INTRODUCTION
Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a study abroad trip to Chile—a journey that blended academic learning, cultural immersion, and personal growth. The purpose of the trip was to explore Chilean society, history, and cultural identity through firsthand experiences and group study. Over the course of several days, our group traveled from the bustling capital of Santiago to the remote and culturally rich Easter Island, engaging in meaningful discussions, site visits, and reflective activities along the way. It was a short-term program, but its impact was lasting.
OVERVIEW
During our study abroad trip to Chile, one of the most unforgettable parts was our time on Easter Island, particularly in the town of Hanga Roa and its surrounding areas. We began with a relaxing beach day at Anakena and Ovahe, where we enjoyed the island’s stunning natural beauty and had time to connect as a group. From there, we explored the island’s south coast, visiting Ahu Vaihu in the bay of Hanga Te’e, an unrestored platform that offered a raw glimpse into the island’s archaeological past. We also toured a reconstructed traditional village nearby, giving us insight into how the Rapa Nui people once lived. Another highlight was visiting the Akahanga complex, the legendary burial site of King Hotu Matu’a, the island’s first settler and a central figure in its history and mythology.
The next part of our journey took us to Rano Raraku, the quarry where nearly 900 moai statues were carved—an awe-inspiring site where hundreds of statues still remain scattered across the volcanic slopes. We enjoyed lunch at a nearby restaurant overlooking the crater lake, taking in the view and reflecting on the island’s incredible craftsmanship and cultural legacy. Later, we visited Ahu Tongariki, the most iconic restored site featuring 15 moai lined up along the coast, and continued to the eastern shores to see Ahu Te Pito Kura and the legendary “Navel of the World,” a stone believed to hold spiritual energy. We ended the day back at Anakena beach, where we explored the beautifully restored Ahus Nau Nau and Ature Huke—an unforgettable combination of history, culture, and natural beauty all in one place.
HIGHLIGHS
Driving up the winding road toward Orongo, the ceremonial village perched on the rim of the Rano Kau volcano, felt like entering a realm suspended between earth and sky. The ocean stretched endlessly beside us, a brilliant blue canvas that framed the island’s rugged beauty. With each turn, anticipation built—we were approaching a site steeped in legend, where ancient Rapa Nui culture once held one of its most sacred rituals: the Birdman competition.
When we arrived, the wind greeted us first, fierce and untamed, as though it too remembered the ceremonies once held here. The village itself, a cluster of low, stone dwellings with turf-covered roofs, looked out toward the vast Pacific. These structures, half-buried in the earth, were both humble and powerful—echoes of a culture that understood how to live with nature, not above it.
Beyond the village lay the view that took my breath away—three dramatic islets rising from the ocean: Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kao Kao. It was here that the Birdman challengers swam across shark-infested waters to retrieve the season’s first sooty tern egg, a sacred test of strength and spiritual favor. Standing at the cliff’s edge, imagining that perilous journey, I felt awe at the sheer courage and meaning behind the ritual.
Nearby, the petroglyphs spoke in stone, carved centuries ago to honor this tradition. Stylized images of birdmen—part human, part avian—graced the rocks, some arms outstretched in flight, others posed in triumph. These etchings were more than art; they were a language of devotion, sacrifice, and connection to forces far greater than the self. Tracing their lines with my eyes, I felt as if the spirits of the past watched us silently.
As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow on the sea and igniting the horizon in flame, Orongo came fully alive in my mind. This was no ruin—it was a sacred threshold between worlds, a place where myth and reality danced on the wind. Leaving was difficult, but I carried with me the stillness, the history, and the humbling beauty of this powerful place.
Personal Growth
My visit to Easter Island left me deeply humbled and profoundly appreciative of the comforts and opportunities we often take for granted in the United States. The island’s remote beauty, the resilience of its people, and their strong connection to land and culture made a lasting impression on me.
While there, we encountered a group of high school students also visiting the island. Some of them openly complained about the hotel conditions—how hot it was and the lack of air conditioning. Their discomfort led to phone calls to parents and a scramble by staff to make alternate arrangements for some of the students. Watching that unfold made me pause. It was a clear, real-time example of how easy it is to become disconnected from gratitude when comfort is our norm. In stark contrast, the locals, who live with far fewer conveniences, welcomed us with warmth, grace, and a deep sense of pride in their heritage.
