A Few Cultural Differences

Though many may not realize it, winter in Chile (and the rest of South America, for that matter) corresponds with summer in the U.S. For this reason, I packed what I thought was a reasonable amount of business clothes (for teaching) and sweaters (for layering). What I didn’t realize is that central heating is something we definitely take for granted in the U.S.



Upon arrival in the hostel, I was shocked to find my room the same temperature as the air outside (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a few). We bundled up for the night and survived the week somehow—neither our classroom nor any of the restaurants in which we dined offered heating either. When I arrived at my host family’s house later that week, the shock had worn off a bit and I was not as disappointed to learn of the family’s reliance on hot tea and a space heater when in the house. The beds do have mattress heaters, however, which is a definite plus! Among all of the places I’ve visited thus far during my time here, only one bank (and it was a really nice one!) and a huge 3-story mall offered central heating to customers.

Due to the constant exposure to the cold, I’ve found that I get hungry much more often and need to consume more food than that to which I was accustomed in the U.S. I find myself shivering every time I step foot outdoors when there’s no direct sunlight, and gloves and legwarmers are a definite necessity. The climate is great for dieting purposes, though—I’ve already lost a good five lbs and I attribute it completely to the cold!

Stray dogs were another aspect of this city with which I was unfamiliar. They roam the streets of Santiago in search of food and freebies and will follow you forever if you show them any decency at all. Our group had a mixed Doberman/German Shepherd fellow as our guide for a bit while we toured the city. He knew exactly when it was safe to cross the street (he recognized the difference between a green and a red light, though dogs are supposedly colorblind), and he accompanied us for over an hour until we walked into a restaurant. He is portrayed in all his magnificence below:



Earlier this week, when I was walking with my “mom” to buy a transportation card for the Metro (subway), I was shocked to see firemen soliciting handouts alongside the homeless. When I asked her about it, Mom informed me that firemen, or bomberos, are not paid, but that they must stand on street corners and humbly ask for pocket change if they want to supplement their income from other jobs. I felt very awkward about this—how would the homeless react if one bypassed them only to contribute to the well-dressed firemen?

Finally, one of the most notable (and obvious) cultural differences can be immediately discovered upon engaging in small talk with locals. Among the usual questions a foreigner can expect to be asked—occupation, reason for being in Chile, regions to which you have traveled, etc.—are those regarding age and marital status (and in some cases even political and religious beliefs)! Whereas I usually regarded these topics as taboo when I was in the U.S., in Santiago they are apparently incorporated into introductory conversation with relative ease and comfort. Though this may not be the case for all, or even a majority of the Santiaguinos, I have found it to be the case in many of my first encounters with fellow teachers and Chilean friends.