October 31, 2009

Chile 2010, the new class!

Congratulations to all incoming teachers!! I received an email from a future CIEEer last week and couldn't believe it had been a year since my own acceptance to the program. I suspect many have similar questions, like..

Is this enough money for me to live on? Yes. It depends on your lifestyle, but I definitely have been able to live off what I make. 

What about housing? You can find a variety of places. You can live in a big house with lots of foreigners, small apartment with Chileans, house with a family. It's all there. The two sites that a bunch of us used were: 

http://www.compartodepto.cl/

---> This is the most popular and puts you in direct contact with whoever is renting a place. I'd recommend you look at this.


www.contactchile.cl

----> Contact Chile is an agency that charges you for service upon finding your place. They ask you about your preferences and try to look through what they have in their database. You can always go in for a visit just to see what they say.

What about traveling? It's unreal. Easily accessible and Chile's bus infrastructure is very organized. If you like to travel, which I do,  Chile is a great place to explore. I went on a big trip in July and am headed down south in a little over a month.  

Also, I was perusing the NYTimes this week and came across an article about President Michelle Bachelet. Her term is coming to an end this year and it said that she is enjoying a wave of popularity. In fact, she may be remembered as one of Chile's greatest leaders. I asked my friend Oscar and he agreed. He said that she has done great things. When she started she was not popular, but has gained momentum, especially with her response to the worldwide economic crisis. Anyway, it was interesting to read it. AND it made realize that the new teachers will be here when the new president begins his term. That should be exciting! AND 2010 just happens to be Chile's bicentennial. A huge sign has been down at the Moneda this entire year, so I imagine next year is going to be full of fiestas and exciting activities.