Group XI (2004-2006) News

Group 11 International Seminar to Chile and Argentina
March 18-April 1, 2006

by Annette Bjorklund, Group 11 Participant

“How was your trip?”  “Tell me about your trip!”  “What was the most interesting thing you saw?”  “When will you be doing a presentation about your trip?”

These were some of the questions I was greeted with during this week as I returned to the “real” world from the WRLP Group XI International trip to Chile and Argentina.  My responses?  I never knew where to begin or how to pick out the highlights.  There were so many!  My common response has become, “It was fantastic!  I loved it!  It was great to be away, but it’s great to be home, but I really miss everyone I traveled with.”

We were so fortunate to have group coordinators (Seminar Chair Gerry Campbell, Professor, Department of Agriculture & Applied Economics, UW-Madison and Center for Community Economic Development, UW-Cooperative Extension and JoAnn Stormer, WRLP Executive Director with help from Fred Smith, Anglatin Ltd.) to arrange a phenomenal program for our two weeks in South America.  Granted, our days were filled from morning to evening, but our exposure to many aspects of these countries made the days pass quickly.

Our purpose was to explore and appreciate the culture, environment, economics, education, health, agricultural and political situations in Chile and Argentina.  Given this variety, everyone in the group was sure to find something that touched them.

For many, our visits to two private schools in Curicó, Chile and one school in Santa Fe, Argentina were the most engaging.  We were able to have conversations with students learning English and in this way learn about each other’s countries, values, and cultures.  We found that music bridges the language and cultural gap as we sang together. 

We learned a great deal about the agricultural field through visits to the Lo Valledor farmer’s market, INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology), Undurraga Winery, Walter Kunz’s fruit farm where we ate grapes from the vines we were standing under, William Cole Winery, Liniers Livestock Market, and Milkaut Dairy Cooperative.  In addition, we observed the processes of preparing and packing fruit for export, beer brewing and bottling, and the manufacturing of crystal glasses all by hand by artisans at Cristal San Carlos, the only manufacturer of crystal in South America.

Exploring the culture and people were fascinating experiences as well.  We spent a Sunday afternoon in Santa Fe with host families or couples.  (For some, this went well into the evening!)  We enjoyed (or were challenged by) the family life, barbeques, conversation, language, food (so much of it), drink (wine, pisco, and maté), dogs, traffic, and driving habits (Hang on, Andy!). 

We found the abundance of and use of green space incredible.  City central parks and many other areas were well used by the people.  Sunday afternoons in the park with families and friends made us understand the high value of spending time with family.  We found it interesting also that no matter the age, people had their maté cup and thermos of hot water. 

We certainly helped the economy as our (limited) free time took us to the many shopping areas for lapis, leather goods, yarn, gifts for family and friends, and other souvenirs.  (How many handbags were exported to the USA when we left!?)

As our group reflected on our experience, important themes emerged.  Listen to people and their stories.  People are people.  Different is different (it’s not for us to judge whether it’s right or wrong).  Language is important, especially knowing a second language, as this opens doors.

As one group member said, “This trip changes you.  WRLP changes you.” 

Annette Bjorklund is a 4-H Youth Development Educator for UW-Extension, Washburn County in Spooner.

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