That experience reminded me that travel is not just about sightseeing—it’s about growth. It’s about stepping outside of our familiar routines and embracing discomfort long enough to learn from it. Travel has the power to teach humility, patience, and perspective in ways no classroom ever could. It reminded me to stay grounded and to be more mindful of my expectations, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Witnessing the iconic moai statues and learning about their cultural significance was especially moving. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of heritage, community, and honoring those who came before us. These towering figures silently communicate a legacy of strength, identity, and continuity—values that too often get lost in modern convenience.
Coming home, I now view the everyday—clean water, climate control, abundant food, healthcare, and easy transportation—with a renewed sense of appreciation. My time on Easter Island didn’t just broaden my geographic horizons—it shifted my mindset. I returned with a deeper sense of gratitude, a newfound respect for simplicity, and a commitment to carrying forward the lessons I learned from a culture rich in resilience, humility, and grace.
Studying abroad in Chile provided a rich and eye-opening cultural experience. While in Santiago, I had the opportunity to witness a peaceful women’s rights demonstration. It was inspiring to see so many people—mainly women—gather in solidarity, demanding equality and justice in a calm and respectful manner. This moment revealed the strength of Chilean civil society and showed that social justice movements are thriving even in places far from home. It also reminded me that these struggles are shared across cultures and that being present to witness them firsthand adds depth to any international experience.
CULTURAL INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Studying abroad in Chile provided a rich and eye-opening cultural experience. While in Santiago, I had the opportunity to witness a peaceful women’s rights demonstration. It was inspiring to see so many people—mainly women—gather in solidarity, demanding equality and justice in a calm and respectful manner. This moment revealed the strength of Chilean civil society and showed that social justice movements are thriving even in places far from home. It also reminded me that these struggles are shared across cultures and that being present to witness them firsthand adds depth to any international experience.
Traveling from Santiago to Easter Island felt like entering a completely different world. The island is remote, peaceful, and deeply rooted in Rapa Nui traditions. Life is slower, and resources are more limited, but the people are welcoming and deeply proud of their heritage. The iconic moai statues are more than historical artifacts—they are spiritual symbols that hold deep meaning for the local community. Students should come prepared to respect local customs, be open to learning from the people, and understand that tourism must be balanced with cultural preservation. Flexibility and a willingness to live simply will make the experience far more meaningful.
For students considering a study abroad program on Easter Island, I highly recommend embracing both the discomforts and the beauty of such an experience. Limited amenities may challenge you at first, but they will teach you patience, gratitude, and a deeper connection to the world around you. Make time to learn from local guides, participate in cultural activities, and reflect on how your environment shapes your mindset. Between the activism in Santiago and the cultural depth of Easter Island, studying in Chile offers an unforgettable opportunity to grow both intellectually and personally.
MY DIGITAL STORYTELLING
“Fork First, Ask Questions Later: My Chilean Food Adventure”
AHU TONGARIKI: A MOMENT AMONG GIANTS
Sipping Through Casablanca Valley: My Wine Tasting Adventure
“The Colorful Streets of Valparaíso: Where Art and History Collide”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
When I started this journey, I didn’t know anyone in the class. We met, sat through lectures, and then left to go about our day-to-day routines. At the time, I couldn’t have imagined how much that would change. Through the shared experiences of traveling, exploring new cultures, and facing the unexpected together, I got to know my classmates on a much deeper level. We went from being strangers to forming genuine bonds—laughing over meals, helping each other navigate unfamiliar places, and reflecting on everything we were learning.
Those connections became one of the most meaningful parts of the trip. Beyond the cultural experiences and academic insights, I came away with friendships that I truly value and memories that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. I learned not just about Chile and Easter Island, but also about the strength of community, the importance of being open to others, and how much growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones.
This study abroad experience changed the way I see the world—and myself. It taught me humility, gratitude, and the power of shared experience. I’m leaving with a greater appreciation for different cultures, stronger relationships, and a more confident, curious, and open version of myself. For that, I’m incredibly thankful.