The Swinburne Wanderer

What do you get with a stadium South Americans at a Santana concert? One massive party, that's what...


Hi, my name is Julio Ramirez.

 I'm studying Communication Design at Swinburne and am spending my third year abroad in Chile, South America. I was chosen by Swinburne to represent not only my university but also my country in an experience I know I will look back on in my life as one of the greatest moments that I will treasure for years to come.

I was given a scholarship to study in South America back in November 2008. After being given the scholarship, it was just a matter of me getting all my paper work done, booking my flights and saying my last goodbyes to friends and family before I could leave Australia for South America.

I left Melbourne on the 25th of February 2009 at 8am. I've never felt so many mixed emotions in my life. But I knew that this trip would change my life for the good. I was sad to leave family and friends but excited about the new things that were about to come?

The flights felt like forever. It was from Melbourne Airport to Sydney International Airport. 1 hour. From Sydney to Argentina, Buenos Aires which was a 12 hour flight. Although my flight felt like forever, the excitement that you feel in the air is indescribable. Knowing that your life is about to change, everything you know, your whole world will be gone and be completely different. I arrived in Buenos Aires at around 2pm, I then had to wait 4 hours for my final flight to Santiago. I arrived in Santiago at 4pm. And it was one of the best feelings I have ever felt!

I have now been in Chile for 3 weeks, and it has been incredible. So much has happened, and I know there it still more to come. I have met new friends that I know I will keep in contact for the rest of my life.

The culture of South America is known for its excitement, music and passion for life. This is definitely seen in the city of Santiago. I have been able to travel around Chile to see other towns. One of the other towns that I have seen in Chile has been Vina De Mar, which is in one of the beautiful coast sides of Chile, just an hour away from Santiago. Vina De Mar has got to be one of the most beautiful beaches that I have seen or come across.

The group of housemates that I am living with (who are from all around the world also) are such amazing people. And it helps when you have a couple of international students that have already been around the country for a couple of months that know the good spots to go and know the culture of the country.

I also got to Santana Concert in my first week, which was like a massive Latin South American party. Santana is an amazing artist with his live band, which is made up from some of the world's most talented musicians. When you put Santana along with some music freaks that are masters in salsa music and add a stadium of South Americans, you get one massive party.

So far my experience has been breathtaking. But like I have said and mentioned earlier, it's just the beginning. There is still a lot more to come. I'll fill you in with the next month in my next blog, when I walk into the classroom of another country.