There and Back Again: A Tale by Stéphane Erickson

There and back again. Back to Canada, back to family and friends, back to work, back to reality. And being back is weird to say the least. It almost feels like I don’t quite belong here back in Edmonton. My life in Santiago was so different from that of mine in Alberta. I have not even been back a week, and I am already on the move, off to work in Sudbury, Ontario for the National Francophone Games (les Jeux de la francophonie canadienne). I miss Santiago so much—my friends, my routine, my life. But hey, it’s also good to move forward, while looking back on what I have learned during my stay in Chile.

Culturally, I have become much more aware and appreciative of foreign customs. My Spanish is so much better and I speak lots of the Chilean slang. Upon my return to Canada, I went for coffee with my Chilean professor and we had no problem conversing in “Chilean” Spanish for a couple hours. My confidence in speaking Spanish has obviously increased, encouraging me to pursue a career in which my Spanish language skills would be useful. As such, I am even looking into internships for the United Nations, the Canadian Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, or the Organization of American States after my degree. Hopefully it all works out!

Before I end this blog, I really want to take the time to thank all those who helped and supported me during my trip. Without the help and support of the International Team at FEN, my stay would have been much more challenging and difficult. Thank you Meredith, Erich, Loreto and Angela—you guys are amazing! I would also like to thank Mic McCollum, the International Coordinator at the Alberta School of Business for his commitment towards students studying abroad. Finally, a huge thanks to my readers, friends, parents and family in Canada who were a constant source of motivation and encouragement during my stay in Chile.

Aussi, je tiens à remercier les personnes qui ont soutenu ma candidature pour mon voyage à l’étranger. Un grand merci à Madame Marina de Rementeria, chargée de cours d’espagnol au Campus Saint-Jean et au Dr. Sadok El Ghoul, professeur agrégé et coordinateur du BAA bilingue au CSJ, de m’avoir appuyé dans ma demande pour aller étudier au Chili. Sans eux, ce voyage n’aurait pas été possible. Finalement, j’aimerais remercier Monsieur Rhéal Poirier, directeur général de Francophonie jeunesse de l’Alberta qui a aussi été un acteur clé quant à l’appui de ma demande.

Para terminar, me gustaría agradecerles a todos mis amigos chilenos y extranjeros que me apoyaron y que me ayudaron tanto durante mi estadía en Chile. La generosidad, la amistad, el respeto y el cariño que me demostraron en Chile hicieron que mi experiencia en Santiago fuera unas de las mejores de mi vida. Nunca olvidaré mi querido Chile y su buena onda. Mucha gracias, mis Chilenos preciosos… ¡les quiero mucho! Les doy un gran abrazo a mis compañeros de cuadro que tienen un espacio muy especial en mi corazón: Kurt, Carito, Javier, Constance, Jonathan, Kendra, Elsa, Ricardo y Daniel.

So it has come to and end. And I am back to a new start: the start of summer vacations here in Canada, leading to the start of my graduating year at the University of Alberta, and then the start of my postgraduate life. However, in spite of all that I have to look forward to, I will never forget my stay in Chile—the best times of my life. I will always be eager to share my experience, so that others as well may have the privilege to study in Chile, or elsewhere abroad. Any questions, whatsoever, don’t hesitate to contact me at scericks@ualberta.ca!

This tale has simply been the best—adventurous, mesmerizing, intriguing, emotional and action-packed. It really does feel like magic—to be in one place, to live so many journeys and then, to be in another in so little time. I wouldn’t trade it for anything—not anything—in the world.

Best wishes,

Stéphane

La vida es una pasarela

Here I am, living the Final Act of my Exchange to Chile. The show is coming to an end, the Grand Finale is near, and my time to leave the stage has just about arrived. As the curtain gets ready to fall, and as the cast prepares to bow one final time, I can’t stop but feeling overwhelmed with nostalgia. This is my third exchange of my business undergraduate degree, and I can honestly say that my time spent here in Chile will forever be treasured. I have learned so much, I have met so many people, I have been to so many places, and I go back to Canada with experiences and memories that have allowed me to grow, to become a better person.

During the past months, Santiago has become my home. Individuals, who became friends, live here. Dear ones that have contributed my happiness and to my wellbeing live here. People with whom I have shared incredible experiences—unforgettable moments—live here in Santiago. So, how do you leave behind a place—a group of friends—that you love? How do you say “goodbye” to home? Well, after two exchanges abroad and one in Canada, I have come to understand that the answer is simple: you don’t say goodbye. I will always think of Santiago as a home away from home, as a place where I discovered so much about life—about my life, and that of others.

