Friday, October 25, 2013

Proxima Parada

Its been a while since I have written I apologize!  I've been taking some time to get used to the "fiesta" aspect of Spain culture and have been thoroughly enjoying it.  Now I am listening to the rain and enjoying a cup of coffee having just woken up at 12 p.m.  How indulgent...




Siesta's are another indulgent thing that I used to feel guilty about taking.  I would ask myself, "Really?  a nap right now?  What have you done today to deserve a nap?!"  Now its more of, "You better get a 45 minute siesta in if you want to last as late as these crazy people do..."  I touched on this earlier, but in many ways I would like to morph the American and Spanish cultures together, because I now have a good idea about the positives and negatives to both.  

For example, Americans have the reputation of being hardworking and always in a hurry.  Spaniards have the reputation of being lazy and indulgent. Can I get both please?!  I'm also not calling all Spanish people lazy (side note:  Spaniards also don’t care much about politically correctedness either…notice my immediate reaction to say not all Spanish are lazy).  Aside from my American need to be politically correct, I have also faced a few stereotypes and had to justify American culture in my classroom and around me.  At school, one of my students looked at me and asked, “Does everyone in America eat McDonald’s?  Are they all fat?”  I started to laugh and then another student chimed in, “She’s not fat and she’s American, most Americans work out!”  I was cracking up listening to their ideas of American culture.  Some were completely far-fetched, others I had to shake my head sadly and say they were true. 



Most of the time when I say I’m American (which I do say proudly I can’t help it) people are generally pleasant, ask a couple of questions, and try to speak in English too me.  However, I recently ran into a situation where I was told, “You seem nice, but in general we don’t like Americans…”  He explained it was because of the fraternity culture and the students who come over here to study abroad and just drink and get rowdy.  I understand that stereotype, but naturally I was quite offended! 

Last night I hung out with my Spanish roommate and a few of his friends for the first time and they too asked me questions about American culture.  It had more to do with American television, Grand Theft Auto and the violence in our culture.  Of course they were joking occasionally but they definitely get a skewed vision in their heads of who we are. 






For a lot of Spanish, touching and close proximity don’t seem to be a problem for anyone.  I’m used to affectionate proximity from my family and have no problems with hugs, with strangers however?  That’s a different story.  I’m still getting used to the double cheek kiss which is how you greet someone you’ve been introduced too.  Doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, old young, if you’ve been introduced, you touch cheeks and make the kiss sound.  Several of my co-teachers will hold my arm while explaining something to me.  My Spanish roommate has pinched my cheek a couple of times even in front of his girlfriend!  But that’s just it, they’re signs of endearment and they don’t think twice about it and you see it everywhere.       

I’m ready for another weekend and am excited that I have been here for a month…missing home of course


    

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

     I had my second, first day of class at my OFFICIAL school today!  It was a big change, but I think it will be better for me in the long run.  I am with one group of kids and only 2 teachers as opposed to a whole jumble of different classes. I think with my desire to be a teacher in the future, this will allow me to work more on lesson plans and dealing with middle school children.  At my old school, we were used more as a “Foreigner prop.”  We answered questions and just kind of enforced that there are native English speakers out there.  At my new school, they were very excited to find out that I graduated with a teaching degree.  My English teacher immediately divided the class in half and sent me to an empty classroom with 15 kids saying, “Heres the book, we’re starting lesson 3.” The Spanish method of teaching is all about improvisation I’ve noticed.  No lesson plans to turn in, just straight from the book. The teachers don’t worry about being politically correct or humiliation of students.  Updates to continue…

        As I learn more about the curriculum I’ll let you know if my theory changes.  The teachers spoke specifically in Spanish to me, which was good because I need to improve.  All in all my observations have led me to believe we need a fusion of American culture and Spanish culture because they seem to be quite different extremes.  Spaniards think we’re workaholics, but complain that their people are lazy.  I have to justify every indulgent decision I make, they say, “Why not?”   


       As I am continuing my life in Madrid, I have noticed and become aware of so many different things.  Whether they are different or similar, I have to address a couple of things that I am already sick of seeing…Number one being dog poop.  Trying to avoid this on the sidewalks is not pleasant and I can actually smell it.  So gross.  Another gross thing?  People making out everywhere.  Call me bitter, but I walk around a lot and every 20 feet there’s a couple kissing passionately.  Doesn’t matter if its 2 p.m. or 2 a.m. its all the same.  First couple of times I thought, “Aw that’s nice,” now it’s, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?!”  

My weekend starts Friday :) hope everyone else is doing well 

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Primer Dia de Classes

Today was my first day of school!!!  I woke up at 6 a.m. to catch my first train, to my connecting train to get to the school which is quite far away.  Needless to say, catching the train going in the wrong direction didnt help....I got to the school about 20 minutes late.  But its Spain!  And they don't seem to care, especially since the head director and I have been in constant contact most of the summer.  

            Anyways, I finally arrived to the school and all the of the little kids were so excited!  I have 4 classes and work with students mainly in 4th and 5th grade.  I switch around to different classes and get to work with different teachers.  Some dedicated the whole class time to getting to know me, others went straight to the lesson and didnt know what to do with an assistant in the class.  

           Either way this week is an adjustment period and we'll have to see what they expect from me!  Im not supposed to take over any teacher roles, but I'm sure ill have to come up with some lesson ideas or help with the topic being covered.  

          My commute is long but so far it has been a welcoming atmosphere and the teachers were pretty nice!  A chance to speak some more spanish I hope?  The few times Ive been out and able to try, people just want to practice their english with me...we'll get there :)