Chile, Chile Lindo

Chile: not the red-hot pepper, and not a cold condition. Chile is the South American country on the south western coast that Emily Mower, a junior studying Spanish education studied in for a semester abroad.

Mower lived in Chile four and a half months from August to December 2009 with a host Chilean family and studied at the University Vina del Mar.

But her lessons-learned extended beyond the classroom. Adjusting to a new country was a bit of a challenge in and of itself.

“Upon arriving [in Chile] it hit me that I knew absolutely no one in the entire country and I had no idea what they were saying to me,” Mower said. “Everything was different, down to the light switches and power outlets. I had never been so far away from my family. I was scared and alone.”

She adjusted herself to new schedules and expectations.

“The concept of time is completely different in Chile,” Mower said. “The first time I went to an activity we were supposed to meet at 7 o’ clock. Being the American I am, I was there at 6:50, and no one else arrived until 7:30.”

Through conscious effort, Mower pushed herself and began to truly enjoy her time in Chile.

“It was definitely a process to become happy there,” Mower said. “One of the things that helped me the most--besides praying--was being around people. When I was with other people, whether they were American or Chilean, I didn’t feel so alone. Feeling accepting by the Chileans in the young single adult group was one of the biggest strengths to me.”

Activities with fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proved to be invaluable to Mower. She also witness firsthand the consistency of the Church and it’s worldwide influence.

“The Church is the same everywhere,” Mower said. “The gospel does not change. The first Sunday I was in Chile, I received so much peace and comfort when I walked into the chapel and someone was playing Joseph Smith’s First Prayer.”

With the friends Mower made through the Church and the university, she improved her Spanish.

“At first it was very discouraging because natives speak so fast and with a little articulation,” Mower said. “It was embarrassing when I didn’t understand what people told me or asked me. But learned to get over it and just do my best.”

Mower learned the importance of confidence in learning a new language, and for approaching life in general.

“I learned to be confident. When you fake confidence, it slowly develops into real confidence,” Mower said. “It’s important to have faith in yourself to be able to do something. If you tell yourself that you can’t do something, then you won’t be able to.”

Mower values her semester abroad in Chile, and recommends others to take advantage of opportunities that take them outside the United States.

“It is completely worth the sacrifice of whatever it takes,” Mower said. “Not only do you learn a lot, but the fun memories stay with you forever. I wish all Americans could live outside the country for an extended period of time. Some people think that America has everything and is perfect. Other countries live differently, but it’s just as fulfilling.”