I Can Has Job?

I'm now in my third week of learning how to teach English to speakers of other languages. My comfort level in front of a class has increased exponentially, although that may also be a factor of having the same students week after week. They are a really nice group, all adults who come in the evenings, mostly after work, but there are a few who don't work. They are all eager to learn, and fun to teach, especially at the higher levels where they have learned to express themselves in different ways- a few of them have wicked senses of humor!! As much as I enjoy being here and teaching and learning, the reason for the course is almost upon me: homelessness looms and I need to find a job. A large part of my dwindling spare time these days is spent responding to job postings that are sent to our instructor Kenny, and which he subsequently posts on the job board, but for the most part I have been cold-emailing language schools, mostly in Italy. I really want to go to Western Europe in general, Italy in particular. It's harder to get a job in Western Europe simply because EVERYONE wants to go there! I've applied to some places in Eastern Europe and would consider working for a year there and then going West. If, by the time this course is finished, I still have no job, chances are I will just go to Italy and crash on Erin's couch until I find a job. A lot of places won't consider people who do not live there, so having accommodation is huge. We'll see, hopefully something will come up and within the next week I will be on my way to employment.

EEK! I've been lazy!

Sorry everyone, for the lack of posting recently. They keep us so busy during the week, and I worry about losing people's interest if I just post on the mundane details of daily life. BUT, it occurred to me that some people might be wondering just what goes on in the day-to-day activities of a TEFL student? Well, here goes:
Monday and Tuesday we have what are called "inputs," which are basically classes on topics ranging from different aspects of grammar, to phonology (the phonemic alphabet is based on sounds we make), and teaching methods. These are the days that are most like 'school'. In terms of assignments, we have a grammar test at the end of the course that we must get 100% on in order to get our certificates! It's not grammar in the sense of when to use a comma, etc, but rather how and when to use the past perfect continuous tense, and such. In short, very confusing, and not something I think we ever learned as native speakers. Cross your fingers for me! Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are when good organizational skills come into use, because these are days given over completely to the planning and execution of lessons. Volunteers come to the school at 4 pm to take English lessons given by...US! They are divided into Beginner, pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, and Advanced, although there is some blurring of the lines between the levels. This is great, because we will all leave here not only having taught real people, but also having a number of ready-made lessons that we have already used and been evaluated on. For example, this past week I taught a pre-Intermediate Reading lesson, an Intermediate Speaking lesson, and an Advanced Listening lesson. Next week we will begin teaching Grammar and Writing. Pre-Intermediate is definitely the hardest to teach, as getting them to speak can be like pulling teeth. You have to be comfortable just being stared at blankly sometimes, and I especially have really had to work on SPEAKING SLOWLY, something that does not come naturally to me. A key point to remember when planning lessons is to OVERPLAN, because nothing is worse than finishing everything you had planned for 15 minutes before class is scheduled to end. Believe me, this happened to a classmate of mine, and improvising when you're being stared at by a group of expectant students is m.i.s.e.r.a.b.l.e. I had a similar experience when I spoke too quickly when giving instructions to my pre-Intermediate students on Wednesday, and anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT comfortable being stared at like that, and can probably imagine the candy-apple red shade of my cheeks. I felt like bursting into either flames or tears, but after a deep, calming breath and a conscious missive to SPEAK SLOWLY, I completed the lesson pretty successfully. Whew! that was a lot of information, I hope that helps anyone who's been wondering what exactly I'm doing here. I've been applying to jobs all day today so far- they have a job posting board at the school, and have applied to about 7 so far today. Although I'm actually kind of excited at the prospect of being homeless in Europe after the course ends, I would like to have something lined up as soon as possible, because I'd definitely like to stay for a while. Much love to all- I know my parents have been giving their friends the link to this blog, and I just want to say it's fine with me for anyone who feels so inclined- the more the merrier! Missing everyone but loving every second of this new experience. The picture at the top is me on the roof of our building- amazing views of Prague.

