Dear future CLAS summer abroad students, When researching for your upcoming trip to Chile, start with this blog. Without a doubt, the faculty at the Center for Latin American Studies will ensure that both your academic and internship experience will benefit your future goals. As a United States government employee, I have learned that post-trip … More Dear Future CLAS Students Traveling to Chile

In Latin America, some scholars argue that it is impossible to learn and teach about the intricacies of politics without focusing on the armed forces.[i]  This is definitely the case in Chile as Augusto Pinochet’s military regime ruled the country from 1973 to 1990. Since then, political and social changes have transformed the military. As … More Musings from the Military: A Glimpse into Chile’s Army

As an icebreaker in the orientation session into CLAS last August, our cohort of students were asked to show one thing that we had with us that was emblematic of our personality.  I proudly displayed my State of Michigan driver’s license.  This was because – as anyone who knows me will attest – I am … More “Where were you when the Blizzard Hit?” : A Very Snowy ‘Summer’ in Santiago

At the end of June, I was able to go to the ‘driest desert on Earth’ along with the other Georgetown CLAS students who are studying abroad in Chile.  The chance to visit Atacama was high on every one of our ‘bucket lists’ and we had a great time.   Many things stick out to … More Isolation in Action

Chile tiene un tema pendiente.  Pero no se trata de los temas de la desigualdad ni de los enclaves del régimen militar. Esos son temas bien analizados, estudiados, y discutidos.  Tampoco hablo del tema de las elecciones presidenciales chilenas que suceden este ano. Habló de un tema que los chilenos discuten y reconocen que es … More La inmigración en Chile: ¿Discriminación o Inclusión?

The ride-hailing company Uber has been dominating headlines lately, and not just due to its ‘leadership’ problems in the United States.   Down in Chile, the disruption the app has posed to traditional transportation services has led to fierce push-back from cab drivers.  Several times during my stay in Chile the Uber driver has requested … More UBER Interesting: The Cab Driver perspective on the Chilean 2017 elections