

Reflecting on my first week in Chile and writing this blog has made me imagine a theme or something to organise the disparate excitement, chaos and confusion that comes with being in a new place. Going overseas to another country is very much an act of disconnection, leaving a place that is entirely unfamiliar. Indeed,…Continue Reading Connecting in Santiago Week 1 

Being comfortable with being uncomfortable

Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū – feel the fear and do it anyway! This whakataukī has been a constant in my teenage years, and was particularly important during my first year of University last year. Over the past week, this whakataukī has naturally integrated its way into our conversations and thoughts — it’s a…Continue Reading Being comfortable with being uncomfortable

Making Ourselves at Home in Chile

At first glance, Santiago can feel extremely far from our Pacific homes. My first thought of the city as our LATAM flight flew over majestic mountains was, “Where did the Moana go?” The Island gurl in me is still adjusting to Chile’s most land-locked region as Santiago’s dry heat replaces my usual humid summers, which…Continue Reading Making Ourselves at Home in Chile

Warm beginnings in Chile

Shannon Mihaere. Rangitane o Tāmaki nui a Rua. Ngāti Porou. Ngai Tai ki Tamaki. Waikato Tainui. I acknowledge the land I am living on as that of the Mapuche people who through their lived realities of colonisation have noticeably felt absent from the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. I look forward to this…Continue Reading Warm beginnings in Chile

Explorando y adjustando – Exploring and adjusting!

I still can’t believe we are in Santiago, Chile. It’s been just over a week, and I still have to pinch myself every time I wake up in this beautiful city. From the never-ending sound of the city to the vibrant colours and expression of art on the streets, it is simply breathtaking. While I…Continue Reading Explorando y adjustando – Exploring and adjusting!

Hola desde Chile

Flying into Santiago was incredible, nestled between the snowcapped Andes Mountains and Chilean Costal Range. Upon arrival, I felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. Javiera, Kathleen, and Margarita from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile welcomed us at the airport and drove us to the Edificio Metro Salvador II Building, where we will stay during…Continue Reading Hola desde Chile