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
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
Come with me to discover Universidad Católica de Chile’s San Joaquín campus!…Continue Reading Campus Tour: San Joaquín, UC 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
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
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!
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
Dancing my way through Colombia On Sunday 27th of August we jetted of on our month-long adventure to Colombia. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this trip, but the 36-hour total commute across the Pacific Ocean left me feeling a bit anxious. As soon as we arrived, this feeling eased. As soon as…Continue Reading Bronte Jones
Being on this PMSLA (Prime Ministers Scholarship for Latin America) tour to go to Colombia and share such a beautiful embodied exchange of knowledge was powerful. I enjoyed learning about Caleno and Colombian culture, and understanding the way they view performing arts in their perspectives. I enjoyed teaching the students from Universidad del Valle as…Continue Reading Iatua Felagai Taito
Living in Cali, Colombia for one month was an unforgettable experience which will leave a lasting impression on me. Aside from my own personal development, Colombia fostered a deeper appreciation for diverse culture, and a renewed commitment to living life with resilience, open-mindedness, and a genuine connection to the world around me. My preconceived notions…Continue Reading Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni