Students’ Lasting Impressions of Chile

As the end of the trip neared, my sadness for leaving Chile grew more and more. It seemed like I was just getting comfortable with trying to speak the language on a more regular basis. I would say that the most memorable moment of the trip was last night’s asado. When we arrived at the home of Agustin it felt like we had known his family for years. At that moment I completely understood why Sean and Kristen were addicted to visiting this country. Not only are the rivers of Chile amazing but the people are also incredible. I look forward to coming back in the near future.

-Robert Lapeyre

As of right now, I’m sitting at the airport in Santiago, Chile. I’m about an hour away from leaving a place that has quickly became very special to me and that is because of my great experience with the Alzar School. The Alzar School has introduced me to a whole new part of the world which led to new friends, and overall a new, amazing culture. I was also introduced to many new, awesome rivers which I will never forget paddling. I definitely look forward to returning to this wonderful country to visit my new friends, and to relive the amazing culture.

-Adam Ellender

Very seldom do adults connect to teens on the personal level and understanding as I have seen on this trip. They have been superiorly helpful on the water as well as teaching in camp and even now in airport. I share many of the same ideas and personal philosphies they show in their daily lives. This has helped me understand their logical trains of thought and reasoning, especially about noise levels……. I am very glad these instructors were chosen to direct us.

-Joe Lovelace

My trip to Chile was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. The things that I learned in Chile are things that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Not only has the culture left a great lasting impact on me, but so has the many different leadership skills I have learned with the Alzar School. Chile’s great sense of hospitality from everyone was very welcoming and makes me feel completely fine going to any part of Chile. Chile’s food has also left a lasting impression on me and is something I will always want and never forget. My leadership skills were greatly improved during this trip, and I learned the importance of staying on time and having good communication skills.

-Woody Liles

Going on this trip was by far the best decision of my life. I have made life long friends, learned new outdoors skills, and learned about a very unique culture. The food I have eaten on my trip was all delicious and unlike anything you would be able to find in the US. I have become more confident in traveling in foreign countries alone and with groups. One of the things that amazed me the most was the beauty of Chile, mostly because there is so little development and the features of the land like the mountains and rivers.

-Caroline Kerr