Delegation From Chile Visits Pittsburgh and Morgantown to Learn American Cultural Traditions

GlobalPittsburgh recently collaborated with West Virginia University to arrange three days of meetings for a delegation of five visitors from Chile who help to introduce American culture to the Chilean people through a variety of programs and materials in their country.

The visitors were sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Santiago. They are Chilean professionals who work with local residents at the American Corner facilities on campuses in five areas of their country.

In addition to their stay in Pittsburgh and Morgantown, the visitors also stopped in Washington, D.C., Boston, and Miami to examine current and traditional issues relating to American culture so that they may better understand the issues that they are discussing through their facilities.

The meetings in the Morgantown area focused on traditional Appalachian folk and cultural traditions, the role that coal mining has played in the region, and eco-tourism.

The group met with representatives of several groups in the Morgantown area, including: the Northern Appalachian Coal Mining Heritage Association, the West Virginia Storytelling Guild, the Frank & Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community and Technical College, and the Arthurdale Heritage Center, among others. The group had several opportunities to enjoy performances of traditional music.