Footprints Recruiting

The airport in Santiago is very nice and finding buses is not difficult even without speaking Spanish. The ride to Vina del Mar is about 1 1/2 hours and the station is downtown near city buses. The only problem with city buses and city maps in Chile is that there is no schedule or street legends. Getting around is difficult at first but you get the hang of it after a couple of weeks.

Students are very pleasant and respectful. Housing is pretty cheap compared to the USA but they do not have central heat or air conditioning. Everyone uses portable heaters. Also, the south of Chile is cold, north is warm. Even in summer it gets cold in the Santiago area so bring layers of clothing.

Food is pretty bland by most standards and coffee is instant but I have found a Starbucks and a Dunkin' Doughnuts. Plan on grocery shopping and bring a small espresso pot.

Chileans are very friendly in my opinion and the country is safe in most places. Tremors or earthquakes are regular but rarely do damage. Mainly your bed shakes a little bit and then you fall back asleep. Also, FYI internet is really good here and there is plenty of cell phone service but not with the USA. Plan on using Skype.

by: Kim Cavender

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