Making street art to earn a living

As a student studying at a Chilean university, I have discovered many differences between the lives of American students and those of Chilean students. 

One of the strongest distinctions I have noticed is that Chilean culture is less focused on work and more centered around the family.

In America, when students start college many leave home and move into dorms. This experience teaches them how to be successful living on their own.

But in Chile, universities do not have dorms; students either live at home or find apartments. Most students end up living at home with their families.

This, however, is not because students don’t want to be independent. It is because many can’t be. 

While Chile is currently one of the leading countries in Latin America in many aspects, it is still developing.

Chile has a strong and steady economy with a low unemployment rate, yet most students do not work and therefore can not afford their own place. This is mainly because the minimum wage in Chile is so low that many students do not think it’s worth the time to work at all.

The minimum wage was just raised this year to $300 a month, which is the highest in Latin America after Argentina.

Unfortunately, that wage won’t even cover a month’s rent here in Valparaiso. Instead, most students choose to focus solely on school and their social lives rather than work for such a poor wage. 

But there are a few other college students that need money, so they have to come up with more creative ways to make it. These students often do not work traditional jobs, but instead perform on the streets around town.

They will do anything from acrobatics and juggling to dancing in amusing costumes. Many students also sell different things – from sandwiches to envelopes.

They also sell many different types of art throughout the city. Some make art just for tips as people walk by.

One of my favorite types of art here are the massive sand castles along the boardwalk.

They change weekly and often depict cartoon characters or other popular icons.

So while many students here don’t have jobs, those that do find work invent ways to entertain themselves and passersby while making a living.