College of Science

ENSTU Student Studies Abroad in Chile 

Where did you study abroad? 

Universidad Viña Del Mar (UVM) in Viña Del Mar, Chile

What was your favorite part of studying abroad? 

It is really difficult for me to pick only a fragment of studying abroad as an all-encompassing favorite part when every piece of my time there offered me something special and memorable. During my program, I opted to live with a host family in Viña, and the entirety of my experience abroad would not have been the same without my host mom. I felt so loved in that home, and she and I connected very well. She walked me to the university on my first day to ensure I got where I needed to be. Yes, I felt like a little kid, nervous for their first day of school, but my host mom at least ensured I didn’t ‘accidentally’ wander off to the beach or nearby bakeries that day. 

Settling into the University was so easy, and I completely accredit that to the exchange program at UVM. By the end of my first week, I had met many other students who were also studying abroad and looking to enrich their experiences, make new friends, and make memories. I felt so well connected with the other exchange students and the faculty at the host university. 

The entirety of the program was super formative for me, and after I completed my finals and had the most bittersweet last walk home from school, I packed my bags and headed to the San Pedro De Attacama desert for the last bit of my time in Chile. While I was there, I stayed at a wonderful hostel, met tons of fellow solo travelers, and saw some of the most unique plants and wildlife. During that final week, I was repeatedly surprised at not only how safe I felt traveling alone for the first time as a young woman but also how connected I felt to all the people around me. On my last day, I hugged the hostel staff and some of the other tenants goodbye, and I could not be grateful enough for how they helped shape my experience there. 

So, all in all, the host family, the exchange program at the university, and my final travel experience are my favorite parts of studying abroad. 

 

What type of classes did you take, and were any of the classes related to the types of classes you're taking in the ENSTU program? 

As a part of the host university's intensive summer program, I took two classes over the course of a month and focused on completing my Spanish minor. I took one class on Chilean culture and communication and one on grammar. The skills I learned have better equipped me in my academic and professional trajectory by improving my communication and understanding of different cultures.

What did you gain from this experience and does this experience contribute to your career goals? 

My time abroad aided me in developing a stronger sense of courage, confidence, and self-agency. Honestly, before leaving the country, I was genuinely scared of so many things, such as meeting new people, succeeding in my classes, and making the most of the short amount of time I had there. Returning back home, I could tell that something inside me felt different than before leaving the country. To quote Jim Carey, I learned to be a ‘yes man.’ If I wanted to get the most out of what the experience offered me, I had to be receptive to new opportunities shaping my time there. Developing these elements of my character and knowledge will be paramount to my pursuit of further education abroad and, in turn, the continuous formation of my career goals. 

What are your future plans (career, academic, etc.)? 

Rather than having a specific career in mind, my end goal is to work in sustainable urban development. I would like my career to be centralized on city improvement informed by citizens. As an Environmental Studies student, I’ve felt ignited by grassroots organizations working from the bottom up to improve community relations with natural environments. This is the reason why I would like to spend my career contributing to eco-conscious urban improvements that put the health of the planet and the needs of the people first. 

 

To turn this aspiration into reality, after graduation, I would like to pursue a master's degree abroad in Valencia, Spain, the Green Capital of Europe. For years now, I have been mesmerized by Spain’s art, architecture, and green initiatives, and thanks to my time abroad this last summer and the supportive staff at CSUMB, I now feel prepared to take on this endeavor!

 

Any advice for fellow students interested in studying abroad? 

To fellow students interested in studying abroad, I say, ‘You never know until you try.’ Just last year, I had hardly fathomed that studying abroad was even minutely possible for me. After meeting with study abroad advisor Nicole Newton, the path and possibility felt much more within my reach. Within the next few months, it seemed that the impossible was actually going to be possible. I genuinely could not believe it. If you think that there are too many obstacles keeping you from pursuing a study abroad experience, trust me; I felt the same way. But, by utilizing campus resources such as study abroad advising, career advising, the Cooperative Learning Center, and professors and friends my path began to carve itself out. Trust the process, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It will be so worth your time!

 

Congratulations on this opportunity, Karly! We look forward to seeing where your professional and academic endeavors will take you!