Week Ten - When my parents came to visit - 25th April 2014

With my parents in Konstanz

Following my brief visit home to see the specialist I returned to Kreuzlingen early this week accompanied by my parents who had planned their visit for some time.

Arriving late in the evening we skipped onto our train at the airport just as the doors were closing saving a one hour wait for the next.

The following morning I introduced the towns of Kreuzlingen and Konstanz to my mum and dad. In glorious weather we cycled round the 'touristy' areas stopping here and there for a coffee and to take in the views which were particularly picturesque on the lake front.

The next morning we headed off early, having planned to catch the ferry from Konstanz across the lake to visit some of the other towns. With amazing effic

With the traditionally decorated fountains for Easter

iency we obtained tickets for our route and boarded one of the many ferries that were 'tooing and froing'. Having headed straight across the lake we arrived at Meersburg and disembarked. This town, which is built on the side of a hill offered amazing views over the lake taking in the various towns and villages around the shore with the backdrop of the Alps. Along the quayside there were many cafés and restaurants from which afforded comfortable viewing of the lake and the bustling ferry traffic.

Having covered most of Meersburg we once again boarded a ferry to head for the island of Mainau - not somewhere that we would have thought about had it not been for the advice of locals - who highly recommended it. How right they were. The island is a gardeners paradise. With meticulous planning the island is designed to be a mass of colour all year round. Arriving in late spring we were greeted with 100,000 tulips all reaching skywards in a myriad of colour. Many were laid out in areas creating patterns and designs while others were planted by the thousand in beds along the paths. Having been told to allow two hours for the visit caused some scepticism from my father but he had to agree that two hours was barely enough.

With a small amount of the tulips!

Apart from the mass of colour and aroma of fresh flowers the highlight had to be the butterfly garden. This was an enclosed area where temperatures are maintained at 26 degrees celsuis during the day and 20 degrees celsuis at night.  

Me with the decorated trees

Whilst on the island I was surprised to see an expanse of colour in the form of knitted sleeves around the trunk and lower limbs of some lakeside trees.  This was something that I was pleasantly surprised to see as I had learnt about this in my 'Learning through a Play Based curriculum' module earlier in the year and therefore was able to link teaching methods at home to ideas here in Switzerland. 

  

Departing Mainau again on a promptly arriving ferry we headed, exhausted, back to Krerzlingen for a well-earned bite to eat and home for the night.

Although I alluded to it earlier, I was really impressed with the organisation and efficiency of the German transport system. We watched as ferry after ferry arrived and departed on time be there 10 or 500 people wanting to board or disembark.

From Meersburg looking over at Mainau and Konstanz

Again Switzerland and Germany amaze me!

Stephanie 

Week Nine - Making Friends with my Cast - 18th April 2014

Enjoying the sun!

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”  Helen Keller 

This week I have been adjusting to life with a full arm cast and it is fair to say it does not come without its difficulties.  As the quote above suggests – it is certainly an adventure - even with everyday tasks.  Washing my hair is the one key task that I am unable to manage so for the past week it has been the duty of whoever wants a go!  Although there are some drawbacks I do have some perks, for example getting out of doing the dishes and any cleaning that may need done around the house – I finally have a reasonable excuse. 

After the antics of last week I did feel guilty that my guest had been unable to enjoy the Swiss sightseeing I had planned so this week I made the effort to get out and about as much as possible, albeit a little more local than had been previously arranged due to the cumbersome nature of my cast. 

In our paddle boat

On Friday the weather in Konstanz was the best yet hitting 24 degrees celsius.  After much touring around Konstanz we soon found a shelter by the lake where paddle boats were available for rent.  After a week of incapacitation we found it very hard to contain our excitement and within ten minutes we were in one! What better way could there be to get a sun tan than to paddle in a boat out into the middle of Lake Konstanz in glorious sunshine for an hour.  Following this we then made our way to the ‘Sea Life Aquarium’.  This was absolutely not what we expected and was so much fun!  We were able get up close and personal with all manners of sea life from tropical fish to stingrays to sharks and even penguins. 

Up close to the penguins

Touching a star fish

Coping with the cast has been a challenge, but one that I have had to adjust to and it has certainly made my time in Switzerland more memorable.  However, one unfortunate result of the accident was being unable to go on a previously arranged visit to Austria during our Easter holidays. Ashleigh, Sarah and I had planned and booked the necessary elements but unfortunately due to my circumstances I am now unable to go.  This is definitely one of the most disappointing points of my Erasmus experience. 

Coming home to Northern Ireland was certainly something that I had not planned during my Erasmus trip but due to the unfortunate circumstances encountered was something that was preferred by my parents who, for peace of mind, wanted me to attend a specialist just to confirm all was well with the treatment of my injury.  Anyone who knows me well will know how key music, and in particular piano playing, is in my life.  Therefore coming home for a couple of days to see a specialist to seek the reassurance that the break in my wrist will not affect my future piano playing is particularly important. 

Although I do feel like I am cheating the Erasmus programme slightly I think given the circumstances I can be forgiven this once. 

Until next week - Stephanie

Week Eight - An Experience to Remember! - 11th April 2014

This has been a week full of drama – on one hand plenty to smile about again and on the other an unexpected event that made me cry.  Let me explain how my week eight has turned into a period that will stay as a huge part in my memory of the Erasmus experience. 

My first guest!

On Thursday afternoon I made my way to Zurich airport via the train and, after successfully working out times and platforms, arrived safely to greet my first guest in Switzerland – my boyfriend Steven.  Seeing a face from home was extremely exciting and even more exciting knowing that I could be a tour guide for the week and ‘show off’ all my local knowledge.  He soon became impressed as he noticed how independent I had become in knowing my way around and showing him how the Swiss do things, and additionally, displaying how my cooking skills have progressed – trust me they needed to.   Little did we know that Steven would soon have to take the lead and do everything. 

On Saturday we went to Konstanz for the day and enjoyed little bit of touring around taking many pictures and having a lot of laughs.  Unfortunately however my day of relaxation was soon to change suddenly and unexpectedly.  As Leo Rosten said:

“Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.”

Somehow I had managed to get nudged while on my bike and, being unable to steady myself, fell off.  Thinking it was just a silly fall I began to gather myself up off the ground only to realise that something was just not right with my arm.  After much dilemma an ambulance was called and I was transferred straight to the local hospital.  When I arrived I was brought straight into x-ray and soon told I had broken my wrist in two places.  Now we both realised it was time to make the dreaded call home to my father to ‘break’ the not so happy and very painful news. 

Something that my Dad very quickly pointed out was to make sure I was in a state hospital – something you never have to think of when at home.  Upon enquiring I was told that I had been admitted to a private hospital and that my bill was already mounting!!  Following frantic discussions both in the hospital and with home we decided to ‘check out’ and take a taxi to a local state hospital. After paying for the short consultation and X-ray fees - a massive 180Euro - we hopped into a taxi (something else we were unaware costs a considerable amount) and made our way onward.  This journey was not a comfortable or a stress free one as by this stage I was in a lot of pain.  Between keeping me calm and trying to talk to a German taxi driver with no English certainly elevated the stress levels of not only Steven but of all in the taxi.

When we finally arrived I was quickly admitted, and upon presentation of my European Health Card was sent for more x-rays and several examinations.  One of these doctors broke the news that I needed to have surgery on my wrist when a plate would be inserted to aid the healing of the two bones (radius and ulna).  The only good news was that surgery was to take place at half eight the next morning (Sunday).  Just typical…. 

Finally discharged! 

As I write this blog one handed on Wednesday afternoon, I can now reflect on my pre-travel preparations and the importance of having an up-to-date European Health Card and insurance before embarking on any travel abroad.  I shudder to think what the consequences would have been had I not been in possession of the required documentation. Without these everything, I have no doubt, would have been a lot more stressful and the financial implications that I would have been faced with doesn’t bear thinking about. 

