According to different surveys and researches recently conducted, Chile is a developing country with modern infrastructure, high standard of living and a prosperous economy, with a dominant role in exportation.
Experts have concluded that the problem is not only a question of lacking good teachers of English but there's an important social factor which slows down progress. Most Chileans don’t like foreigners. They’d rather work and socialize among themselves.
The geographical conditions of Chile have contributed to the development of this behavior. Having the Andes in the East, the Pacific Ocean in the west, The Antarctica in the South and a dessert in the North, Chileans have natural barriers that have isolated them from the rest of the world since the first Spaniard colonized this part of the world.
Lots of foreigners have reported being discriminated because they are not nationals but there's also a distance between high and low social classes in Chile. Students coming from different social classes don’t mingle at school. High class parents don't want their children to have the same schoolbooks as those who are in a lower social position, creating another factor that slows down development.
So, teachers, whenever you realize there's little progress in your students’ learning of English, check their linguistic competence and the methodologies applied, but also bear in mind that the social behavior may be a tougher barrier.
On the other hand, you, teachers, and parents can solve this problem easily as you become aware of the problem and use all the resources available to raise open-minded children, expose them to different national realities, offer students the opportunity to learn about other cultures through games and songs. Whenever you have the chance, encourage children to meet a foreign child their own age, engage in spontaneous playing and so, they’ll be able to realize how friendly and enriching diversity is.
Chile has a great task to accomplish. People have to be more tolerant with their neighbors at home and abroad and be kind to people who look and behave differently. That new attitude together with the acquisition of English, will give Chile the chance to become the first developed country of this region.
Further Readings
Chile tiene la mejor infraestructura