Week Twenty - And That's A Wrap - 13th July 2014

Our very sad send off

As I sit and write the final blog entry relating to my Swiss adventure it is very surreal that the journey I initially apprehensively waited on is now over.  Looking back over the last twenty weeks I am amazed and proud with all I have achieved both academically and personally.  In my Week One blog I mentioned that come July ‘the good memories would hopefully outweigh the bad’, and, having reached this juncture I can most certainly say that they have. 

Throughout my time away it would be untrue to say that I did not have some low times.  From missing my family and friends, to just seeing a familiar face from time to time never mind the stresses associated with the well-known broken wrist!  Experiencing an accident like that really opened my eyes as to how easily it can happen and the importance of simple necessities such as insurance and European Health Card. 

Before I left my small village in Fermanagh to go into the big bad world I was excited at the prospect of meeting people from all over the world.  This Erasmus experience has certainly allowed me to do that and I have developed some wonderful friendships with girls from Switzerland, Germany, China and of course Israel.  Ravit and Meital from Israel arrived the same day as us and having that immediate bond allowed us to develop a wonderful friendship and they often were my ‘go to people’.  Israel was never a country I would never have thought about visiting but having heard so much about it, and not being able to return home until I promised I would visit, has meant it is now on my ‘list’. 

Bea and Tracy are names that have been mentioned throughout my blogs from day one.  These girls went above and beyond to ensure that we were welcomed and saw everything that needed to be seen.  Having them come to Stranmillis in September is very exciting and something I am very much looking forward to.  I will certainly try to repay them by showing them as much of our country and culture as possible. 

Messing around

Our final week in Switzerland was one that brought many lasts, including the last coffee here, the last time we eat here etc.  Despite all the assignments we had to complete we made sure we had time to spend with all our new friends. 

Our last night

Coffee on my last day

Catching some last minute rays!

Throwing the key of our padlock in the Lake for some luck!

As a student teacher and having completed this experience has meant I have gained a lot academically and personally that I would have never gained staying at home.  Academically I have not only learnt about other educational systems but experienced first-hand understanding of them while teaching and gathered many different resources and ideas to bring home.  Language was never a subject that I thought about much as it is not particularly emphasised within the Northern Ireland curriculum, however, having experienced and witnessed children from the age of four being able to speak two languages has made me think twice about teaching children languages. 

A cake and champagne waiting when I got home

Personally I feel I have developed as an individual and have become a more open minded and tolerant person.  These are qualities that will be greatly beneficial to me in my classrooms in the future.  Developing and maturing as an individual was probably not on my mind as I set off for Switzerland but reflecting now on the experience I feel that I have really benefited in this regard.  Everything that happened while being away has been part of a learning curve and I know within myself that my ability to cope with all the trials and tribulations has been a great achievement.  Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and now being able to say that I lived in another country for five months is a great feeling.  As Barack Obama said in one of his speeches:

 “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”

For the last time,

Auf Wiedersehen,

Stephanie 

I will also leave you with a picture of my dog who was also smiling for me coming home..

Week Nineteen - The Beginning of the End - 28th June 2014

It has come to the time for me write my final blog entry here in Switzerland, as I return to Northern Ireland later this week meaning my concluding entry with be written from the comfort of my own home as I reflect on the past five months. 

As I had mentioned in last week’s blog entry I was facing a full week of exams and deadlines.  On Friday I had a Religion and Ethics exam where I had to learn about different religions from round the world, for example: Islam; Judaism; and Hinduism - just to name a few.  This was an exam I was very worried about and one that I was conscious I had to do a lot of work for.  Having received an email over the weekend it is fair to say that hard work does pay off as I received the top grade of an A!  Maybe Erasmus is changing me after all… A quote from Derek Jeter helps sum it up:

            “When you put a lot of hard work into one goal and you achieve it, that’s a really good feeling.” 

Having supported Switzerland in their world cup pool game last week, and because we live on the border with Germany, it was only right that we should offer them some support too.  So on Saturday, with German flags painted on our face and a drink in hand, we headed over the border to cheer them on!

Go Germany! 

With the adventure fast coming to an end it means that we are starting to say the dreaded goodbyes and doing things for the last time.  On Sunday we were kindly invited back to our study buddy Tracy’s house for a traditional Swiss meal – Raclette.  This is seemingly her Dad’s speciality, so for him to take time to host this dinner for us was so nice.  Raclette involves melting a full round block of cheese on a grill and with it you have potatoes and vegetables.  It was delicious – very rich – but delicious!  Ashleigh and I also arranged to meet a teacher – Holly - from our placement school for a catch up this week.  It was really nice of her to stay in touch with us while we have been here in Switzerland and for her to take time out of her busy end of year school schedule.  The meeting ended with a very warm invitation to stay at her house when we return to Switzerland in the future– this is maybe an offer that I will take her up on. 