So now my surgery is over and after three days in hospital I have been released in a full arm, brightly coloured green cast – always being subtle I am..!  My hospital experience in Switzerland is certainly nothing like home and something to remember. 

These couple of paragraphs only outline my story very briefly as I am missing out a lot of the detail.  The pain I went through and the stress suffered by all including my parents, who felt so helpless at home, cannot really be described.  Without Steven and my parents working together sorting everything out and giving me the support that I needed I am pretty sure I would not have made it through the last couple of days. 

So, as I said at the beginning of this blog, despite being keen to show off my well learnt cooking skills these have now become redundant and my skills as a good sous chef are being sorely tested.  And my poor visitor, - well not only did he have to extend his trip, but planned tours and sightseeing trips have been shelved. 

Until next week - from a one armed Stephanie! 

Week Seven - Time to Ski - 4th April 2014

Finally this week I was able to do what I have always wanted to try and that is skiing! On Saturday our study buddies Bea and Tracy took Ashleigh, Sarah and I to a local ski resort to give it a go.  When we arrived we were marched to the onsite ski rental shop and little did we know what we had in store.  After being weighed and measured in all directions we were finally given our ski boots and skis.  If only someone had warned me of the weight that they were going to be and feeling like a robot from the knee down.  Also being the clumsy self that I am leaving the shop I done the inevitable and knocked over everything with my skis as I carried them – typical Stephanie. 

Tracy and I mid-ski down the slope!

The girls decided it would be a good idea for them to bring us to a small area at the bottom of the slopes for us to get used to having skis on and to try and control them.  Upper body strength was key - which I have none of.  After many laughs and falls and screams we were beginning to understand how to work our new 6 foot length feet.  As Kalty’s quote describes exactly how we were:

“If you aren’t crashing, then you aren’t skiing.”

Soon I decided that I was confident enough to give the ski slope a try.  Along with Bea and Tracy I got the lift to the top and seeing the hill I was faced with I soon began to regret my choice of challenging myself but only one way down and that was to give it ago.  I went down the slope a further three more times after this – fair to say I really enjoyed it and soon got the hang of how to ski!  Yes I have got the ski bug!  Next day however left a lot to be desired, I thought the muscle pain from cycling was bad – nope skiing is worse!

Ailing and I enjoying some cocktails

Also this week I went for cocktails with three of the Chinese girls in my flat.  This was so much fun to get to know them better and have some girl time and although we are from different cultures and nationalities we soon began to realise how much alike we are as the topics of nails and hair came up.  Girls will be girls no matter where we are from. 

This is our last week in university before our three week Easter holidays.  Along with this week brought our first assignment, this took place in our English Methodology class.  For this assignment we had to work with a Swiss student and together create a poster on a topic to teach.  Being known as Irish it seemed to my partner that it would be a good option to do our poster on an Irish topic.  After some research we decided to do the topic of The Giants Causeway.  Together we created our poster incorporating pictures, the story of Finn McCool and some suggested lessons including Maths, English and Art. 

This week has also brought the start of some revision!  Unfortunately, Erasmus is not all fun and there has to be work done at some stage.  Although as Pierre quoted:

“All of your goals are attainable as long as you are willing to work hard to achieve them as well as enjoy life.”

Our revision was for our class for German for Beginners.  I am proud to say I can count to 20 (zwanzig), ask and answer basic questions and describe my family.  Anyone who knows me will know that languages are not my strong point so to achieve this knowledge is awesome!  Our exam is this Friday so in next week’s blog I will tell you how I got on – fingers crossed!

Stephanie

Week Six - 28th March 2014

This week has been a relatively quiet one following last week’s busy schedule, so unfortunately I do not have too many exciting experiences to share. 

