Eight student-athletes from the University of Richmond arrived in Santiago, Chile on May 3 as part of the school’s EnCompass Program. The group is spending time in Chile from May 1 to May 9.
The program aims to provide students with international experiences and exposure to different cultures and histories. Upon arrival, the group was greeted by guides K and Victor, who led them through downtown Santiago for their first day of activities.
The itinerary included a visit to the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, where students learned about Chile’s history under President Salvador Allende, the military coup that ousted him, and subsequent dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet. According to Jason Raffel from Men’s Cross Country, “Our guide at the museum told us about the United States’ role in the military coup that overthrew Allende, and the subsequent atrocities that occurred under the military dictatorship. We were particularly struck by the cruelty of the methods of murder used and the range of victims, including children.” He added that they learned about truth commissions established after Pinochet’s regime which investigated human rights abuses for national reconciliation.
The group also visited a local market where they discussed current political divisions within Chilean society. They drove past Palacio La Moneda—site of significant events during Chile’s coup—and visited Plaza de Armas as well as Santiago Metropolitan Cathedral. Their day concluded with a cable car ride up San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views across Santiago.
Raffel reflected on behalf of his peers: “We were impressed by how vast Santiago is… we reflected on the day and how grateful we are to be able to experience this beautiful country together.” The trip continues with further cultural exploration planned.
