T hanks to this past summer’s Georgia College & State University Chile Study Abroad program—where students participated in an internship while learning about Chilean culture and enhancing their Spanish language skills—program participants are one step closer to getting the jobs they desire. 

The Chile Study Abroad program also demonstrates the strength and importance of Georgia College’s liberal arts experience in preparing students for today’s complex and increasingly globalized working world. Students representing a broad spectrum of fields including data analytics, business management, early childhood education, biology, environmental administration, business administration and others benefited from the opportunity.

Dr. Brantley Nicholson, associate professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies and director of the Chile Study Abroad program, emphasized two points about the program. First, “students were exposed to the target language in a way that can’t be replicated in the classroom.” Second, they were accruing “real-world” international experience that would not only just appear on their resumes, but genuinely make them stand out and apart from other applicants.

“In at least one case, a student actually got a good job, because they could say they completed an internship in a foreign language in another country, which is no easy feat,” Nicholson said.

Before departure, Nicholson matches each student’s professional interest to opportunities, including internships in human resources, journalism, nursing, teaching and more. He’s even had a future physician participate in the Chile Study Abroad program by making rounds in a teaching hospital.

Nicholson knows the importance of combining language study with practical and cultural experience.

“It’s not only learning about another culture, but it also improves their Spanish while gaining professional experience,” he said. “It’s something that checks so many boxes for them.” 

In the classroom, Nicholson strives to emulate real-life situations. Nothing can match the everyday learning of a language while living in the country where that language is spoken.

“The students begin to feel differently about the language—it’s not just something that’s in a textbook,” Nicholson said. “They interact with others daily. So, there’s an emotional connection students make when they meet people in a foreign country—it’s the sink-or-swim aspect that makes them acquire a second language more quickly.” 

“When students are challenged to go out of their comfort zone, while they go about their daily lives and gain professional experience in another country,” he said, “it nurtures their malleability and adaptability.”

In a more global society, bilingualism is common and often expected. The United States is the second largest native Spanish-speaking country in the world, behind Mexico. 

“I can’t overstate how important bilingualism is,” Nicholson said. “No matter what students do professionally, I can’t think of a major that wouldn’t be well complemented by speaking a second language, especially Spanish. It’s going to open students up to a wider group of clients and the public.” 

Nicholson is fascinated by Chile and always bases the program in Santiago, the nation’s capital. The location benefits students in many ways. He chose Chile because it’s a well-developed country with good public transportation. Most students had a list of things to do and places to visit, like museums ad attending a theatre performance.

Students stayed with host families, which allowed them to navigate their daily lives in Spanish. They established a connection with their host family, in addition to using language to maneuver work situations and getting to know their employers and coworkers.

The group also hosted luncheon speakers who spoke about Chilean culture and professions. A Chilean attorney provided an overview of the country’s contemporary government and how it fits into the last 20 or 30 years of local politics. Students also heard from the head of a digital marketing company.

“I enjoyed how I was able to intern in something I want to do when I graduate college,” one student said, “and that it just wasn’t any internship.”

Another student said, “I really enjoyed my internship. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I learned a lot and can’t wait to use my new knowledge.”

“Studying in Chile provided a valuable global perspective and enhanced my understanding of different cultures, languages and traditions,” another student said. “This is beneficial in various fields, such as international relations and global business.”

When the students return from the Chile Study Abroad program, Nicholson often notices how they’ve matured, progressing in the language and cultural awareness.

“Some students in my upper-division classes have an improved ease with the language and confidence in talking about Latin American culture,” Nicholson said. “It just feels good for them to have met that challenge.”

Applications for next summer’s Chile Study Abroad program will open soon. Students of all majors are welcome to join the 2024 program.