YMCA Valparaiso, Chile Exchange Program
Students must apply through the Office of International Programs. |
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A story from Valpo student Jessie Marie White. Jessie Marie participated in the Valparaiso study abroad program during fall 2006. Read more stories about the Valparaiso program.  This past summer I lived on the fifth floor of the YMCA in
Valparaiso, Chile and served as an intern for the YMCA. I spent my days
teaching at Jorge Williams, a school sponsored by the YMCA, and my
afternoons at a residencia which can be compared to a foster
home. Five other interns and I participated in various social programs
and worked at the Jorge Williams as teaching assistants. One of my
fondest memories with the children that lived in the residencia
was taking a field trip to the zoo. We were each in charge of one or
two kids, and it was amazing being able to spend all day hanging out and
having fun while practicing Spanish at the same time.
On our off days, we spent time exploring Valparaiso. We lived a few blocks from the ocean and in the heart of this small city. Our program director at the YMCA, Juanma and Oscar, ensured that we see and understand everything about Valparaiso. We had the opportunity to visit two of the famous poet, Pablo Neruda’s, homes and even climbed Machu Picchu in our last week there. I recommend that you take advantage of this experience. I met amazing friends that I’m very close with, improved my Spanish, and learned from the culture and people of Chile." -- Jessie Marie White
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