The Wonderful World of Intercambios

Saludos William,

¿Cómo estás? Or should I say está? I believe in South America they do not use the informal the way they do in Spain.

I wanted to get a letter off to you since it has been a few days. I hope that all is well. Are you leaving for Peru soon, or is it Brazil? I have started to write you the story of Michael Sweeney, but it is not done yet. It will take a few more days to finish, so look forward to an exciting and hair raising story – not really, but boring or not, you’ll get it in a few days.

From your letter I take it the bloom has faded from the rose a bit. I know you still like it and are glad you are there but I also know it is difficult at times, the same group, the small apartment, Spanish, not meeting many Chileans. And I also understand that the Chilean guys are not interested in meeting the American guys, but I sure they are interested in the American girls.

Well, Chile is a Latin country, so it is going to be much more difficult to meet Chilean woman, but as always I have a few suggestions. I know you have heard of them before, but think about giving it a try, I think you will be surprised and glad if you do give it a try. Intercambios are the ticket. I know I’ve been hocking them but hear me out. In a Latin country, it is not acceptable in polite society for girls to meet a guy without an introduction (now, I know this is old-fashioned and you are in a student environment but nevertheless, it still plays a big role, even if it is not acknowledged).

Everyone wants to learn English – it is essential for success in the modern world – without English you can only go so far. So, guys or girls, if they are looking at any type of professional life they want to learn another language, especially English. This is where intercambios play a role. They are neutral, they are not viewed as a date, and no real introduction is required. It is very difficult to practice English is a country such as Chile (most countries really), but Chile has a relative small English speaking population – especially compared to Europe. I believe they are relatively easy to set up. You can leave a note on the bulletin board at school – not in the foreign section if there is such a thing, but rather where the Chilean students are and hang out. Or alternatively you can go to the English department and introduce yourself, explain that you are looking for an intercambio partner, and they may be able to help, especially since you are not charging.

Now, I know you probably don’t want to do this in front of the other students in the program, so just do it on your own – don’t tell them about it. Use your cell phone to set up meeting or better yet email. Sometimes email is better because it can be studied, cell calls can lead to confusion if neither person is not strong in the others language.

Meet in a public place, a convenient café, some place public, but not too noisy. Limit the time the first time to no more than an hour, gives both of you an escape if it is not going well. Split the bill, don’t offer to pay; don’t drink, or if you do, only one. As a general rule get them talking about themselves. People are always interested in themselves, and like people interested in them. Now these can be hit or miss so try setting up a number of them with different people. They work or don’t work for many different reason, schedules, personalities, interests. No need to prepare for them, remember they think their English is a weak as you feel your Spanish is. Think of them as an adventure, they may help you expand your group, especially now that the nice weather is coming.

OK, one more thing before I climb down off this horse, if you would like, I can probably help you set-up intercambios. As I think I told you I do an intercambio through Skype with a woman that teaches English part-time at Diego Portales. I’ll bet she will know some students your age that would like to have an intercambio with an American, and I know that she would like to help. She has offered to help you in any way that she can. She lives in Las Condes near the shopping mall. If you would like I’ll be happy to talk to her about it.

Not much else new, since I wrote to you last. Oh there is one thing, Dr. Rabin is leaving Kaiser. It’s a bit of a mystery, happened very suddenly, Mom had an appointment with him and the night before (late, around 5:30 PM) they called to cancel the appointment. The next morning they told Mom that he was leaving. I’ve written him but as of yet no response. It’s too bad, we all liked him – it is never any fun to change internists.

I guess that’s about it for the day. So in closing, love you, miss you, and take care down there.

Dad