Job Discussion Forums

astronomikl · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

What's up everyone?? Well I am heading down to Santiago March 1st to teach and live for a year, and I was wondering about somethings. I have been reading the posts for a couple of months now, and I have been getting a picture of what it might be like once I get down there. But these are the questions that I have

1.) Being an African American, will I have any problems while in Santiago?? I know that there aren't many Black people there, so I was wondering how I would be treated once I am down there. I do speak some spanish (by no means fluent) but that is the goal for being down there.
2.) I have also been reading that Santiago is a conservative city. So does that mean that there are harsh actions against gays, and the like??
3.) I am also a little nervous because I won't know anyone down there, so I know this is a hard question to answer, but how hard will it be to meet new people? I know it depends on the person, and I am outgoing, I am a dj, I snowboard.....I love the outdoors, I am just afraid that I won't meet people. I guess that is a natural response to moving to an entirely different country.
4.) And my last question is.....I have been practising kung fu for about 2 years now, and I am wanting to continue the practise, if anyone has any info on some good schools or teachers, please let me know.
Any info would be appreciate

paz

koshechka · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 1:04 pm Post subject: some things

look, i am not an expert on the chileans, but i've been living here for almost 5 months and i do know some things. in my opinion, you might have to deal with some covert racism since, as you already know, there are no black people. the only black people that i've seen are cubans and they are latinos anyway. but being a gringo, foreigner, may help. to meet chileans you have to give them classes. really, this is the best way of meeting people that i've found. there is a false sense of friendship that you'll develop with them anyway, it will depend on you to take it to a more sincere level. as far as kung fu, i really don't know, i've seen people practicing capoeira in the park, that's about as much for martial arts that i know about.
chile is nice, the chileans are mostly nice and you should be ok if you speak some spanish although their variety is a bitch to understand. if you're planning to teach, you should be able to meet people. to meet americans, you have to work at some institute, which i don't and therefore i haven't.
hope to have been of help, good luck
koshechka

astronomikl · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

I really appreciate that. I kinda figured there would be some sort of racism, being as though there are no Black people down there. But I do speak some spanish....and with that, you made me feel a little better. I am going to be teaching, and I will be teaching at an institute as well. I guess I am just nervous about the unexpected. 3 weeks and counting. Thanks again for the response.

Bernie · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 20

Hi there Astronomikl,

Just another note about racism. I think it differs between male and female. Black females tend to get racist/sexist abuse yelled at them in the street. Whereas I don�t think that�s the case with black males. Saying that, I've seen women in general receive sexist comments in the street.

I think that a lot of the racism here is part of the general ignorance of the population due to Chile's relative isolation and problems with its neighbours. Also, people here have no sense of political correctness. Many social groups experience discrimination here, not just black people. (eg. the disabled, the native peoples, women).

Most of the foreign teachers I know (of different colours and backgrounds) have experienced discrimination, but the fear and ignorance of others haven't stopped them from having a great time this beautiful country and making Chilean friends.

Meeting people shouldn't be difficult. All the schools I've worked in have had great social networks of Chileans and foreigners alike. Teaching Enlgish is a great way to meet open-minded, educated people.

astronomikl · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

I guess I was a little apprehensive at first, whereas now will the feedback I am getting a better understanding of what is to come. I know that Iam going to be stared at, that I am prepared for, but I think the rest would depend on my own attitude. I am a really chill and laid back guy, so I am thinking things might be ok, from what has been said to me. Thank you for the response, I think the more I hear the more I am realizing that it might not be a huge problem.

BurnChurch · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

Is Chile Racist?
Perhaps yeah.
Because is isolated and is homogenic. Even if the Chileans are half native americans-half europeran. Is not that they are Mean or Racist.
Is just that by origin, racism is not hating other`s race. Is about when a homogeneous group meets somebody who lloks different. Because humans dislike new conditions. But that is at first. Not permanently.
So hey, you might even be liked by everyone there.
Give it a try. I reccomend it.

astronomikl · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

I am going regardless of my apprehension. I leave in exactly a week. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. It's weird. I just can't wait to see what it is going to be like. I kinda figured there would be some sort of alienation.....again due to the human nature of seeing someone different, but I was just curious about the long term. I don't mind a few stares.....it's just when it gets into deeper things is when the problems begin. I am thinking this is going to be an amazing experience for me and I can't wait for it to start......7 days and counting......

BurnChurch · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 34

That is very cool. You will have a good time Believe me. Try going to HBH bar where you get the best homemade beer ever. How long will you spend in chile?
Take care man

astronomikl · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 5

I plan on a year, but if I stay longer that is good too. I got a job down there teaching, and I got a work visa....so I am contracted for a year, and then after that who knows. I am hoping that the Chileans adopt me so that I won't have to come back to the States. but I am just going to play it by ear and see what happens. So check out the HBH bar?? I will try and do that why I am down there. good looking out.

M

DianaMa · Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Stgo, Chile

so are you here? how's it going? did you find a nice place to live, work? I'd love to hear you news

cheers
Diana

didi · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

Hi,
I am planning to arrive in Santiago in September. I was also wanting information regarding racism. As you, before your departure, I plan to go regardless. I am a black female with Cuban father, but still American. I am a little nervous after reading about sexist comments towards women.
Please share! How has your experience been thus far?