Orientation at PUCV

Today is my first day at orientation at my new school, Pontificia Universida Catolica de Valparaiso.  I feel like a freshman again because I have to learn both cities of Valparaiso (where my school is located) and Vina del Mar (where I live). And also because they made us where landyards around our neck (Which is a redflag for freshman at IU) hahaha  I also am still learning all the bus and metro routes.  Orientation was pretty cool because it was for all the international students.  There are students from Italy, Sweden, Germany, China, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, and others..pretty cool! Here is my certificate of acceptance to PUCV.

 View from the Hotel in Renaca

view from hotel

hotel

view from my bedroom window

"don't feel alone, i am here to share your pain"--poster in my room

note from my Chilean family "Welcome to your new place Jessica, we wish you well with much care, your Chilean family"

my travel buddy pooh, he's been to guatemala, mexico, and now chile with me

my chilean brother delivers newspapers and they were in an RR Donnelley box...right from Warsaw, IN!!

my brother Stefano, and sister Francesca..i have another sister Fiorella as well

mi casa chilena

my street

my street

 view from my street

 "backyard"

 this is my backyard

mi mama y francesca

the beach, about a 5 min walk from my house

soo many people are visiting from all over the world right now because there is a huge music festival going on in Vina.

 me encanta vina del mar

 viva chile

yes this clock runs

my crazy dogs Gorda y Fiona

Ready to meet my family

It's my third day here and it is absolutely beautiful! I love it! I wish I could upload a pic, but I haven't taken any yet! I've been staying in a hotel in Reñaca with some Americans, from Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, and California...They are all really awesome.  In about an hour my host family is picking me up and we are headed to Viña del Mar, where I will be living for the rest of the time.  I have a host mom, 2 sisters, a brother, 2 dogs, and 2 cats! I can't wait to meet them and unpack my suitcase!

Packing

Just now starting to pack!! It is summer right now in Chile, and for the majority of the time I will be there it will be fall, and by the time I leave winter! Having a hard time fitting 3 seasons of clothes into one suitcase...cuz I gotta look good ;)

Thug Life

My Visa was granted!! And yes I know I look like an ex-con! hahaha

Exchange Student

Ever since Sachie Nakaie, lived at my house as a Japanese exchange student, I have always wanted to get involved in an foreign exchange program.  Today while in Chicago, I found some of her favorite Japanese candies at a grocery store.  I had to buy them since I haven't been able to get a hold of her since the tsunami in Japan last year. Hoping she just moved, or my letters were lost in the mail. But anyways...Salud to Sachie to my first taste of international culture!