Category: Europe

Thrive in a Different Style Classroom

Published on by vanessacepedaLeave a comment

I really mean it when I say that no tutorial could have prepared me for the way Italian instructors structure their lectures! Allow me to briefly explain the backdrop. Regardless of the course material, lecturers in the majority of the classes I’ve taken in the past rely a lot on student conversations. Different points of view are encouraged in both lab and more hands-on sessions, and the day is frequently divided into sections to aid in maintaining focus, particularly in lengthier classes.

Exclusive

But it’s been a whole different experience here in Italy. The adjustment has been surprising, but I wouldn’t say it’s been difficult. All of my lecturers have so far spent the entire two or two and a half hours giving lectures, without pause. It could be difficult to maintain concentration on the subject! Furthermore, because the teaching approach favors a specific viewpoint, I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss other points of view during lectures. Open debate is challenging because teachers like to reaffirm their stance as “better” if you raise your hand to criticize an idea or present an alternative viewpoint.

Performance

There is also a difference in the pressure to grade assignments. Although attendance is required, depending on the course, your mark is typically determined by a midterm, final, and maybe a project. This may appear to be a lot of weight based on a small number of evaluations.

Personally

I’ve discovered that when I wish to further question anything or correcting someone feels like going somewhere you really shouldn’t in Italian schools. Even if it’s not your aim, voicing a different viewpoint can come across as impolite. Since the test will ultimately be dependent on what you are learning, you often just wind up sitting there, taking in the information as it is, and working with it. Finally, keep in mind that instructors have the power to make or break a course, so when forming your class schedule look into course content and expectations and choose subjects that you are actually interested in. Alternatively, if you’re up for an adventure, enroll in a class that’s exclusive to your program!

To summarize, I strongly advise getting to know a minimum of two students in each class. Having classmates to study together really helps manage the more difficult subjects and lightens the workload. In addition to having more fruitfully weekends, below I have shared my favorite art from Prague castle located in Czech Republic, breath taking pieces that my friends and I got to witness together before coming back to class.

Ciao!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAzIaszMVXw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Settling In.

Published on by chrisbryantaveryLeave a comment

The time has flown by; I’m writing this in the middle of my third week, and aside from overcoming my jet lag, I feel like I just arrived last weekend. I’ve become closer with the local skaters, took an impromptu solo trip to Dresden, Germany, and my classes are finally demanding a noteworthy level of work and attention. Just a couple of days after writing my last post, I got the chance to visit Letna Park and Old Stalin Plaza—home to a famous beer garden, an eclectic population of birds, and a coveted street skating plaza. When I arrived with my board and bag there were already lots of people skating. I found a spot near where others were hanging out so I could feel safe putting my bag down, began my stretches, and realized I was sitting among ten to fifteen of the best skateboarders in the world, including Louie Lopez, a professional from Los Angeles whose signature shoes I’ve been skating for a while.

It was a treat to skate alongside people who existed in my head only through videos and magazine ads. I was also reminded that although I’m five thousand miles from home, humanity has the power to shrink this big blue planet down to a really homely size.

I’ve spent ample time getting to know the local skaters. They’re keen on going to an art bar after skate sessions, where people work on art projects together and share a pint—a nice change from going out with other American study-abroad students to the touristy clubs and pubs.

Both of my roommates spent the previous weekend in Munich at the big Oktoberfest celebration, allowing me to book a solo trip and navigate European travel on my own. Catching the right bus at the right terminal was a bit of a reality check, particularly with German drivers and staff members who didn’t speak English. I was able to talk to other travelers and find my way, hopping on a double-decker “Flixbus” two hours north to Dresden. The Czech countryside along the way was gorgeous. I caught glimpses of the mountains toward Saxon Switzerland National Park and peeked through tiny agricultural valleys that looked cozy and sleepy in anticipation of winter. Dresden itself was stunning. Just walking through the historic downtown and seeing the reconstruction and restorative efforts since the devastation of WWII was enough to entertain my senses for my first day. I stayed in a very clean hostel on the outskirts of town and spent late nights in Google Translate conversations with two older women from Russia, Tatiana and Galina. They urged me to visit Hamburg, Germany, for its historical importance in business and trade, as well as some other smaller German towns with good food and rich culture. I’ll have to find a way to sneak in a visit while I’m out here. Aside from the downtown district and local skatepark, I spent several hours in the Green Vault Museum—home to artifacts, including a crystal cup held and gifted by Martin Luther. The solo trip was a great experience, but I’m looking forward to having my schedule line up with my roommates’ so we can visit places together. By the end of my last day, I definitely felt like I was wandering aimlessly. Regardless, it was a fantastic opportunity to boost my confidence, see some history, and enjoy lots of personal reading.

Back in the classroom after Dresden, I’ve been tasked with all of my semester-long projects and now understand what is expected from each course. The professors are very relaxed but eager and excited to teach about marketing, business management, new technologies, and, of course, the Czech language. I generally have very little homework but spend three consecutive hours in each class once a week. Soon, I plan to visit some friends in Barcelona, visit Amsterdam with my roommates and some other buddies, and my parents have bookings to come visit. It’ll be so nice to see them, and I can’t wait to take them around to some of the great places I’ve discovered here in Prague. I’m guessing we’ll also do some more touristy activities together, so I’m anticipating it to be my week of visiting Prague rather than living here.

Cheers!