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Sam Totten in Chilean Patagonia

Sam Totten, Class of 2015

Learning Abroad Program: Universidad of Chile Exchange

U Background: BA in Anthropology, 2015

Current Position: Works at a Vegan Education Non-Profit in Hawaii and New Zealand

My Story

My experience at the Universidad de Chile was life changing. While I studied anthropology at the U of U, at the Universidad de Chile I took classes in indigenous history, Spanish for business majors, and international business. During my time at the U of Chile I gained so much confidence in my ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish. I had plenty of immersion experiences prior to my time in Chile but being in the University setting helped lift my command of the language, allowing me to communicate in more professional settings. Indigenous history helped me connect to a worldwide narrative of corporate interests usurping indigenous wisdom and the protection of wild spaces. This pushed me into a life of service where I have, since graduating, worked at an indigenous owned eco-lodge in Bolivia, volunteered with a natural building non-profit in Moab, Utah, and now live and work with a vegan education non-profit in Hawaii and New Zealand. Despite an initial aversion to my business courses at the U of Chile because I had always been more interested in philanthropy, these courses helped cultivate a business sensibility that has since resurfaced in my quest to help non-profits develop more consistent sources of funding for themselves. What's more, my Spanish speaking ability helped me live and work in China as an English to Spanish translator. My experience living and studying in Chile prepared me for navigating such a different social landscape. For this reason alone, I suggest that students who have the opportunity to study abroad seize the chance! I am a better person, a more educated individual, and a more empathetic Earthling because of my study abroad experience.

Note: Above you will find a photo of me in Chilean Patagonia hiking through Torres del Paine National Park. Yet another reason to study abroad (especially in Chile) is access to the outdoors. Chile has so many places to explore, and I grew up in Utah so that's saying a lot.

Last Updated: 7/12/22