Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 (edited) So I am thinking about moving to Santiago, Chile for 4 months to help my kids (and me) learn Spanish and do cultural immersion. My thought process is this: It would probably not cost me more than what I spend on a ton of extras every month like lessons, gas, etc. for the kids. I don't want a vacation- since they can cost so much more and want immersion time! The dollar is 1.50 to 1 Peso. My husband could come down 1/2 way for the Christmas Holidays 2 weeks. It is summer when it is cold winter in New England We could homeschool there just as easy as here! It is only 16 weeks- we have a strong marriage which could sustain. Am I crazy? I could rent an apartment, use public transportation. I have been there once for two weeks and didn't find it intimidating. Our religion is strong there- but in Spanish. I am well travelled- so I am not scared to do it! I just want a crazy adventure but we are not going to quit, pack up and expat somewhere when we have a good job. I want my kids to see that not everyone lives like Americans....maybe a humble dose of life for a change! I wrote my thought process on my blog- http://www.domesticlifestyle.wordpress.com What do you think? Edited June 10, 2009 by Lux Et Veritas Academy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 What a cool, cool, mom you are! Do it. Sure wish we could join you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingM Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 What do you think? Medio loco. But it sounds like a fun, unforgettable adventure, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 GO! GO! GO! GO! What an awesome idea! I love it!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 :iagree: GO GO GO!!! It is a fantastic idea and if your dh is in agreement, then it is just a wonderful opportunity! Your kids (and you) will treasure it for a lifetime! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renee in NC Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 If I were able, I would do it in a HEARTBEAT! Can you legally stay that long or would you have to get a visa to stay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Cool! That just looks great! Now that I have my daughter's passport...from her bio dad...I too could think about this! Wow, what a great idea! Carrie:-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 (edited) If I were able, I would do it in a HEARTBEAT! Can you legally stay that long or would you have to get a visa to stay? We would have to leave after 90 days, but we would probably go to Argentina for a few days and then come back! I want to see Argentina anyways! Ideally I want to see Brazil and Paraguay and go back to Machu Picchu and see Equador, but I am not pitching that to the hubby yet........ Edited June 10, 2009 by Lux Et Veritas Academy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Sounds great! Have fun! Check out the visa situation though and make sure that your medical insurance will evacuate you home in emergency .... Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in the Kootenays Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Very cool. How did you settle on Chile? I'd lean towards Ecuador myself but then I haven't done the research. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 Very cool. How did you settle on Chile? I'd lean towards Ecuador myself but then I haven't done the research. Good question- Actually I am extremely interested in Ecuador as well. I am not one hundred percent decided. I had a family member in Chile at one time, and I visited for two weeks- so I guess the familiar thing is pulling me that way. Chile has a European flair to it and plenty of American fav's just in case we can't stand it. I am finding housing high priced though! So I might need to keep shopping a destination! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
athena1277 Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Ok, now we know who's getting the HS Mom of the Year Award!!! :D I hope you do it and have an awesome trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IATeachingMom Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 I'm trying to do a mini-version of that, only a month or two in Costa Rica. I hope you get it figured out and get out of here. What an amazing opportunity for you and your kids! They won't forget it. You have my vote...buen viaje! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingM Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 The only thing that gives me pause is the length of time away from dad. How old are your children? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
always cookin' Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 I have often thought of doing this myself, but I am not quite sure how to go about it. What would you do while you are there? How would you get to know people? Where would you live? It sounds great. I am just wondering about the logistics of actually doing it. Maybe I will meet you there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 well, I will say this much: you have got me thinking. Hmmm...we could do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 What a GREAT idea! I'd do it! Your children will ALWAYS remember the adventure! When I was 12, my parents went to help someone out for two weeks, and left me with good friends---my mom worked with the lady. This was a Mexican family who spoke only Spanish at home. They did not change that for me, so it was a definite immersion experience! I had to ask for everything in Spanish, and listen carefully to what they said, and watch their body movements to figure out what they were saying to me. I was friends with, and in the same grade as, the daughter, and she was allowed to give me tiny hints only if I got really stuck. The day before I went back home, the mom (the one my mom worked with) came in and said something in Spanish. I totally understood it and answered her back in Spanish! The whole family (extended, as the grandparents and an uncle also lived there) was there, and everybody, even the grandparents, were jumping up and down, all excited that I had learned and was doing so well! The grandparents ordered the mom to make a cake to celebrate! :D That was such a WONDERFUL experience for me, and one I will always remember---and it was only 2 weeks long! My only wish was that I could've been there longer, so it all would stick with me! It will be a grand adventure and a beautiful memory! Go, go, GO! Please let us know what you decide, and let me know which room I can stay in when "we" go! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in the Kootenays Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 This is my dream semester so I hope you keep us posted as you do your research. I visited Ecuador for 3 weeks last year and found the accent relatively easy to understand. I really enjoyed the people there as well but I've never been to Chile so I can't compare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 I think it's a fantastic idea, if you can pull it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLG Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 Love the idea! Dh and I considered this when our ds was about three and we went for four weeks to Chile. Santiago was wonderful! Once you get out into the other areas though there is a very strong anti-American vibe. The country is still recovering, at least in the remote parts, from the US interference in the 70's. Beautiful country though. Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted June 10, 2009 Share Posted June 10, 2009 That would be sooo cool! You are inspiring me - I am fluent in Spanish, I wonder if I could pull that off. Would you consider putting them in to school and really immersing them? My worry would be that they'd be at home with me and each other and mostly speak English otherwise... Or what would be another good way to get them really speaking to the locals? :bigear: There's a homeschooler at our German Sat. School who did this but in Germany - rented an apt, put her kids in school there for a while. Her kids speak German really well now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lux Et Veritas Academy Posted June 10, 2009 Author Share Posted June 10, 2009 That would be sooo cool! You are inspiring me - I am fluent in Spanish, I wonder if I could pull that off. Would you consider putting them in to school and really immersing them? My worry would be that they'd be at home with me and each other and mostly speak English otherwise... Or what would be another good way to get them really speaking to the locals? :bigear: That is still a question to be considered- I am not sure on that! I would like to fully immerse but are public schools the way to go or private? Or do you homeschool and get out among the people.......many questions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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