Cultural Exchange Programs about Chile

Learn about Chilean Culture

Cultural Exchange

Alzar School places an incredible emphasis on cultural exchange.  Every semester, Alzar School high school students spends approximately six to seven weeks in Chile.  Additionally, we have gap programs that take post-high school students to Chile for 30-75 days.  While in Chile, students learn about Chilean culture, getting to know the towns, people, and activities of the area.  Lessons, guest speakers, and 0ff-campus activities leverage these unique locations to help students draw connections to the towns, country, and current issues. Examples include grocery shopping at local markets, volunteering at the recycling center, paddling with a Chilean kayaking club, and practicing Spanish comprehension in cooking lessons with local chefs.

The cultural exchange experience is not limited to the time spent abroad by our students. This experience is integrated throughout the semester. Chilean students are part of each semester, living, studying and exploring alongside students from the U.S.  And, our students bring lessons about Chilean culture to the public through programs designed to share the experience.  These programs are lead by our Community & Experiential Advisor – Chilean Representative, with Alzar School students supporting the presentations, lessons, and activities.

Types of events where the public can learn about Chilean culture include:

• Opening day
• Family Weekend
• Open house events
• Graduation
• Presentations at local schools

Here are some examples of the learning objections associated with our cultural exchange programs for the public:

• How life in Chile is similar to and different from that in the USA.
• The basic history of Chile and more specifically Alzar School’s history of exploration and studying there.
• The context of recent social and political events that impact daily life in Chile for Chilean nationals and for travelers to the country.
• Common “Chilenismos” (Chilean slang) that they will encounter during their travels to Chile.
• Common Chilean cuisine, such as empanadas, mote con huesillo, pan amado, and more.
• Common Chilean traditions such as dance (cueca), the sharing of mate, and greetings.
• Understanding of the basics of the history of the indigenous peoples of Chile and their current status in the country
• And more!

No prior study of Spanish is required.  If you are interested in learning more about Chilean culture through the programs we offer to the public, please contact Sean Bierle at sbierle@alzar.org.