I'm not sure if anyone has explained the University system to you yet, so I'll try to give you a little background as best I can. Here, when people choose a major, that means they take classes only within that major and only within the level that they are in. For example if you are a first year law student, you would only take classes with other first year law students and all of your classes would be the same. Because of this system, it is easier for the University to change the schedules around since if all the students are in the same classes, it is impossible for them to conflict. There are two things I would advise because of this system. One; if you are going to take classes directly from the University, I would recommend trying to find the classes you need from the same area of study and in the same level (for example, if you need two classes from the university you could find them both in History, 2nd level or something). This way, if the classes get changed around you won't have problems and you will have more classes with the same students so it will be easier to meet people. Two; check the schedules EVERY week! They aren't kidding when they say the schedules get changed.They are posted on bulletin boards outside the buildings as well as on the UPF site. Make sure you have the right week though when you look!
Going back to the matter of meeting people at the University, part of the reason taking your classes from the same department will help you is because it will be easier to get to know the group of people you are taking the classes with. When Sebastian and I arrived, we found it very difficult to get to know the students very well since they already knew each other so well. People are very nice here and friendly but its really hard to actually get to know them very well beyond just having lunch at the cafeteria. I've also noticed I think they just don't "hang out" very often like we are used to doing so try to bring up conversation topics just about what there is to do on the weekends or something once you feel comfortable enough. Just ask what is fun to do, what do they usually do. Would they like to do something with you? Show you their favorite bar or club or take you to their favorite beach? Just something like that that will let them know you are actually interested in doing something with them will really help you out I think! I know its hard at first but try really hard just to make conversation whenever you can to get to know the people you are taking classes with a little better. (Also, the people in LEA second year are really nice so if you meet any of them, introduce yourself! They also are learning English so this will be good for both of you!)
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Proof!
Iaorana!
I thought this time I would try to post a couple photos just to give everyone a little bit of an image to go with everything you are hearing about Tahiti! I'll narrate each of the photos a little bit and just open up the blog for discussion! Please comment and ask anything at all that you are curious about. Certain things you'd like me to talk about, questions you may have, other pictures you would like to see, anything at all! I hope you all are getting excited!!!
This is a picture of my host father and I kayaking in one of the lagoons. The water is crystal clear and its perfect for looking at the coral and the fish! Also, if you get the chance to snorkel in these lagoons, I would definitely do it. There are all kinds of things to see, and it's as easy as just going to a public beach and swimming out towards the coral with a pair of goggles!
These are the famous Roulotte's! While you are here you have to try eating at them at least once. This particular picture was taken at the big square in downtown Papeete near the pier where they set up every evening around sunset. All of their cooking supplies, food, chairs, tables and anything else you may see in a restaurant is all crammed into these vans. Then they have little flaps the lift up (just in case it rains) and open up for business! There are lots of choices, includingChinese food, Gallettes, Crepes, Pizza and of course plently of fish! It's a great spot and sometimes there is even live music. There are also other little individual Roulotte's located around the island, so keep an eye out!
This is Sebastian, Theresa, and I in front of a waterfall that we got to stop at on our tour of the island! I'm sure you all will also have the opportunity to do this, so even if it is raining (like it was for us) it is definitely worth walking up to see! Theresa is from Spain and will be here the entire year, so hopefully you all will have a chance to meet her as well.
This is Sebastian and I in front of the main building of the University! I'm sure you've seen pictures already but the whole thing is on a hill that looks out on the ocean and the neighboring island of Moorea. There are plenty of outdoor picnic tables and benches that are perfect for studying or hanging out in between classes. All the buildings are white and have windows that are usually open so it just has an open and fresh feeling that will definitely be nice after winter in Iowa!
This really is what the sunset looks like every evening!
So, that's about all that the computer will let me upload for now, but please leave comments! I hope this gives you a little bit more of an idea of what to expect, and I'll be sure to keep you updated with more pictures of the island and of what we have been doing here!
Bonne chance avec votre préparez!
Nana,
Emily
I thought this time I would try to post a couple photos just to give everyone a little bit of an image to go with everything you are hearing about Tahiti! I'll narrate each of the photos a little bit and just open up the blog for discussion! Please comment and ask anything at all that you are curious about. Certain things you'd like me to talk about, questions you may have, other pictures you would like to see, anything at all! I hope you all are getting excited!!!
This is a picture of my host father and I kayaking in one of the lagoons. The water is crystal clear and its perfect for looking at the coral and the fish! Also, if you get the chance to snorkel in these lagoons, I would definitely do it. There are all kinds of things to see, and it's as easy as just going to a public beach and swimming out towards the coral with a pair of goggles!
These are the famous Roulotte's! While you are here you have to try eating at them at least once. This particular picture was taken at the big square in downtown Papeete near the pier where they set up every evening around sunset. All of their cooking supplies, food, chairs, tables and anything else you may see in a restaurant is all crammed into these vans. Then they have little flaps the lift up (just in case it rains) and open up for business! There are lots of choices, includingChinese food, Gallettes, Crepes, Pizza and of course plently of fish! It's a great spot and sometimes there is even live music. There are also other little individual Roulotte's located around the island, so keep an eye out!