Living abroad made me think about how we are truly blessed in Canada in so many ways. At the University of Alberta, for example, nothing is impossible. We are given all the opportunities and tools in the world, not only to enrich our own lives and careers, but also to contribute to a better, a safer, and a more just tomorrow. Through exchange programs and initiatives, “Uplifting the Whole People” at the U of A goes over and beyond the mere success of its student body, or even of the Canadian public as a whole; the University has extended its mission to the global stage, where peoples and cultures are interacting as never before. Students go abroad, and are introduced to the many cultures, languages, and lifestyles that enrich and diversify our human race. And upon return, we move to enhance friendships and relations between all people, from all walks of life. As such, the whole people is uplifted, be it in Canada, in Chile or elsewhere on the globe.

I will miss Santiago, but I am reassured because I know that I will be coming back, some day. Studying abroad has been amazing. No words can describe it exactly—you have to live it to understand. So there it is folks. I finished my last assignments this week. I did all the farewells, all the last minute shopping and had my last terremoto. It’s crazy to think that when I blog next, it will be in Canada. But I suppose, as would say my landlord: “la vida es una pasarela” (life’s a catwalk), and one must enjoy every minute of it. For all good things really do come to an end. Or so they say.

See you all very soon,

Stéphane

PS- Check out a few pics of my last days here in Chile. Amongst other things, I climbed the Santa Lucia hill, went to the top of the San Cristobal mountain where the statue of the Virgin Mary sits overlooking Santiago, and I went to visit the National Fine Arts Museum. Enjoy!

Onto the Paris of South America: Merveilleux!

Dear Friends from the North,

I hope you all had a rockin’ Canada Day! J’espère que vous ayez tous trippé ben raide pour la Fête du Canada! I just came back from a one-week whirlwind trip to Argentina and Uruguay… What an incredible experience!

Last Sunday, I left Santiago, heading for Argentina’s capital city, Buenos Aires, founded in the sixteenth century by Spain. Buenos Aires is said to be the “Paris of South America.” With beautiful parks, entire neighbourhoods of colonial aristocracy, and majestic monuments and buildings reminiscing the rich history and culture, and giving life and feel to the city, one can spend days and days walking through its streets, and discovering its remarkable past. There are streets in Argentina that make you believe you are in colonial Latin-America, others give you the impression of being in Europe, while certain avenues have a New-York or American feel to them, with giant screens, shops and street shows lining the roads. Other than walking, amazed, endlessly through Buenos Aires, I visited the National Theatre of San Martin, the main Plaza, the Congress, markets, Evita Peron’s tomb at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, the many cathedrals and religious sites, the city’s port, and much more. I also visited many squares: the United Nations Square, the France Plaza, the Congress Square, the Independence Square, and the list goes on… Although Buenos Aires may appear to be a utopia to some (which I will not contest), the city is, however, strictly separated according to one’s social class and status. Walking fifteen minutes from the touristic, posh area of town, one can quickly start to see extreme poverty. Such contrast allows one to see the two extremes of the social and economic spectrum, thus bringing into light some struggles that many Latin-American countries still face to this day. Buenos Aires is nevertheless one of the prettiest cities I have seen in Latin American so far.

After Buenos Aires, I headed to the Iguazu Falls National Park. About an eighteen-hour bus ride North, shared between Argentina and Brazil, this area of the country was once dominated by the Guarani people, the indigenous people of the region. “Iguazu” is a Guarani word, meaning “Great Waters.” These falls were first discovered by a Spanish explorer, and the Iguazu Falls have been mentioned several times in the Jesuits’ logs throughout the colonization period. Today, Iguazu is considered to be amongst the most spectacular falls in the world, as is it in process of being declared a UNESCO site. The scenery was absolutely amazing: the vegetation and fauna, the immense power of the falls, and the mystical trails through the jungle. Taking a boat out to the foot of the falls got me soaking wet, but it was all worth it—every drop of it!

When Iguazu was done, I went back to Buenos Aires, and took a ferry across the border to the colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. This colonial village, also declared a UNESCO site, was one of the first colonial colonies established in Uruguay and Argentina. In Colonia, we saw the first church and houses ever built in Uruguay, and walked through the town’s stone streets and ruins. Colonia was truly immaculate, especially as we watched the sun rise and set upon the sea separating Argentina and Uruguay. All this to say that my day in Uruguay was a real treat!