With Tracy and Bea - the best study buddies!

Also this week, Ashleigh, Sarah and I decided to spend some time together in Konstanz as we went for some food and shopping.  During this outing we reflected on our time here and how far we have come, not believing we are going home next week.  Although we are fully aware that the end is coming we all agreed that we do not think it has sunk in – maybe it will when we board the plane. 

In a previous blog I mentioned how amazing the Thermal Pool was meaning that we had to make a return visit.  This time however, we decided to really relax and enjoy all it had to offer meaning we purchased a three hour ticket!  Between enjoying the heated pools and hot tubs we also made our way to the slides (which we were unaware of the last time) for some fast and furious action. 

This incoming week is one that that I’m sure will be full of mixed emotions.  It is the week that I say all the sad goodbyes to the close friendships I have made while being here.  Coupled along with all the excitement of returning home to my family and friends its sure going to be a strange week emotionally.  Here goes my last week here in Kreuzlingen!

Stephanie

Week Eighteen - World Cup Time - 21st June 2014

Enjoying the match

The end of my Switzerland adventure is coming close and the reality of saying goodbyes and heading back home to Northern Ireland is beginning to sink in.  This week brought the end of classes in what has been our university for the past four months along with many assignment deadlines and exams. 

Due to deadlines approaching and exams to revise for it has meant that this has been a relatively quiet week as I have been glued to my computer screen and revision notes.  My friends and family at home have been constantly telling me that I am on a four month holiday; however, this week has been far from it.  This week I had my final German exam.  Whilst being here it was my aim to learn the basics of German.  Languages are not my strongest point but I am certainly over the moon with the progress I have made on this front.  Being able to successfully order food in a restaurant, ask for what I want in a shop and understand how much the cashier is asking for along with being able to conduct simple pleasantries with local residents is something I am really proud of.  This is great progress believe me!

This week I also finished my assignment for a module that taught us the importance of philosophy with children.  It was great to take part in this module as it gave me many different insights and approaches as to how we can help children become confident in themselves and help them find their inner voice.  As Jackson, T. (2010) states it is important we do this with children as it helps with…

“…growing a sense of inner confidence…”

Last Friday we finished off Ashleigh’s 21^st birthday celebrations with a BBQ at the lake accompanied with friends that we have made whilst being here.  This was a great night that enabled us to realise the real friendships we have established here and how with these people have made our experience what it has been.  Together we sat and enjoyed food, games and some good Irish ‘craic’. 

With some of our friends

Watching the match outside at one of the many 'pop up' screens

With the World Cup Football in full flow it is of course our duty to support Switzerland.  It is amazing to be part of the atmosphere here when Switzerland is playing a match and it is really nice to see people proud of their country and sticking by them regardless of the results. (We lost 5-2 to our neighbours France on Friday)  Having the opportunity to sit with Swiss people and cheer on their team through the highs and lows is so much fun. 

When I write my next blog I will have completed more exams and assignments.  One of the exams I am nervous about is Religion and Ethics so this week there is going to be a lot of revision done.  Wish me luck!

Stephanie

Week Seventeen - Getting a Tan - 14th June 2014

Weather here in Kreuzlingen has topped our expectations as we are sitting in a constant heat ranging from high 20`s to mid-30`s.  This Irish girl’s skin is no longer pasty white and believe it or not I am actually beginning to tan! 

Cooling down with a cocktail

In Lake Konstanz

Last year the boys from Stranmillis started an Erasmus tradition by swimming in Lake Konstanz. I recall back in February taking my first look at the lake and thinking – ‘not a chance am I getting in there’.  However, with the temperatures as I mentioned, the decision to ‘taking the plunge’ was somewhat easier and this week I have been in three times already.  It seems to be the only place I am able to get cooled down! The lake here is treated just like our beaches at home - when the good weather comes everyone heads to the lake. 

On Friday Ashleigh and I met up with our study buddies Bea and Tracy by the lake.  Having Bea and Tracy here and helping us through our Erasmus experience has been a blessing and together they have made us feel most welcome and it is a comfort knowing we have them to turn to with any problems.  We will really have a lot to live up to when they come to Belfast in September when it is our turn to look after them as they have gone above and beyond.  I am really excited at the prospect of showing them our way of life as they have heard so much about it already. 

With Bea and Tracy at the lake

One thing we have noticed about Switzerland is that there is always something happening.  With the World cup starting this week open air bars and large TV screens appear to have popped up everywhere.  There was also an African festival which was held last Saturday in a town near us – Winterthur.  Together with Ashleigh, Sarah and Meital we had a great day browsing all the stalls and trying some local food and even being children again for the day by getting braids in our hair. 