Pay It Forward

(Me and Erin on the Charles Bridge). What a weekend! It was the best kind, exhausting and fun. Saturday we kind of just bummed around during the day. I got to spend some time with Erin, when Simone went to go watch a rugby game at a bar. That night, we all went out to dinner, then I went to some Czech nightclub with my classmates- there was an 80s/90s 'video pop' night, which basically meant that they played things like obscure Queen and ABBA hits while showing the accompanying videos. There was some good dancing, though, and my classmates got to show off their recently acquired knowledge of The Cotton-Eyed Joe (I kid not, they played this in a club). Sunday found me bleary-eyed and on a 4-hour walking tour of Prague with Erin and Simone, which was actually pretty cool- the sun made its first appearance since I've been here, but it was so cold, I was wearing 2 hats. After that tour came the included haunted tour of Prague that night, for which we were the only 3 people. Our guide, Alistair, was really animated and funny, and told some really great stories, not the least of which included a great place to have dinner. We went into the restaurant and while waiting for a table, struck up a conversation with two people from Connecticut (Ed and Jane) who subsequently invited the three of us to dine with them. They insisted on picking up the tab as well, only asking that we 'pay it forward'. I can't get over that kindness. It was unexpected and just amazing. It was such a fun dinner, and felt a little like family, which is nice to find so far from home. Today it was back to business as usual, although I did go grocery shopping after school. I feel most homesick and confused when I'm at the grocery store, because it's something we take for granted at home, being able to go into a store and quickly buy some food. Such a simple thing becomes that much harder when it's in an unfamiliar language, but I managed to buy some rohlicky (mini-baguettes) and pate, and had a wonderful dinner of that. Lots of work to do, hope everyone's Valentine's Day was great!

Everything I Hoped It would be...

...And so much more. The title of this post is of course in reference to the photo above. For a while now, I have been both amused and intrigued by the Czech specialty of beef with whipped cream. I thought to myself, "it can't possibly be what it sounds like...maybe the cream is unsweetened. Maybe it's just a cream sauce, that would be normal". Nope! In this case, the dish turned out to be EXACTLY as it sounded. Two slices of beef in a gravy sauce with dumplings...and sweet whipped cream with cranberries. So funny, and actually really good, I enjoyed the meal. It's very filling though, although I guess it has to be with how cold it is here. People need something to stick to their ribs! The dumplings are fantastic- kind of spongy, like a cross between a crumpet and a loaf of white bread. My friend Erin who lives in Rome is here, with her boyfriend Simone. We had a nice breakfast and dinner yesterday. I haven't seen her in 2 years, and she is so happy living abroad, and is full of great advice and bits of wisdom about making the transition. In other news, we taught our first 2 classes this week, on Thursday and Friday. I thought they both went well, they were just half-hour classes, but the students (who are all adult volunteers of varying levels) seemed to respond well, and do the activities I set them, so I was pleased. For the next three weeks, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will all be given over to planning lessons and teaching them, so we will get a fair amount of practice, which is great. I'm currently trying to do laundry, but our washer has no clear set of instructions, and I opened it when I thought it was done at one point, and half the clothes weren't even wet. So we'll see what happens. I didn't bring that much in the way of clothing, so I hope that it works soon, so I can start leaving them out to dry...This will be my first weekend in Prague- I don't count last weekend, as we were so disoriented and getting settled in. Time to see what the nightlife is all about! Much love to all.

When In Doubt...Do the Cotton-Eyed Joe

(ME ON THE TRAM, FIRST DAY OF CLASS)
In the last couple of years, I have become substantially less extroverted than I used to be. I don't mean among my friends, they will tell you I almost never shut up. I mean in new, unfamiliar situations, and being ready and willing to meet new people and try new things. Part of the impetus behind this trip to Prague (and beyond) was the realization that I used to love to travel. I used to love making new friends, and seeing fun new things. I never stopped liking those things, I just think they went into hiding for a while. Anyway, being here in Prague, where I don't speak the language and know not a soul, is probably the best way to change that. In the last few days, I have relied on two girls in my class that speak Czech to order for me in a restaurant, had to teach my class how to do something I know how to do well (seeing as there was no way to teach 8 people how to bone a chicken, I whipped out my iPod, cranked up the volume, and taught everyone the Cotton-Eyed Joe), and forced myself to go out at night when I really just wanted to stay in. I have had to figure out how to feed myself using only a glorified hotplate and a bar fridge for storage space (boiled lentils it is). Oh, and navigate a city (and public transportation) that makes no logical sense in its layout, and whose street names are not only unpronounceable, but largely unreadable, and therefore not conducive to being committed to memory. It doesn't sound like a lot, but it does to me. And it's been fun, mostly. I say mostly because it can be very disorienting to hear voices around you, not one of which speaks your language. As I walk down the street, my ears prick up at anything that sounds like English, and I instinctively turn towards the sound. I went out last night with some classmates to a known expatriate cafe/bookstore called the Globe, and for a few hours I might have been in New York, or England even. While occasionally isolating, it makes you grab on that much more firmly, and appreciate more, those moments, however brief, where you feel like you know what is going on and that the world isn't in on some joke that's just outside your reach of comprehension.

