BridgeAbroad

I typically taught a class at lunch, and a class in the evening. Once in a while I would teach morning classes, but the morning rush in Santiago is crazy so I tried to avoid that. I'd have a coffee and pastry at a cafe, plan my lesson, and then go home for a while, usually to check out the street markets. Then, in the evening, I'd teach a lesson, and walk back, hitting the awesome street vendors on the way home for dinner. I'd have a few glasses of vino, or check out the protests, which were exhilarating.

I was admitted to several graduate schools for a Masters in Education, and I think that my experience as an actual teacher, my life experience, and my bilingual abilities really set me apart from the average applicant. I cherished my time in Santiago, and it's something I will never forget. It's a special bond to meet someone who has been to or is from Chile.

If it is feasible, do it. Life seems to move pretty fast, so any time you have the opportunity to live in another country (especially an awesome one like Chile) you have to go for it. My biggest regret about the experience is not staying longer.

Our staff at Bridge keeps abreast of what´s happening in Santiago, so there is always something new and cool to do! Interns are welcome to join in on excursions that we run through the school on Wednesdays and Fridays for our Spanish students. These outings include famous museums, like the Museo Bellas Artes in downtown Santiago; wine tours at local vineyards, like the award winning Concha y Toro; theater events, cultural exhibits and much more! If you're looking for a trip to the beach, a day spent skiing in the Andes, or going to check out a soccer game, we can plan that for you, too!

Interns receive a welcome and orientation at Bridge's headquarters in Santiago. They are given 24/7 in country emergency support through our staff. Bridge as a language school offers many opportunities to break in the language market once you're done, or while you're doing your internship. A student may choose to become TEFL certified through our IDELT program and go on to teach English as a second language. They may decide to do volunteer work at a children's orphanage or get involved in a local sports club. Santiago is very close to many tourist towns and cultural must-sees, offering lots to do on the weekends, and is a great home base from which to travel around the central region. And, of course, if you're looking to improve your Spanish, our friendly, experienced teaching staff can help you get to where you´d like to be. Classes are flexible and can even be taken online through our BridgeVirtual program as a supplement to in-person lessons.

Though South Americans are often stereotyped as being "lazy" in the workplace by Western standards, Chileans are quite hardworking and spend long hours in the office – a typical work week is 44 hours, and many Chileans take work home with them. Conservatism in dress and office politics prevail, so it is important to follow suit (literally in a suit!). Emailing is very important, and it's imperative to have written documentation of important conversations or business promises. It's sometimes hard to get a written answer from Chileans, as once something is written down, it is treated as very serious and binding! Chileans take much pride in and responsibility for their work, and value others who hold the same work ethic. Chileans aren't always serious, however, and you'll find that jokes and plays on words are very common among friends and colleagues. As a young foreigner, you may find that you have to talk up your experience and expertise so that your Chilean workmates will take you seriously. Just remember that you have many strong advantages in the fact that you speak another language and come from a different cultural perspective! Employers value the dynamism that this brings to the workplace.