Saludos Rotarians and students,

When I think about my exchange experience in Puerto Natales, Chile, all I can say is how lucky and fortunate I am to have partaken in such an exciting and wonderful adventure. I know that the trip was definitely not what I expected. However, I do know that it has taught me a greatly about the Chilean culture, the Hispanic language, and that although people all over the world are different, they are also similar in many ways.

For those who are planning to participate in the exchange program I definitely recommend having a very open mind about your country. Every will have good and bad points. You must be the one to make the most out of the experience. You will all have those great days and some will go through rainy days. The point is to learn from it all and take as much knowledge as possible with you.

For those who are already abroad, I hope you enjoy the time there with many memories to look back upon. I know I have and I am very thankful for that chance. Like myself, this has probably become a personal self_developing journey for you all. I can honestly say that I have matured significantly and continue to do so boundlessly.

One of the many distinguished aspects of the program is the ability to immerse oneself into his/her respective nation, including distinct customs, language, and laernings of dos and don’ts. Before I knew it, I was picking up on a numerous quantity of Natalian habits, from the friendly manner of greeting with a kiss and hugs to eating desayuno, almuerzo, once, y cena (muy tarde) en tiempos distinctos que comemos en los Estados Unidos. Let us not forget the slang words I encountered. They are very different for separate regions of Chile. By the way, I love the language and I learned to communicate only by speaking whenever possible. In fact I enjoyed it so immensely, I have decided to minor in Spanish. Surprisingly, although I can communicate in the language with friends, I am learning a slightly different form of it. Spanish is much more standard and formal here in the U.S. It is all a process of gaining more knowledge and experience.

Did I mention the landscape? I have never felt more peaceful nor have I seen anything more beautiful than Torres del Paine, Los Vantesqueros, el montaña, los cerranos, o los lagos. You can definitely unwind and relax with a walk around the city or a hike to the glaciers. In order to know the feeling you must see it first_hand. I am so grateful to have adventured through these parts.

In my opinion, the most exciting part of my adventure is meeting so many exceptional people halfway across the world. My host family is great. Quiero les dar muchas gracias a ellos. Although we are thousands of miles apart we still stay in touch as much as possible. This winter break we spoke over the telephone. We even send picture and little memorabilia back and forth. I have made so many wonderful friends whom I still communicate with through regular mail, email, and phone calls. My host sister, Sara, and I have made so many exciting plans to travel together. Well, my host father always said, once we have professions out in the real world we can take countless more adventures together. I will definitely visit my friends and host family in the future. Sara, a person who has become one of my best friends, has promised to travel to the U.S.

I know I did my share of complaining, but it is not until recently in which I fully understand the respective impact it has had on my life. I am truly grateful far having had the opportunity of being a Rotary International Exchange Program. I would like to again thank the Rotarians in Rotary International, especially Robert Freidman, the Hollywood Rotary and Puerto Natales Rotary Club for providing me with this chance of a lifetime. I am so grateful to my family and host family for  their encouragement and supporting throughout the exchange program. The priceless moments I have experienced can be comparable to no other.

Please Keep In Touch :D

Much appreciations and thanks to everyone,

Qi Li :)