Trimester Immersion in Chile: Student Pioneers

The world we live in is changing rapidly–technology is advancing, cultures are melting together, and our planet is seamlessly becoming a smaller and more connected place. 

Brewster represents these changes at a smaller scale and we realize the importance of preparing diverse thinkers for lives of purpose and educating them to do so in a globalized world. The Brewster student population is 20% international, with kids from more than 20 countries. Our community is made up of many different backgrounds, and our educational model embraces our diversity. It is our strength.

It is for this reason that Brewster has embarked on a new journey. Our campus on breathtaking Lake Winnipesaukee is the home base where our students can take advantage of the team approach and constant support. Now, they can broaden their learning experience outside of Wolfeboro, N.H., while maintaining all the perks of being a Brewster student. 

In spring 2019 we launched the first Trimester Immersion Experience. A group of nine students from various grades lived in Santiago, Chile from the end of February through the end of April—an entire trimester. Carter King ’19, Louis Gleason ’19, Sydney Bertinetti ’19, Jack Baldwin ’20, Aidan Rolfe ’20, Kayla Proia '20, Carolyn Trepanier '20, Julia Wysoker '20 and Jermaine Nsenga '21 have become the pioneers of Brewster global education. Now that our first Trimester Immersion students are back from their adventure, we’ve asked them to share the challenges, surprises, and joys they experienced in Chile candidly and in their own words. 

“The group came together through a lot of communication and dependence in the beginning. It was necessary for all of us to lean on each other in the first days because we knew no one or anything about what we were doing. But as we were able to figure it out and become more accustomed to the environment, we were able to start enjoying everything together in comfort.” —Sydney Bertinetti

“We all came from different backgrounds and different lifestyles. Together we pushed one another to grow and understand the offerings Chile had in store.” —Carolyn Trepanier

“I went in knowing everybody by proximity, but only being good friends with a few. Within the first couple of weeks, we all had grown an inseparable bond that lasted throughout the duration of the trip. It also taught us how to be mature in terms of handling friendship issues. Since there were only nine of us and we were all with each other every day, if someone didn't get along with someone else, then the trip wouldn't be as fun and relaxed. It forced us to discuss with issues among each other teaching us valuable conflict resolution.” —Carter King

In order to gain full exposure to the Chilean culture and lifestyle, our students were carefully placed with host families in Santiago de Chile where they would share meals, practice their Spanish skills, and create memories with locals who welcomed them into their day-to-day life and served as support, in addition to the Brewster supervisors. 

“My experience with my host family was amazing. They really incorporated me into the family quickly and made me feel like I was really part of it. By the second week, I was already introduced to the extended family which really sealed the deal in making me feel part of the family. Every time I would see them they didn't treat me differently than anyone else. You could really tell that we all had grown really close to our families when we were all sobbing having to walk through security at the airport. I had a particularly great experience with my host family because they didn't speak English very well. My mum and sister could speak alright, able to hold a basic conversation and translate words or phrases when I needed, but that was just about it. This was really nice for me because it forced me into a good uncomfortable situation of having to use Spanish, I could tell that my Spanish improved immensely and my confidence in speaking really improved as well.” —Carter King

“My host family was extremely generous and kind. Even the maid hugged me when I left and asked me a week in advance what my favorite meal was so she could make it for the night before I left. They all even comforted me when college decisions didn't go my way. They treated me like they had raised me and went above and beyond.”—Louis Gleason

Living in Chile created an environment where our students were constantly learning, exposed to a new language, a new city, and new people. However, they managed to stay on top of their studies and juggle their responsibilities with their free time and many field trips around the area. 

“We spent the first few weeks mainly traveling around the central part of Chile, visiting the sea, the mountains, and the city. Everything was exciting to see. The last three weeks we spent focusing on academics and preparing ourselves for the transition back into Brewster. Though there are classes and assignments that require some catching up, Mr. Fouser and the other teachers worked hard to teach the range of students on the trip.” —Carolyn Trepanier

“We had a classroom we went to every day to do our classwork and it was very manageable–likely even more so given that we had one-on-one time with teachers so we could breeze through topics we did understand, and ask questions for those we didn't”—Louis Gleason

“It took a lot of time to adapt, but it was doable. I was able to manage everything while still enjoying my time in Chile.” —Sydney Bertinetti

“The independence of my own time was really valuable to me, especially because of how structured Brewster is.” —Carter King

With the right support, these students successfully balanced academics, social life, and exploring. Near to the end of the trip, it is no surprise that the group was getting closer, especially after bonding experiences during field trips and excursions.

“My fondest memory was during our hiking trip toward the end of the program. We spent three days with no connection to the outside world. We learned things about one another and bonded through the adventurous experience we had all decided to take part in.” —Carolyn Trepanier

“My favorite part of the trip was going into the Andes. It was a mini three-day trip and it was the trip that we bonded the most over. We all really came together. A lot of laughing and smiling and memories were made on this trip.” —Sydney Bertinetti

“My fondest memory was one of the nights in the Domos. We all sat together playing cards and telling jokes. While the sightseeing and cultural immersion were fantastic, it was the group of people that made the trip really great”- Louis Gleason 

“My fondest memory is the excursion to the Andes mountains. It was in a nice, very private area that was very serene and far away from any city life. It was at such a good time being toward the end of the trip that we all were very close, so we all joked around having loads of fun. Everyone just seemed so relaxed and really connected. The team bonding activity day was amazing, and each activity was really fun. It really showed the different strengths in the group. The whole three-day excursion just really allowed us to let loose and have some fun and escape the bustling city.” —Carter King

The group returned to the Wolfeboro campus on the last weekend of April. As their friends welcomed them back, not even the jet lag could hide the joy in their faces. When asked to tell us what they would say to a Brewster student thinking about studying abroad, they have very firm and clear answers.

“It is such a valuable experience both as a student and as a person. Traveling abroad, especially for a long time, allows you to understand the world a lot more. Experience is always more valuable than classwork in terms of language and culture. A teacher has the power to give students an education, but the world has the power to give students an experience. You can learn about the Spanish language or cultures of a certain country, but you'll never really truly understand it until you experience it, until you travel. In terms of as a student, if the individual takes Spanish it'll expand their knowledge of Spanish and take it to a whole new level.” —Carter King

“The Chile immersion trip was an opportunity of a lifetime to discover new cultures and develop meaningful relationships around the world. It was an opportunity to learn and grow both emotionally and mentally with the understanding I gathered from being abroad.” —Carolyn Trepanier

"I would tell my friends that the trip gives you a real appreciation of the world. You get to see a whole new way of living from the United States–one at a more relaxed pace with uniquely warm and welcoming people. I would also tell them that the experience of hiking through the Andes, living in the Domos, and venturing around Valparaiso was like none other, and the only way to truly understand how great it is would be to go there yourself."—Louis Gleason

“Traveling abroad is one of the greatest experiences you can ever have. People should go to South America, specifically Chile, because of the culture and people. I swear, I saw some of the most beautiful sites and people along the way in the two months I was there. In addition, I was able to assist my Spanish ability.” —Sydney Bertinetti

The team in the Global Initiatives Office is excited to share new learning abroad opportunities for students. Get more details about the upcoming Fall Trimester Immersion trip to Santiago de Compostela here.

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