So the honeymoon phase of my study abroad experience is definitely over. This was probably the hardest week so far for me here. I got super frustrated with the language and not being able to understand anything in my classes. I think that is one of the hardest things to get used to here, is the school system. Allow me to explain.
The education system is completely different here. There are 8 different websites and places that you can find announcements about classes and info about your courses and books to read to help with the classes. Of course everyone knew about these places because they are used to the system, I am having an extremely different adjusting to the differences. The library is so confusing also. You don't buy your own books, you go to the library and make copies of the books that the prof reccomends. But for the week, he won't give you a specific amount like "read these 20 pages in this specific book" These are the instructions I received for my zoology class "read about the urochordates for next week". There are 9 books on the recommended reading list. I searched the library 2 days straight looking for these books. Aparently the recommended books are in a reserve area behind a counter that you have to check out specially. Anyways, a very friend TA helped me figure all this stuff out. Lesson learned; ask more, specific questions to get solid concrete answers.
Another lesson I learned this week was to really know what classes are cancelled for semana novata before you buy a plane ticket. So starting monday begins semana novata. This is a special week at the beginning of the school year for incoming freshman where there are many musical acts, cultural events, games, and many other activities. I was told that most of the classes were cancelled that week, except for the ones early in the morning. Well, aparently the labs for my classes weren't and they are mandatory to go to since we work in groups and the following lab builds off of the next. Anyways before I found out about my labs I bought a ticket for Patagonia for the week to go hiking in the national park Torres del Paine. So I couldn't go now and couldn't refund my ticket. I was really upset about the amount of money I wasted and an opportunity missed to see a gorgeous part of the country. Now, though, I have come to terms with it. I feel a peace in my heart now about staying here. I know God has a plan for why I am not able to go...
That reason might be to stay with my friend Alex who had to go to the hospital yesterday for stomach/intestine problems. She is fine now, but she had to stay overnight in the hospital and it was very scary and painful for her. I was really glad I was able to be with her and help out in any way; if I went on my trip I wouldn't have been on a plane when she was in the hospital.
In conclusion this week was probably my lowest, but I survived, realizing that the study abroad experience is a long one and it is still early. I'm going to go through many problems, highs, and lows and I need to keep pushing through. I am blessed to have met some very awesome girls in my program who are making it easier. Also, hearing about others' study abroad experiences makes me feel like I'm not alone in my journey. Man, that was probably my deepest thought yet. :)
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