TEFL School, the first 2 weeks
Trip Start
Mar 27, 2008
1
5
20
Trip End
Ongoing
Rome,
Italy
Monday, March 31, 2008
Now it's the first day of school. I couldn't sleep the night before because I was a mix of nerves and excitement. I went to bed at probably about 10, and tossed and turned on my rather small and uncomfortable bed all night. By the time the alarm went off, I was already dressed and ready.
So, I hung around in the morning, organizing and reorganizing the items I had prepared to bring, ie books, pens etc. I made a nice breakfast of croissant and cheese. Finally, FINALLY someone else got up. Even though it took the girls several hours to get ready, at least I wasn't tiptoeing around now. I like to listen to music and sing so I was glad when the hour was decent. It comforts me. Eventually we left the house together and went merrily off to school. I don't know for sure about the girls but, i think ythey were nervously excited too.
It was the line A metro to Lepanto, then a 4 or 5 block walk to the school. We arrived at the school and went in. There was a small line to check in so we made chit chat with the other new students. It was finally my turn. I paid my money and went into the classroom and took a seat. I must say that i was filled with the same excitement that you have when you start a new semester in about the 7th grade( a time of youth when you get to see your friends again and show off new clothes.)
In all there were 11 girls and me. There was Gen, from the Philipines, Ouida, from South Africa, Jen from Chicago, Heather, from Portland, Carla and Lauren, from Philly, Stephanie,from Australia, Debbie from Ireland, Janet From England and the 2 Nadines from Jordan.
The first day, we were introduced to each other and we each gave a minute about what brought us to Rome. Each had a valid story and each story was different. We also met our teachers and were given a course outline...I almost quit that day. The course seemed very daunting. It in fact was advertised as a college level course in 4 weeks.
After the first day, we were treated to a "welcome dinner" to get aquainted and feel at ease. It was a very nice "traditional Italian dinner." Fantastic, wine, cheese and thinly sliced meats, followed by pasta, and then steak. There was a dessert of gelato and then we all went to our homes to study.
The first week wasn't so bad, the main focus was on methodology and no projects were due yet...The second week, was focused on grammar and homework was intense. I found grammar difficult and took to referring to the teacher as miss strega, (Miss witch). Then I decided not to blame her for my inability to learn and it all changed.