 

Some African singers

Wednesday brought a busy day for us here in Kreuzlingen as not only did we have presentations to do but it was also Ashleigh’s 21^st birthday.  For my presentation I was paired with a Swiss girl – Rahel. In partnership we had to create a presentation about songs, chants and rhymes within the primary classroom.  It was interesting to see how music is perceived in Switzerland.  One topic where it is used regularly is in their English classes as they improve their ‘second language’ skills.   At home in Northern Ireland we use them to help with our linguistic skills and, as the Northern Ireland Curriculum (2011) states:

“Singing assists in the development of their linguistic skills”

As Ashleigh didn’t have family here to help celebrate her birthday Sarah and I tried to make it memorable for her.  Living with Ashleigh made it that little bit harder to keep anything a surprise, so on Tuesday night I had to sneak out of the house and go to Sarah’s were we attempted to make a chocolate birthday cake – it was a great success as not only did it look good but tasted divine!  After the presentations on Wednesday, celebrations then began with a picnic, sunbathing, swimming in the lake and a meal with some of our international friends. 

With the birthday girl and our yummy cake

It is getting scary that we can see the end of our Erasmus experience coming fast, and with limited time left and assignment deadlines everywhere we will be trying to fit as much in as possible in the next couple of weeks. 

Until next week,

Stephanie 

Week Sixteen - More Bike Problems - 7th June 2014

This week drama continued with my so called friend – my bicycle!  On my way to Konstanz on my bike I was faced with my handle bars coming off in mid-flow of turning a corner!  Luckily I was able to take panic measures and no damage was done.  Probably more importantly I have still all bones still intact!  I think this is someone telling me bicycles are not my friend.  However, as John F. Kennedy once said:

            “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride”

I think I can prove him wrong on this quote!

Ravit, Ashleigh and I

On Monday night Ashleigh and I decided we needed to have a dance, so together with our Israeli friend – Ravit – we went to have some fun!  This was our first time experiencing a real German nightclub and it really was something else.  With Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’ on repeat we realised that maybe we weren’t going to get as much groove on as we had hoped.  However, we still had a good night. 

Ravit and I

After a long day of working on assignments on Wednesday we decided we needed some relaxation.  So in the evening we made our way to the ‘Bodensee Therme Konstanz’.  This place was amazing!  With a pool outside at 35degreees Celsius overlooking Lake Konstanz, a pool inside reaching 36 degrees Celsius and a hot tub at 40 degree Celsius it was relaxation heaven!  Throughout the complex there were smaller watery areas with jets that massaged your muscles as you lay against them.  This was a perfect way to end our busy day - watching the sun set and forgetting all worries.  Unfortunately we were unable to take pictures so I will post one from their website so you can get an idea! 

Bodensee Therme Konstanz

One of the assignments that I am completing at the minute is for our Global Education class.  Within this assignment I have to create three fact sheets on the subject of climate change and how I view it to be affecting Northern Ireland.  For this assignment I am paired with a Swiss girl in my class.  Individually we create fact sheets on this topic for our respective countries and at the conclusion compare our findings.  Although I have been aware of the phrase ‘Climate change’ it wasn’t something that I really paid much attention to.  However, having to research the topic and read up on the various opinions and theories has certainly made me realise that it is indeed time that people – both on a global and local level – adapt their lifestyles to combat the threat posed to our environmental and economic future. 

Within the Northern Ireland Curriculum - World Around Us (2010) it states:

“Children will learn about their part in protecting the earth”. 

As my research and understanding of this topic develops I have come to realise how vitally important it is that our children are given the necessary information on how and why they should play a part in protecting the earth.  My investigations into this subject will therefore be very beneficial in helping me deliver the required elements to future classes and so help to arm the next generation with the knowledge needed to help protect all our futures.

Until next week,

Stephanie

Week Fifteen - The Travel Bug - 31st May 2014

It is scary to think that I am now on the latter part of my Erasmus journey.  The countdown is well and truly underway with less than five weeks to go until I am back home.  Unfortunately as the end is in sight it also means that it is assignment and exam time, with this week starting off with the writing of essays - but as James, W. says:

“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.” 

On Saturday we were asked to join our study buddy Bea for a late breakfast date and what a breakfast it was.  It was an ‘all you can eat’ restaurant and cost 16euro each.  Furthermore the restaurant/café had everything you would want for breakfast - a table crammed with fresh fruits, breads, chesses, hot food and someone standing making omelettes to order in front of you.  The restaurant was open from 10am until 4pm and while we were there we found out that once you paid you could stay as long as you like as the 16euro covered lunch as well!  Safe to say we took complete advantage of this and did not need food for the rest of the day!

