"And I wear my boots of Spanish leather, oh while I'm tightening my crown. I'll disappear in some flamenco, perhaps I'll reach the other side..."

Friday, February 11, 2011

FDOC, Spain style. check.

This week marked FDOC or first day of classes (for those of you reading this who are no longer in tune with the college lingo). Classes started on Tuesday for me, and let me tell, you what an experience it was. But I can now successfully say I've made it through my first week of Spanish university!

First off, I have a pretty good schedule considering the limited options. I have 4 classes, three at the university and 1 at EUSA, the hybrid university school where I took the introduction course. Mondays and Wednesdays are by far my busiest days because I have all four classes (unfortunately I have yet to endure a full schedule like this because of shortened/cancelled classes this week, oh the schedules of Spanish university). And I have early classes Monday through Wednesday, yikes. But I think it will be just fine, even though I'm not a morning person whatsoever. My first class looks like it might be my favorite! It is the history and technique of photography, and so far the one I understand the best at the university. The professor lectures with powerpoints and also repeats himself a lot, probably to help all of us international students. I also have it with three other UNC kids, so we can definitely all study together. It's an hour and a half long, but after I have a three hour break until my next class...political and social thought of the 20th century. In which I (along with all the Americans) AM COMPLETELY LOST. I am pretty sure our professor knows it too, as he is always staring at us with a funny little smile. I really need the philosophy credit for gen. education at UNC so I am determined to stick it out. I asked a Spaniard for her notes the other day so hopeful I can get that rolling next week. Until then, I guess I'll just smile and nod, as I listen to something about the bourgeois, 1848 and a revolution.

After lunch, I have the Archaic Mediterranean, another class I have to take if I want to knock out more of my gen. education requirements. The professor is super nice and has been helpful to me, but once again I feel like a lost puppy in this class. I catch some of the stuff, but like my previous class, my notes probably are just rambles. Luckily the girl who I asked for notes for my other class is also in this class with me, so hopefully I can get caught up in both! This class is especially nerve wracking because I am the only American! I get pretty nervous when I'm in there but hopefully it will get better. :/

My fourth class is my class at EUSA which meets Monday and Wednesday night. I am so excited about the professor! It's a class about Spain and the European Union so it has potential to be a little dry, but our professor rocks! And our first assignment was to make a map of Europe, can't be too hard now, can it? This class is also structured much more like UNC classes, so we will have more work than the classes at the university. At least with this class, I won't be so far removed from the UNC class style when I return next semester.

Tuesday I have my three university classes and on Thursday I only have my political thought class. Which leaves Friday with NO CLASSES. Despite the intense beginning of the week, it will be nice to have long weekends!

I definitely notice the differences in Spanish university system already. Classes are pretty relaxed and usually are just lecture-based and the evaluation system usually entails a final exam and maybe 1 paper. Not too bad. I just have to learn to understand what is going on!

Here's to one week down, and 4 months to go!

No comments:

Post a Comment