Regine Francois, a junior at Columbia University majoring in Sociology and Sustainable Development, spent four transformative months in Chile as part of a study abroad program on Social Justice, Cultural Identity, and Community Development. The program, organized by Columbia’s Global Program and Fellowship Center, took her from urban Santiago to remote corners of the country, providing a deep dive into the complexities of Chilean society.
Francois’s academic research focused on immigration and its impact on the evolving construction of Chilean identity. While based in Santiago, she also participated in a week-long academic excursion that took her north to Arica, Putre, and Socoroma, and south to Pucón, Temuco, and Trancura—experiences that added regional nuance to her studies.
“Being in Chile has allowed me to explore much more of who I am and what I want in my life,” she reflects. “It has shown me the power of making decisions that contribute to a more meaningful life, how to better embrace my own vulnerability—something previously almost nonexistent—and the beauty of speaking Spanish, where expression goes deeper than just word choice.”
Francois describes the experience as one that helped her grow not only academically but also personally, emotionally, and spiritually. “I will always be grateful for this experience,” she adds.