Starving in Prague

The one thing I have felt almost constantly since being here is hunger. And I'm not alone, my roommates are experiencing the same issue. Our lack of a decent kitchen combined with a desire to not spend all of our money at restaurants has created conditions of extreme hunger pangs. Also, everything that is portable and does not require cooking is bread-based so it is gone and you are hungry again in about an hour after consumption. Desperate for some form of protein, I ventured out and got some red lentils tonight, which when boiled with any number of spices, were actually quite nice. My first lentil soup, very fancy. I think I'll wait for this weekend when Erin comes to visit to try the real Czech food I've been anticipating (beef and whipped cream, MMMMMmmmm). Today was the first day of class. It's intense, we're there from basically 9:30 until 5 or 5:30 M-T, then on W-TH-F we go in a little later, and stay until around 7 in the evening, because that is when we 'practice teach' Czech people who volunteer to be our guinea pigs in exchange for the off-chance that they might actually pick up some English. There are 8 people in my class, 2 men- Lawrence (English), and Patrick (also English), 6 women- the two I live with, Lucie (Czech), Dianne (Slovak), Patricia (English), and me. Everyone seems very nice so far. We had our first lesson of introductory Czech today, which let me tell you, is HARD. J is pronounced like K, and that's the least of my worries. We only have it until Wednesday, just a taste, but enough so that all the shopkeepers in Prague don't blacklist me for not saying hello properly when I walk in the door. We took the tram to and from school today, I felt like such a local. The other two who I live with seem to defer to me when it comes to directions and getting around town, which to me is just hysterical. I don't have any sense of direction, I just read 2 streets ahead on the map, then have to stop and look again. I'm getting lots of use out of my trapper hat that my brother gave me, I fit right in with all the locals, although my roommates told me I looked more Russian. As long as I'm warm. I'm going to bed now, I am exhausted. The church outside our window, while beautiful, tolls its bells at 7 am sharp during the week, at least it did today, so my only defense is going to bed early. Was going to upload a picture of me on the tram, but the internet is slower here in the evenings and uploading seems to be beyond its capabilities right now. Miss everyone.

The basics

So last night my two roommates and I went out for a bite to eat, and after meandering aimlessly for awhile, we settled on a little cafe where I had my first encounter with Czech food. Garlic soup with egg and cheese. It wasn't too bad, but I just wasn't ready for the local favorite of beef with gravy, cranberries and whipped cream. Maybe tonight. After dinner we managed to find an Albert supermarket, buying essentials like yogurt, Nutella, Skippy, and what we decided was milk- didn't know for sure until I put it on my cereal this morning though. After a restless night's sleep (the first night in a new place is always a little unfortunate), we ventured out again, this time with more of a purpose. Save for the one in the bathroom, there are no mirrors in our apartment, so a small mirror was in order, as were some sandals that could be worn in the bathroom post-shower because there is no shower curtain, so if you go in to brush your teeth or wash your face after a shower, your feet get soaked. It's a typical European shower, with the shower head being very low, but it can be taken off its hook and held higher. The toilet paper is purple, which I thought was very strange. Anyway, we walked around the city a little bit, staying mostly within our district of Stare Mesto, or the Old Town. I did note the locations of H&M and Sephora, as well as two separate Starbucks. I know what's important. It was suuuuper cold, although the other two are from Alberta and Winnipeg, so this is pretty standard for them, and I was the only one shivering. It's really difficult to navigate here because the streets are very windy, and all the street signs are posted high up on the sides of buildings, and all the names look the same to me. I guess it'll get easier. We start class tomorrow, and have been given basic instructions on how to use the tram to get there, but it should still be an adventure anyway. There is a little restaurant right outside our building, so we may venture there for dinner tonight, because there is little chance of cooking anything in our kitchen/laundry room. I'm glad to be here, and looking forward to starting class tomorrow. It'll be nice to meet some more people, anyway. The picture above is taken by sticking my head out my skylight and looking left. Beautiful.