Now, I am back in Santiago, spending my last days in Chile’s capital. I finish up my classes this week—final projects, essays and such. I can’t believe it’s almost over… Santiago has become my home in the past months, and it will be weird and sad having to leave. In any case, I will be taking advantage of my last days here in Chile, and will be giving you all an update before I head on back to Canada!

¡Nos falta poco hasta que nos veamos!

Abrazos,

Stéphane

Students On Strike: Historical

Hola chicos!

I have lots of updates!

Canada Post and Air Canada workers were not the only ones on strike last week. On the 16th and 17th, students at my faculty went on strike for two days. That is to say that there were lots of posters, lots of chanting, but most importantly, NO CLASSES, which I did not complain about! Students all across Chile are on strike because they believe their education system to be very classist, allowing Chile’s elite—and only Chile’s elite—to get a decent education. What’s more, many students also believe Chile’s “best education” is not cutting it in comparison to Western nations. As such, nearly 70,000 students marched in front of the Presidential Place last Thursday and Friday to promote awareness to that affect. I posted some pictures here, taken by some of my friends. My international coordinator was telling me that this is a historic moment in Chile’s educational history, as this strike is amongst the largest ever seen. Students from all walks of life are protesting, from public, private, secular and Catholic educational institutions alike, trying to eliminate social class barriers that are ever so present here in Chile. For me, it was awesome to witness such events here in Chile!

After the protests, on Monday, we had our International Fair at FEN. Every country (France, Germany, the United States, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Bolivia and of course Canada) had tables and stands. Chilean students had the opportunity to come learn more about our respective countries, as we gave them lots of information on how it would be like to study abroad. There was lots of interest in Canada, which was great! We had lots of information, as the Embassy really helped us out in giving us flyers and brochures. At the end of the fair, every country won a prize in different categories (best decorated, best food, etc…) And guess what: Canada won: Best country in general, in all categories!!! That’s right—we rocked it!

This week was the last week of classes, so it was super busy. Other than the international fair, I had lots of homework and final assignments to hand in. After classes, on Friday, the International Office put on a going-away/ goodbye luncheon-buffet for us. All the international students, along with our Chilean language partners attended the event. After eating (the food was awesome!), we played International Trivia. So, Chilean students had to answer questions about foreign countries, and international students were quizzed on Chile. Very funny, and lots of fun! It was sad to have to start saying goodbye to lots of people, which made for lots of laughs and tears—very emotional!

I still have about two weeks left here in South America. I leave tomorrow for Buenos Aires in Argentina where I will be staying for a week. Then, when I get back, I will still have a final assignment to hand in. The final exam period officially ends on July 9, and I return to Canada on the 13^th! So next time I blog, I will have lots of things to say about Buenos Aires… I hear it’s a beautiful city!

¡Nos vemos pronto!

Stéphane

Of Literature, Pisco and Stars

Hey Champs!

Sorry for the delay in the blogging world, but not to worry, I’m back! The last two weeks have been eventful and very exciting!

About a week and half ago, I went to visit the Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, which displays artefacts from all lands and from all indigenous peoples of Latin America. This was very interesting, as I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about Pre-Columbian civilizations, religions, customs, and cultures. Then, that evening, my fellow Canadians and myself attended a gathering at a sports bar and watched Game 4 of Vancouver vs. Boston. We had the chance to meet people from the Embassy of Canada to Chile, including the Ambassador herself. That was so cool! She was so nice and kind—so Canadian The Ambassador also knew a couple people with whom I worked at the Consulate in Guadalajara, which was sweet!

This past weekend, I went traveling for a weekend to La Serena, which is a city North of Santiago on the Pacific coast. The city itself is very charming and adorable. The weather was beautiful, which allowed us to walk through the city’s colonial streets and along the seashore. Seeing the ocean was very refreshing, as opposed to the air in Santiago. We also spent a day in the Elqui Valley, about an hour outside La Serena. The Valley itself is breathtaking, with mountains, forests, rivers and crop fields. What’s more, the Valley is home to many pisqueras, which are distilleries where pisco is made. Pisco is a type of alcohol here in Chile, not found in North America (or very rare). It was interesting to see how pisco is made from grapes and to understand the business behind the entire industry. Other than pisco, Elqui is also an important cultural hub for Chilean literature. Gabriela Mistral, a Nobel Prize recipient for her many works of writing, lived and taught in the Valley. She was also a diplomat for Chile abroad in Europe, Latin America and North America. She, along with Pablo Neruda, are arguably Chile’s most celebrated writers. Finally, we went to a Space Observatory. The Elqui Valley is amongst the best places in the world where one can gaze and observe faraway stars, planets, solar systems and other galactic phenomena. Through a telescope, we saw the Cruz del Sur (Southern Cross) Constellation, Saturn, and a very close and detailed view of the Moon. It was “out of this world”!

