Lasting Memories: Friends for Life

Programs for this blog post

Leadership & Service in Public Health

Authored By:

Magaly Cabrera-Ortiz
Thursday: Deeper Immersion into the Community

CPR Classes

CIEE students learned about and practiced CPR with local medical students at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). 

Students practicing CPR skills to Baby Shark song and Stayin' Alive.
Students perform CPR to Baby Shark or Stayin' Alive songs.
Group photo with medical school students after CPR class.
Group picture with PUCMM medical students after CPR class. 

Mural Tour

On a guided tour, students walked through central Santiago, learning about its rich history and the meaning behind murals. Students were in for various treats throughout the whole tour!

Students learning about the significance and interpretation of the painted mural.
Students interpret and learn the significance of this local mural.

Students brushed up on their basketball skills and played pick-up with locals. 

Lechones or “piglets" showcased their masks, festival clothing, and dances. Students could try cracking the whip for its sound effects. Most importantly, students learned about the local initiative from its impact and meaning to the community. Not only is the activity within its community a positive outlet for children to gain role models, and feel part of a family or community, but a way to pass on traditions between generations.

A local group of community based lechones.
"Lechones" in a community displaying their carnival dances and traditions between various generations.

The tour concluded with eating local empanadas and drinking fresh juice! 

Students pose at the conclusion of the mural tours with the tour guide.
Students pose at the end of the mural tours with the tour guide.
Friday: Friends for Life

As the program concludes in less than a few hours, Friday was filled with lasting memories from the botanical garden to dinner. 

Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden of Santiago allowed students to walk through lovely gardens and see a variety of natural species, from plants to animals to even butterflies.

Students standing on a bridge in the butterfly exhibit.
Students standing on a bridge in the butterfly exhibit, posing for pictures.
Students walking through the garden grounds on a beautiful sunny day.
Students walking through the Botanical Gardens of Santiago.
Group of friends embracing the tour train ride through the garden grounds.
Friends posing during the train ride through the Botanical Gardens of Santiago.

Farewell Dinner: The farewell dinner was a highlight for the students, closing the program with fine meals at a homestay. As the night passed, students danced their hearts out and sang karaoke. 

This evening was a memorable one seeing how close students have become with each other, becoming a family and supporting one another, and creating lasting friendships and memories. These past three weeks have been filled with memories, laughter, and smiles! We wish all the students the very best and will always be here to support our students! 

Program Leaders, Coordinators, and Directors of Santiago at the Farewell Dinner.
A farewell from site program assistants, leaders, directors, and coordinators. We wish students the best and a continuation of memories and friendship!