This is Sebastian, Theresa, and I in front of a waterfall that we got to stop at on our tour of the island! I'm sure you all will also have the opportunity to do this, so even if it is raining (like it was for us) it is definitely worth walking up to see! Theresa is from Spain and will be here the entire year, so hopefully you all will have a chance to meet her as well.
This is Sebastian and I in front of the main building of the University! I'm sure you've seen pictures already but the whole thing is on a hill that looks out on the ocean and the neighboring island of Moorea. There are plenty of outdoor picnic tables and benches that are perfect for studying or hanging out in between classes. All the buildings are white and have windows that are usually open so it just has an open and fresh feeling that will definitely be nice after winter in Iowa!
This really is what the sunset looks like every evening!
So, that's about all that the computer will let me upload for now, but please leave comments! I hope this gives you a little bit more of an idea of what to expect, and I'll be sure to keep you updated with more pictures of the island and of what we have been doing here!
Bonne chance avec votre préparez!
Nana,
Emily
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
A long way from Home
Iaorana!
So as I'm sure you are all aware, when you are very far away from home and living in a culture that is completely different from your own, it is very easy to get homesick! I think the hardest part for me was at the very beginning when I was trying to get classes in order, get settled in with my host family, and get used to communicating in a language that I wasn't fluent in. It is definitely overwhelming, but take if from someone who knows, it WILL get easier! A few things that kept me calmed down were to just remember that you will only be here for one semester. Try not to let yourself get too worried or down if things aren't going exactly as you expected and just try to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Use things that don't go as planned as a learning experience. This is a different system and a different culture so you will constantly encounter surprises!
Another part of homesickness is missing your friends, family and/or significant other quite a bit when you first arrive. Especially if it's your first time being this far away it is difficult to adjust to not seeing or talking to the same people every day. Try to remember though that while you are here you have each other and you have your host families! Plus, your families know you are a long way from home so feel free to talk to them about it if you're feeling homesick. This is also a great time to get to know your host families as much as possible. Tell them about yourself, your family, your hometown and ask about theirs. It's a perfect opportunity to practice your French right when you arrive as well! Even though it may feel awkward and frustrating at first, talk as much as you possibly can. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Reading and watching films in French is helpful too if you have time to kill by yourself.
I'm not sure if all of your host families will have internet or not, but if they do, Skype is a great way to talk to people at home. You can call cell phones for a small fee and you can call other skype accounts on the computer completely free. Emails of course are good too. Make sure if you do have internet access to ask your family if there are any limitations on how often you can use it since internet is very expensive here. If your family doesn't have internet, you can access the internet at the university and there are also a few cybercafes in Papeete that are pretty reasonably priced. Another thing that helped me when I missed friends and family was to be old fashioned and write letters! (Especially when my internet was down) Even though they may not get them for a couple weeks, it is almost therapeutic to write to them and just tell them how you are doing and about your experiences.
I hope this post didn't get you down. I'm sure you will not feel homesick for very long, but hopefully if you do this helped a little bit!!
Nana,
Emily
So as I'm sure you are all aware, when you are very far away from home and living in a culture that is completely different from your own, it is very easy to get homesick! I think the hardest part for me was at the very beginning when I was trying to get classes in order, get settled in with my host family, and get used to communicating in a language that I wasn't fluent in. It is definitely overwhelming, but take if from someone who knows, it WILL get easier! A few things that kept me calmed down were to just remember that you will only be here for one semester. Try not to let yourself get too worried or down if things aren't going exactly as you expected and just try to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Use things that don't go as planned as a learning experience. This is a different system and a different culture so you will constantly encounter surprises!
Another part of homesickness is missing your friends, family and/or significant other quite a bit when you first arrive. Especially if it's your first time being this far away it is difficult to adjust to not seeing or talking to the same people every day. Try to remember though that while you are here you have each other and you have your host families! Plus, your families know you are a long way from home so feel free to talk to them about it if you're feeling homesick. This is also a great time to get to know your host families as much as possible. Tell them about yourself, your family, your hometown and ask about theirs. It's a perfect opportunity to practice your French right when you arrive as well! Even though it may feel awkward and frustrating at first, talk as much as you possibly can. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Reading and watching films in French is helpful too if you have time to kill by yourself.
I'm not sure if all of your host families will have internet or not, but if they do, Skype is a great way to talk to people at home. You can call cell phones for a small fee and you can call other skype accounts on the computer completely free. Emails of course are good too. Make sure if you do have internet access to ask your family if there are any limitations on how often you can use it since internet is very expensive here. If your family doesn't have internet, you can access the internet at the university and there are also a few cybercafes in Papeete that are pretty reasonably priced. Another thing that helped me when I missed friends and family was to be old fashioned and write letters! (Especially when my internet was down) Even though they may not get them for a couple weeks, it is almost therapeutic to write to them and just tell them how you are doing and about your experiences.
I hope this post didn't get you down. I'm sure you will not feel homesick for very long, but hopefully if you do this helped a little bit!!
Nana,
Emily
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