The next two weeks are going to be super busy, as all my final papers and projects are due, and as international students are preparing for International Day at FEN. On International Day, students from abroad are asked to display a stand of their home country and universities in order to offer Chilean students a broader perspective on what it’s all about studying in a foreign country. Then, after the end of classes, I fly out to Buenos Aires in Argentina for a week. But more on all of this in the next week or two. Until then, take care!

Stéphane

Goodbye May, Hello June

Goodbye May, Hello June! With only three weeks of classes left, I’m starting to think that there is still so much to do—and so very little, little time! I’m taking advantage of every minute here in Chile, living it up to the maximum!

This week, I went on two excursions, both organized by the University. On Wednesday, we went to visit the University of Chile’s Space Observatory, where we learned about Chile’s state of the art’s space observatories throughout the country. We were also given a short tutorial on the fabric of space and of our Universe. It’s crazy really to think of one’s self in relation with the immensity of the Universe… makes you feel really small. At the Observatory, we saw both stars and the planet Saturn through the telescopes. Then, on Friday, I went on a field trip with my International Management class, taught by a visiting professor from the United Kingdom, who graduated from the London School of Economics. The goal was to visit Chile’s “darker side.” That is to say that Chile has many beautiful areas along the coast, but, sadly, also has very polluted and desolated parts. In visiting Con-Con, we witnessed nature’s destruction brought upon by hydroelectric plants on Chile’s coast, very similar to those which they are proposing to build in Patagonia, in turn destroying the vegetation and fauna of the region. The beaches close to Con-Con were black, and the air had a distinct smell. Needless to say, I can understand why the question in Patagonia has become such a pressing issue for so many Chileans who care so deeply for their country’s majestic nature and beauty.

You’ll also see here pictures of my landlord’s birthday, which was at my house this weekend. It was a real production, and very multicultural, with Canadians, French, Chileans, Americans, Brazilians, and Guatemalans partyin’ it up! J On your end of things, I hope that summer has started in Canada, and that blue skies and sunshine are well on their way.

!Nos vemos pronto amigos, y que aprovechen de la vida, lo que sea la parte dónde se ubican!

Stéphane

The Colors of Autumn

Happy Victoria Day! Joyeuse Fête de la Reine! Hope you all had a great day off! As for me, I am fully rested from my trip to Peru and life in Santiago is back to normal, which is great! It is fall here in Santiago; the city is beautiful. The yellows, oranges, reds and the other shades of autumn give color to the city and give it a different ambiance. It’s a little weird honestly; it feels like Thanksgiving or Halloween are right around the corner! That will change obviously when I land in Canada. I can’t believe it… I only have a month and a half left here in Chile!

This week, I did very little in terms of adventure or sightseeing. I forgot to mention, however, in my last blog entry that I had gone, with my International Management class, to the costal town of Pichilemu, which is considered to be one of the best places for surfing in Chile. In Pichilemu, we got to observe other types of lifestyles, very different from what you might find in the capital city. Pichilemu, a tranquil town, is also home to many fishermen, which allowed us to see live crab being carted out of the water into huge crates—very cool! The sea in Pichilemu is savage, and its colors are truly immaculate. Check out the pictures!

Also, this week, I realized that I had not get been to the Central Plaza (Plaza de Armas) or to the Santiago Cathedral, so I went! The plaza is nice, and the cathedral is also pleasant. The plaza is usually full with people selling artisanal objects, singing, dancing or simply enjoying the beauty of the trees, flowers, and fountains which make up the plaza. That day, however, many shops were closed, as it was the day the president delivers his speech to Congress and to the Nation. There were also huge protests in Santiago against the government’s plan to destroy the Patagonia forests to built hydroelectric and nuclear plants in the South. Very interesting to hear what many Chileans had to say about it!

As June arrives, I will be more busy with school work, as I have many projects and final assignments due towards the end of the semester. So, best start now I told myself! Take care in Canada, and I hope you are all enjoying the spring (I hope the snow has gone… or almost anyway!)

Best,

Stéphane