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| La Universidad de Salamanca |
I didn't know what to expect. How big are my classes? Are my professors mean? Will I understand them? Are my friends in any of my classes? Will I pee my pants? Will I have a lot of homework? Why did I choose to take only Spanish classes? Will I cry for my mommy??? It was like the first day of kindergarten all over again without arts & crafts/I had to take my nap (siesta) at home. JK it wasn't nearly as terrifying as kindergarten. I was more excited than nervous because my passion for Spanish language and culture kept me up ALL night. I couldn't wait for my first day.
I walked into my grammar class and was faced with the most difficult decision of where to sit… I picked a seat in the very center of the class, close to another girl in my group. After most of the students filed in, a pattern emerged; American students on one side and Japanese/Chinese on the other. Although we are in an environment where diversity is strongly encouraged, all of the students including myself chose to sit with people of similar descent. I will address this issue in a later post. Disappointing but it was the first day and the professor told us that tomorrow we have to intermix; we will see how that goes. However, the professor and the class were very fun and I am in the process of perfecting my grammar.
After 2 hours of grammar, I immediately walked down the stairs into my Spanish history class and sat front and center. Our teacher gave us a worksheet with pictures corresponding to major events/works/periods of Hispanic history, but its safe to say that no one knew how to chronologically order the 13 pictures except Roberta, an American woman much older than the typical college student. She knew so much about these paintings, people, places, and monuments that we all wonder why she is even taking the class. Regardless, I have a lot of respect for someone who still has a passion for learning and the courage to attend school at her age despite the judgment of others.
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| Tapas con el vino |
FINALLY, I went to my Spanish business class in a different building. I was disappointed that I will mostly be learning Spanish business vocabulary words and customs rather than how Spain functions in the global economy. I guess my expectations were unreasonable considering it’s a 200-level class. Although it is in Spanish, there are many different levels of speaking ability as well as many nationalities: Brazilian, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian, British, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and American. Its incredible that students with very diverse backgrounds have committed to learning Spanish and were all attracted to the University of Salamanca. Apparently it is the 2
nd oldest university in Europe, Oxford was established first, and the buildings are a true testament to its historic background.
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| Dia's menu! |
Overall, classes seem manageable and I am very excited to be bombarded by Spanish history, culture, business, literature, language, and more culture all at the same time. After an hour information session on Spanish tapas customs, like how to order, names of drinks/glasses/wines, and how Spaniards pay, I had my first real tapas tonight with my Emory group! I had pancetta, pinchos morunos, a form of beef shish kabob, and farinato, tapas typical of Salamanca. They were absolutely delicious. My host mother told me that Salamanca is famous for their tapas or “planchos.” In 2 out of the 3 bars we entered, they were playing American artists like Michael Jackson! Side note: Bars in Spain are different from American bars, which are known as bares de copas (copas are alcoholic drinks with soda like gin and tonics.)
Now that I known how to “picar” like the Salamancans, I feel much more comfortable going out at night and meeting people. Now that I have a phone, the possibilities are endless. A quick warning to everyone living in Salamanca, watch out because Dia (my nickname) is trying to chill!!
Here, I learn more in a day than I learn in an entire month in the States. It makes me feel like I am missing out on so many other cultures, I am even considering studying abroad again with the business school! Anything is possible. Time for me to complete my first Spanish assignment of the semester! Hasta luego!
After 2 hours of grammar, I immediately walked down the stairs into my Spanish history class and sat front and center. Our teacher gave us a worksheet with pictures corresponding to major events/works/periods of Hispanic history, but its safe to say that no one knew how to chronologically order the 13 pictures except Roberta, an American woman much older than the typical college student. She knew so much about these paintings, people, places, and monuments that we all wonder why she is even taking the class. Regardless, I have a lot of respect for someone who still has a passion for learning and the courage to attend school at her age despite the judgment of others.
Overall, classes seem manageable and I am very excited to be bombarded by Spanish history, culture, business, literature, language, and more culture all at the same time. After an hour information session on Spanish tapas customs, like how to order, names of drinks/glasses/wines, and how Spaniards pay, I had my first real tapas tonight with my Emory group! I had pancetta, pinchos morunos, a form of beef shish kabob, and farinato, tapas typical of Salamanca. They were absolutely delicious. My host mother told me that Salamanca is famous for their tapas or “planchos.” In 2 out of the 3 bars we entered, they were playing American artists like Michael Jackson! Side note: Bars in Spain are different from American bars, which are known as bares de copas (copas are alcoholic drinks with soda like gin and tonics.)
Now that I known how to “picar” like the Salamancans, I feel much more comfortable going out at night and meeting people. Now that I have a phone, the possibilities are endless. A quick warning to everyone living in Salamanca, watch out because Dia (my nickname) is trying to chill!! 
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