Chile Forum

Well... I have to admit that after spending some time reading things on this forum (about different topics) My plan of moving to Chile has change a little; I don't have that feeling of "desperation" wanting to move there no matter what. I guess remembering different things about the life over there makes me think that I'm more American now that I though, after all I have lived 18 years in Chile and 16 years in the US (soon will be half of my life). I thank you guys for being honest about life in Chile, only people that travel knows that you can love a country or more than one country, and still admit and talk openly about the bad things that country has without trying to "offend" anyone (If you know what I mean).

My Carolina lived in Chile 22 years, here in US for 19. She loves Chile, it is her homeland and always shall be. But she also loves US and sees the advantages - most of all, for the kids- of living here and visiting there, and also viewing there as a potential fallback. The fact that the PC types find certain generalizations "offensive" has nothing to do with the truth or untruth of those same generalizations.

John Hyre

JHyre wrote:My Carolina lived in Chile 22 years, here in US for 19. She loves Chile, it is her homeland and always shall be. But she also loves US and sees the advantages - most of all, for the kids- of living here and visiting there, and also viewing there as a potential fallback. The fact that the PC types find certain generalizations "offensive" has nothing to do with the truth or untruth of those same generalizations.

John Hyre

This has nothing to do with being politically correct. I fully agree that when it comes to economics, accessibility to good quality, free education, post secondary education, the lack of an antiquated class system, etc., the US has Chile beat by a mile. I do not think anyone would question that. I know that if I had children their opportunities in Canada would be much much better.

The part that I question is when someone wants to make a blanket comment that "the culture in Chile in regards to child raising and expectations is so different from what they most likely know in the U.S. I don't want to sound like I am trying to insult Chile, but why take steps back in life?" I respect the opinion. I certainly am not advocating outlawing it. I just simply am calling BS cause I have lived in Canada 36 years. And I know that when it comes to expectations from kids, school absenteeism, teenage delinquency, lack of respect for adults and teachers, etc. Chile has nothing to learn from the US. Not an insult. Just a statement of fact.

John I really do think we are all adults here and are able to discuss things openly without accusing people of being thought police or PC. I don't really want to beat a dead horse as OP has already had her questions answered for the most part. Wish her all the best no matter what they decide.

If you have stats that bear out the premise that the US is the best place in the world to raise kids, by all means do offer them up.

I really dont think location has anything to do with how a kid is raised. It all has to do with how much the parents are involved in the kids life. Your kid, your responsibility. Alot of Americans think that they can drop their kids off at school and it frees them up until the next day. If your kid is struggling with a subject, help them out but dont do the work for them. Too many people make excuses due to location...bullshit! Its all in what you make of it. You improvise, you adapt, you overcome. I´m raising a son here in Chile and you can bet your ass he is going to grow up with the same values & manners that was instilled in his father....has nothing to do with where he is being raised, it is the role of the parents which effects the upbringing of their sons & daughters.

I agree it’s the parent’s responsibility to give their children an education, not the state. As to the FREE NORTH AMERICAN education system, look at your taxes and tell me it’s free. My son spent half his life in Canadian schools and half in Chilean schools, both were good and he graduating from high school in Chile with an IB he was accepted into University of British Columbia and PUC schools’ of Engineering he chose to stay in Chile. The school system in Chile is what you pay for, but I taught my son how to study and his reading habit comes from me as does his ethic of hard work. Parents who use the schools as a babysitting service then whine about their children not learning make me............

nwdiver wrote:I agree it’s the parent’s responsibility to give their children an education, not the state. As to the FREE NORTH AMERICAN education system, look at your taxes and tell me it’s free. My son spent half his life in Canadian schools and half in Chilean schools, both were good and he graduating from high school in Chile with an IB he was accepted into University of British Columbia and PUC schools’ of Engineering he chose to stay in Chile. The school system in Chile is what you pay for, but I taught my son how to study and his reading habit comes from me as does his ethic of hard work. Parents who use the schools as a babysitting service then whine about their children not learning make me............

I meant that in Canada, a quality public education is available to all sectors including the ones lowest on the socioeconomic rung (some of which pay no tax). But yes I would concurr with your sentiment.