Goodbye Spork

Sadly for those who have followed the brief and tumultuous life of the titular spork, it is gone. Taken from me at around 10:30 this morning at Heathrow, we weren't together long, but the time we did have was wonderful. I have a memory of being very young and my brother was playing with a ball. The ball either got away from him or was deflated, and my parents would sing this song- Goodbye ball, goodbye happiness (a play on the George Harrison song, I just found out). Anyways- that song ran through my head as I watched my spork get taken away from me. Enough mourning, the reason for my trip is upon me- I have arrived in Prague! I had so much fun in London with Trish, and enjoyed getting to see all of the cousins who stopped by, and talking to Sarah on the phone. I will definitely have to pass through again. No trouble entering the Czech Republic, which was such a relief. I've been up the last 2 nights worrying about that prospect. I didn't even have to fill out one of those damning cards on the airplane- I think that card was at the root of my troubles entering the UK and will refrain from filling one out in future. See how that works for me. Iva from the ITC school came and picked me up, and we were on our way through snowy Prague to the building where I am staying. I guess my year living in NYC was good practice, because I am in another 5-floor walk-up building. There are 4 people living here, one girl from Italy who has been here for about 6 months with a different, EU-sponsored program, and Jaclyn and Erica from Canada, both of whom are in my program. They both seem nice, and Jaclyn is 22, have yet to figure out how old Erica is. I feel old. The flat is sparse, but will serve its purpose. The kitchen is TINY, and kind of gross, lacking even a stove- but we will see how the food situation works itself out. I feel like I'm back in college with the room (shown above), but again it serves its purpose, and had I wanted to stay at the Ritz, I should have signed up for a different program! I think once Erica gets settled in (she arrived last), we are going to maybe venture out for some food because we are all starving. Much love.

London Calling

After my eventful arrival and the warm welcome I receieved from the Welcoming Committee at customs, I woke up at Becky's determined to start my time in London again. She had to work, so Laura (her roommate) and I hung around the flat until I ventured out to Holloway Road to look into changing money and maybe getting a cell phone. My friend Leslie had given me one, but the charger doesn't work and it costs almost £20 to replace it!! Anyway, I didn't get a phone that day, but they are so cheap. The minute I left the house it started to rain, so I got to use the umbrella Becky gave me as part of my "welcome to London" package. After I returned to the flat, we met Becky out for curry in Soho (apparently you can't come to London without getting curry), then wandered around a bit and found this little gallery that showed old neon signs. I got some great pictures, which I will post on facebook when I get to Prague and have wireless for my laptop (I'm using my aunt's computer). Trish picked me up the morning of the 3rd, and we went to her house, then ventured out to the Tate Modern, which is right next to the Millenium bridge, which gets destroyed in the 6th Harry Potter movie. I took pictures. Last night, my cousin Anna, her husband Patrick and their three children, Charlie, Katie and Tom came for dinner. They are so cute, and I took both pictures and video of them. Funny kids. Today, Trish and I walked into Camden and had lunch at Wagamama (Japanese noodle restaurant) and now we are waiting for my cousin Pip and his wife Rachel and their two kids, Freya and Natasha to come by. It's so nice getting to see all this family!

Welcome to London...?

I'm finally here. My trip was pretty uneventful- easy flight, I had an aisle seat and nobody in the middle so me and my row-mate threw all of our stuff there, which is a welcome luxury in economy. The breakfast they served (I took the day flight) was pretty gross, which is weird for me because I usually love airplane food (no sarcasm, I really do). Anyway, we landed early, around 8 pm London time, there was a brief line at customs, and then...I got detained. That's right people, I apparently really am as sketchy as I seem. They held me up because I couldn't give them an adequate answer for why I was there, because my return trip is so far in the future, and I really don't know how I will be occupying my time after the course ends. Anyway, the first person I spoke to was just nasty. It was as though a perfect storm of heinousness had combined to form this one entity made for the express purpose of making my life hell. After reducing me nearly to tears, she left to go "make further inquiries into my trip". About 10 minutes later, during which time images of being strip searched and/or getting back on a plane to America danced in my head, a different customs agent showed up. He was a lot nicer, and actually explained to me why I was being held. My bags were searched, personal items held up for all to see, personal journals and cards read (thank you Mom for the card, it was very nice, and I could tell it made him feel a little bad). After the bag search, I was led back up to customs to wait again, and then I was free to go, a little shaken but otherwise fine. He had apparently called Becky (my friend in London with whom I am staying for 2 nights before going to my aunt's), to verify that she was expecting me, and that we actually knew each other. I found the Underground without event, and got on the Piccadilly Line to Cockfoster's (and laughed inwardly every time the announcer said that). Around South Kensington (10 stops before Caledonian road, where I needed to get off), the train stopped indefinitely and after another 10 minutes of waiting, I got out and paid 30 pounds for a taxi to take me the rest of the way, finally getting to Becky's just before midnight. I guess I'm just starting off with a bang. Miss everyone.
PS- the picture at the top is of the "why you were detained like a criminal" form.