Laura Kinowski

Laura Kinowski is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Chile.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

I decided to try out my teaching skills on some average 5th and 6th grade Chilean students in a local grade school teaching English as part of my internship abroad. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. From the minute I walked into the room, I had 18 students speaking rapid fire Spanish calling me "tia" and asking me what they should do. I have never felt so scared and excited at the same time. These students did not have any other teachers to help them with English, and it truly opened my eyes to their desire to speak another language and learn about another culture. Over the course of the following 9 weeks, we learned together as they taught me about Chilean popular culture, and I taught them simple phrases in English and our crazy holiday called Thanksgiving. If that experience did not make me want to keep teaching, I don't know what will.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated? 

Being a Spanish major, I knew from the beginning that I wanted a Spanish-Speaking complete immersion program. I had heard wonderful things about the Chile program, including that it provided amazing opportunities for internships and service learning. I was looking for an independent competitive trip, and that is definitely what I got. I wanted to live with a host family, speak a completely new language, and truly challenge myself in a South American country.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

While living in Vina del Mar, Chile, I lived with an amazing family in a constantly busy and exciting house speaking another language and always trying to figure out what it really was they were all saying to me. I attended Universidad Adolfo Ibanez and took four amazing classes that were challenging, engaging, and all in all rewarding. I took on the challenge of teaching English to local 5th and 6th grade Chilean students where I learned more than I could have ever imagined. Finally, I got the opportunity to travel the country, learn another language and culture, and grow with my peers at St. Ben's and St. John's like I never will again.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

The trip has affected me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. First and foremost, I can speak another language. My fluency in Spanish increased on an exponential level, but that is just the beginning of the trip's effect on me. I am way more confident and independent than before. When I was in Chile, I had to jump out of my comfort zone, get on a city bus everyday, sometimes the wrong run, and learn from my language and cultural mistakes on a daily basis. Most importantly, I am different in that I now belong to a Chilean family that taught me more than any class could. I grew academically, emotionally, and independently and would not have changed a thing.

With know these traits about the average American I know myself better and understand how to deal with other cultures traits better than before.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

I would advise students interested in Study Abroad to take that extra leap of faith and really challenge themselves. It is a time in their lives unlike any other and it goes be faster than you want. It is a time to take advantage of every opportunity to learn, travel, and grow. I would tell them to definitely prepare beforehand, be culturally knowledgeable, and learn to be flexible and positive, because plans in other countries just simply do not always turn out.