SCHOOL * COLEGIO

patio de encuentro

mountains behind the school

looking down from the sports fields

some of the gringos on our meeting day

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The school we attend, Colegio Padre Hurtado y Juanita de los Andes (boys´ & girls´ sides), is situated in one of the sectors of the city of Santiago which is higher in altitude, closer to the mountains, a sector called Las Condes. On a beautiful day, it is a beautiful place. Our students from Maine are attending a variety of classes and meeting many new friends. There is some frustration with their limits in Spanish in relation to some of the upper level classes like physics or calculus. The head of the program, Lucia Pizarro, has arranged to get the kids into optional classes such as art and drama, or into grammar school classes to work with the little kids. This has helped alot.

The school also provides us with with some good opportunities for extra activities and field trips. You´ll see those in upcoming blog entries. Lunch is given by the school, and the ski day is paid in total for us. Everyone at the school is very helpful and generous. I (Dubi) did have to write an email to the parents and teachers explaining how our students have had only 2-3 years of Spanish, where kids of the same age here have been studying English since kindergarden. To Colegio, English is the only and most important language for their students to learn. There has been more patience with the kids speaking abilities since I sent out this explanation.

Miss Carmen´s class

one of the young students

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Assisting in the little kids´ classes is one of the most favorite things to do!

Shannon & Becka

the group is now close friends

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We ´gringos´ have decided to have a meeting twice a week to check on each other and how things are going. Also, just to share some of our individual experiences! It´s been great!