July 2024
Spending a month in Santiago, Chile, as part of the SCORE exchange program was an experience full of contrasts: incredibly warm and welcoming people in a less-than-ideal neighbourhood, a highly efficient metro system with notable safety concerns, and a hands-on research internship with limited resources.
A warm welcome in a chilly setting
I arrived in Santiago early in the morning, jetlagged but excited. My contact person (CP) and host went above and beyond to meet me at the airport. This warmth from the Chilean people continued throughout my stay, making even the initial challenges easier to navigate.
On the way to my accommodation, I quickly realised that the neighbourhood didn’t quite match the quiet, picturesque area I had seen on Google Maps. My CP kept warning me about safety. Not the first thing you want to hear when you're going to spend a whole month in that area! On top of that, whenever I told people my address, I was met with looks of horror. I soon realised that those "be careful" stories were mainly meant to warn about theft, to always keep my phone tucked away while walking around. This was less than ideal for navigating an unfamiliar city, but glad to hear I don't need to fear for my life!
Another surprise? Winter in July! I had packed winter clothes, but I wasn’t prepared for the lack of indoor heating—not just in university buildings but also in homes. Although temperatures were around 15°C, similar to some summer days in Belgium, without heating, it felt like the coldest month of my life.
A Chile Summer – get it??
An eye-opening research internship
I worked in the Department of Physiopathology, getting hands-on experience in basic wet lab work. The professor was the sweetest, and while the lead lab technician didn’t speak English, the other students were absolute lifesavers, translating protocols and assisting with experiments.
Unlike a purely observational internship, we actively contributed to ongoing research with daily tasks. With my background in biomedical sciences, the techniques weren’t new to me – though they were great practice for medical students with little lab experience. One thing I truly admired was how, despite the constraints compared to Belgium when it comes to technical resources, Chilean students are incredibly engaged in research. Their approach is highly practical, and they don’t just practice theory; they actually apply it in real projects, which I think is a crucial aspect of learning.
The internship was complemented with a guided tour of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where a doctor explained cost-effective healthcare practices. He showed how resource limitations shaped treatment approaches, often leading to surprisingly effective and practical solutions. It was fascinating to see how different healthcare systems adapt to their realities, proving that high-quality care isn’t always about having the most advanced technology but about using available resources wisely.
The absolute highlight of my exchange was the Teddy Bear Hospital. My CP, who is highly active within IFMSA Chile, invited me to join him and other members at a local primary school, where we introduced children to medicine in a fun and interactive way. Seeing their excitement as they performed “surgery” on the big teddy bear and cared for their toy patients was absolutely heartwarming.
And to complete the exchange experience: adventure!
There was also another exchange student in my project, which meant weekend getaways to explore Chile!
From the bustling streets of Santiago to breathtaking landscapes, every weekend was an opportunity to explore. We explored the lakes and volcanoes of the south and witnessed the surreal beauty of the desert in the north. Chile’s diversity amazed me – from picnicking at the foot of an active volcano to warming up in its thermal waters, one moment I was exploring the rare lagoons in the world’s driest desert, and the next, I was staring at the brightest night skies.
Would I do it again? – 100% Yes
Absolutely. Despite some initial shocks, the people, the culture, and the meaningful lab work made this an unforgettable experience.
Oh, and one last thing: dogs in sweaters!!! Stray dogs all over Chile are cared for by the community, given food and even little coats in winter. Heaven for dog-lovers!
