Here are some of my answers to a reentry survey I completed:
How did it feel packing your bags for what would be the last time this semester?
Although I had packed my bags countless times throughout the semester (in preparation for various trips,) that last time was different. As I placed (ok, so it was more like jammed) each souvenir, postcard, or new photograph into my suitcase I thought of when, where, and with whom it had been obtained. While I was excited to come home and see my family and friends again, it was a very sad feeling knowing that I may not be able to return to Chile for a long time.
What were you thinking on the plane ride back to America?
I felt like I was switching lives; it was time to leave one set of family and friends, one home, one university, one neighborhood, one city, one country, one continent, one reality behind and adopting another. Honestly, I felt a bit apprehensive. Would I feel disgusted with the rampant materialism of the US? Distant from my family? I have never been so scared to go home.
What was it like seeing your family and friends for the first time?
My parents and little sister (who looked much taller than I remembered) picked me up at the airport. Thus began the never-ending process of summarizing an indescribable semester in entertaining 60 second anecdotes for the entertainment of family and friends. I can tell that I have changed, (though my mom insists, relieved, that I am “just the same,”) though it is hard to say how.
Does your relationship with them feel different?
I think (although the blogs and phone calls helped) that there is no way they can understand exactly what I have gone through. Since they have never seen the country, met the family, or spoken the language, it is hard to find common ground with anyone when reminiscing about Chile. Other than this, I think that I have become accustomed to absolute freedom (ie “Buenos Aires for the weekend, anyone?”) and thus am finding it difficult to adjust to the routine and structure of everyday life at home.
What do you miss most about Santiago? Chile? South America? Why?
I miss my friends! I had an amazing support system in Chile, composed of other students in my program, their families, friends from the university, friends from my neighborhood, professors, my host mom, etc. I somehow felt that I could relate to them on a deeper level. They were, (although this sounds terrible,) a “different kind of people.” Their interest in foreign affairs, enthusiasm for new experiences, and desire to travel matched my own. Here, everyone seems so wrapped up in the mundane.
What did you like best about Santiago? Chile? South America? Why?
I loved being able to communicate in two languages (though it was frustrating at times.) I also relished the feeling that I was “doing something important” everyday. Even while taking the metro, writing a research paper, or getting coffee with friends I tried to remember to appreciate and enjoy every second since I was living a life few are able to experience.
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