Monday started another week of classes and looking back at the beginning of the semester it is great to see how accepted and welcomed we have become in this programme.  You may recall that in one of my early blogs I commented how I had to try to adapt my speaking style to ensure I was fully understood – well, I have now noticed that I have trained myself to speak in the required ‘Oxford English’ and as such can conduct continual conversations with my Swiss friends without having to repeat sections.  However, it will be hard to keep the Oxford English accent when I get home as I am pretty sure it will be much too posh for Fermanagh!

This week we decided to take our travels further by heading to Lugano in the south of

Enjoying the sun and view at Lake Lugano

Switzerland for the night.  This is an Italian speaking town that is placed on the side of a Swiss mountain overlooking the Lake Lugano in the canton of Ticino, which borders Italy.  This place was truly wonderful with beautiful views and luckily for us - beautiful weather.  This would have been my first time staying in a hostel and as my friends and family at home would know this is a big change for me.  However, I have to admit this was a luxurious hostel that had a pool overlooking the Lake!  Who would have thought when I left for my Erasmus experience I would be sitting pool-side in my bikini sunbathing in 30 degree heat!  I promise I am doing work!  Whilst there we thought we should treat ourselves by having dinner in a nice restaurant and eating nine euro fruit for breakfast.  Although exorbitantly expensive it was an experience to live as the ‘other half’ does, even if only for a short period.

In our paddle boat in the Lake

In our pool

Out for our meal

On our way home we decided to take a stop off in Luzern where we took a boat ride around the Lake Luzern and visited the monument and the Chapel Bridge.  We hadn’t really planned this, but as our travel pass covered all modes of transport for a day it seemed such a shame not to

At the Chapel Bridge

get the full value out of it. The bridge was built in the 14^th century and served as a rampart as well as part of the town’s fortification; it contains some original paintings that date back to the 17^th century in Renaissance style.

As I write this I am totally amazed that I find myself describing architecture and art -  how cultured I have become over the last number of months!!  I have really taken to travelling and am looking forward to what my last weeks have in store. 

Tschüss

Stephanie

Week Fourteen - A Stone Age Woman - 23rd May 2014

In three countries at once!

Summer is here in Switzerland and Germany with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius!  And with these temperatures the time has come to spot the Irish girls with the milky white legs who become sun burned easily as the winter coats get pushed to one side and the shorts make an appearance! 

Now that placement is over it is time to get back to our travelling, and, with only a few more weeks left we’ll have to make an effort to tick destinations off the long list we have.  This weekend we felt lucky enough to try to get to Basel again and this time we made it without any trees blocking the train track!  Basel is a beautiful city in Switzerland which lies on the border with Germany and France.  It also gives a girl a chance to be in three places at once as we visited Dreiländereck (Three Countries Corner) - this is a point is where the borders of Switzerland, France and Germany meet. 

With our Snake Bread

On Sunday our study buddy Tracy invited us to her home for a traditional Swiss barbeque.  We were welcomed into her home with open arms and had a brilliant evening where we were even given the chance to make our own traditional Swiss bread ‘Schlangenbrot’  or ‘Snake Bread’ over the barbeque. 

As part of our Stone Age history module that we are studying in the university we had to complete a residential week in Germany in a museum named ‘Federseemuseum Bad Buchau’.  This week was designed to be a very practical and hands on as we got to experience life as a Stone Age woman to its full potential.  Throughout the week we learnt about jewellery and textiles and how they were made.  We were also given the opportunity to make some ourselves.  Making rings from wax and tin, bracelets and necklaces from straw and shells and even making linen from flax – we quickly began to realise how time consuming all these tasks were.  In order to make our necklaces pretty we put shells on to a carefully ‘twisted’ piece of straw by scratching them on a stone to create a hole – this was a very patience trying task and when a hole started to appear you actually felt like you achieved something!  With the week being so hands on I have gained a true insight into what the life of a Stone Age woman would have been like.  This experience has certainly helped me realise how beneficial and useful a hands-on trip like this would be for children.  It has, without doubt, made me realise that while reading about History is beneficial, being given the chance to ‘live it’ certainly compliments the learning experience.  Trips such as this for children, while an essential part of the learning curve, are also enjoyable and memories from these experiences can help to act as prompts for them when completing future topics in school.  As the Northern Ireland Curriculum (2007) states:

“…gain information about an aspect of the past, for example…make visits to a local museum or an interpretive centre.”

Scratching a hole in the shell

Having a trip in a Stone Age boat

My completed necklace

Our house

Threading a belt!

This week I received the good news that the cast can now come off my wrist and everything is looking good although my physiotherapy must continue for several more weeks! 

Until next week,                                                               

Stephanie