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“I don’t know where we are, but it’ll be okay”

Published on by Abigail HopperLeave a comment

Being abroad, situations seem to change drastically and frequently. You can go from being so homesick that you’re looking at flights home to parading around a city you’ve always dreamt of in a matter of hours. Adaptability and flexibility are inevitable skills I’ve had to develop, but within that I’m constantly looking for things that feel like home and that feel comfortable. Whether things are good or bad, I’m always looking for things that bring me back to the past. However, I’m starting to realize that there is so much warmth and goodness to be had here as well.

I had a pinch me moment last night when I realized my constantly rotating stream of peers from various social activities is starting to evolve into a stable and comfortable group of friends. We all got together and baked and watched Harry Potter and had “girl talk” and despite having completely different backgrounds we connected so well and I felt at home for the first time since being here. So we’re having a big slumber party next weekend which I’m so excited for!!

In the same vain, I just made the decision to cancel my solo-trip that I was planning to take and go somewhere else with my friends here – which I felt really stuck on but I think realizing how much my connections here are making me feel full I would much rather sacrifice a place that will always be there for friends who may not always be so near.

I’m realizing that the sensation of craving home is just that: a feeling. Getting stuck looking to replicate past moments or exact places and people to feel happy never seems to quite do it, and it keeps you from finding it right where you are. In the moments where I want nothing more than to be back in Denver or at home, I remember what my mom has continued to gently remind me: You have you’re whole life to be at home in bed, but only 10 months in France.

Thanks for reading!! 🙂

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!

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