Studying abroad means taking a lot of new challenges. The most difficult part that I’m confronted with is – socializing with our sportsstudents. That might sound weird but it’s really hard. There are a few, I have a good relationship to, but most of them seem to be very reserved when it comes to getting to know a foreign student, in that case – me. Today in swimming we had to get together in pairs and I didn’t get a partner. Well, happens though it was a very obvious situation and even Trine, our sportsteacher recognized that. So after the swimming lesson, Trine asked if I’m doing fine. Don’t get me wrong, I’m doing fine here but I just don’t get it. Is it me, is it a language barrier, why – what is it? Me and Trine were discussing that and she was very helpful, trying to find an answer. Well, there are a lot of young students, just got out of gymnasium, never been out there travelling, still living with their parents.. Is that the reason? I’m a bit older;-), so the age difference is quite big… Another reason?
Nevertheless, I take the positive of it – know I gained insight into being a foreigner/outsider. I never thought about it or was in that situation before. In a few years I will teach and work with children and I think it’s the most important thing, that people get integrated, that they socialize and aren’t left out… But we will work on that “problem” and as I said – it’s another challenge…:-) It’s all about the right communication…
The funny thing is that back here @ the students house where also Norwegians live – they are being open, like to socialize – also in the English class there are some and @ the “Klaettre gruppe” – so it’s just really interesting to experience…
Yesterday it was the second time, we had our Norwegian course. I really like it!!! It’s soooo cool to learn a new language! As I know German and English, I got an advantage of learning it, as there are a lot of similar words… We are around 20 international students, half of them – Vietnamese students. One of them always brings her little daughter, about 6 years (I have to find out her name and the age…) into the course and that’s ever very amusing. When we were enumerating the ABC, that little girl was shouting out with us, being the best…;-) She is really cute!!!
So I’m quite busy in studying now, still focused on training and getting in shape for winter – not far away anymore – jipiiiihhh!!!!
MELs' Blog 