As I mentioned in my week four blog, students from Bolivia arrived to study with us for two

Two of the Bolivian students giving a short presentation

weeks.  Having them here has given us a great insight into their country and how they live.  This week they shared some information with us about their country and even showed us a dance or two in their traditional costumes.  They were such friendly people who appreciated even the smallest of things and who insisted on a big friendly hug every time we met.  GTCNI Competences states:

            “Teacher will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the need to take account of the significant features of pupils’ cultures, languages and faiths and to address the implications for learning arising from these.” 

Traditional dance and costumes 

With them being here has also contributed to the knowledge curve of different cultures and nationalities and how wonderful it is learning about them all.  This is a skill that will be great to have when it comes to teaching in Northern Ireland due to the growing number of EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils within the primary schools.  It was recorded by the Department of Education in 2013 that one in every six primary school pupils is an EAL pupil. 

For our Global Education class we were able to attend a meeting regarding the argument between buying local produce or Fair Trade products.  At this meeting there was a representative from Fair Trade and a local Swiss meat and dairy farmer.  This is something that I would have never thought about - probably due to shopping meaning choosing the cheapest item – typical student! However, having attended that meeting I now realise that it is important not only to support your local farmer and community but also those countries that do depend on the sale of their fair trade produce.  Nevertheless, it is still a hard decision to make each and every time. 

During this meeting I began to realise how important it is that we make children aware of the problems people in these countries face and how, even in a small way, can help.  Within this class we are learning that it is important we teach our children what the future needs of these countries are and how to develop the skills and knowledge so that we may be able to help.  We are also gathering useful teaching techniques and materials to be able to deliver this knowledge effectively and in a meaningful approach.  An article that we had to read by Susan Fountain stated:

 “In 1970 non-governmental organisations began producing teaching materials which encouraged awareness among young people.” 

Philosophy with Children is another one of our courses in the PHTG.  As part of our assignment for this course we were assigned a group of six children with whom we had to carry out a philosophy lesson.  From week one our class tutor has been training us how to do this and explaining the different techniques and toolkits that we should use.  On Tuesday I completed my lesson with six twelve year old children from a local International school.  During this class I asked the children the question ‘Is it fair to say that life is fair?’.  The children provided me with great responses and together we enjoyed an in-depth conversation.  Of course the discussion arrived at the juncture of ‘how teachers blame children for something they did not do’ and how that was unfair – always relay on children to tell you how it is!

This week has certainly been the most challenging personally for me and it has really sunk in that this is definitely the longest I have been away from my family and friends.  During the course of the week I have realised how fortunate I am to have family and friends that I am able to rely on through this journey.  Their support through the difficult hours has been invaluable.  However, I am sure these homesick moments will pass soon as I know this is an experience that deep down I am thoroughly enjoying. 

Tschüss,

Stephanie

Week Five - On Top of the World in Mountains - 21st March 2014

“The opportunities are endless.” Erasmus Programme (2010)

Us at the top of Santis Mountains 

The opportunities available to us in Switzerland, like the quote states, are in fact endless.  Within our ‘Eye on Switzerland’ class with the Bolivian students, we were brought to two well-known towns in Switzerland this week.  Firstly we made a trip to Appenzell.  This is a town known for their traditional approaches to the way of living and is also the home of the beautiful Sӓntis Mountains.  When we arrived at the bottom of the mountain the views were amazing.  Little did we know they were just about to get better.  As we climbed in the cable car the views began to unfold – the scene at the top explains completely why Switzerland is known as the beautiful country.  In order to mark three Northern Irish girls being at the top of the mountain it was only fitting we performed a little jig and sing the well-known song “Tell me ma’”! Yip, crazy we know!

With the amazing view

On Tuesday our second stop was the capital city of Berne.  On this trip we made a visit to Parliament and the well-known fountains throughout the city and of course to the bear sanctuary.  We also went on an historical tour of The Cathedral of Berne and were allowed to climb to the top of the 100 metre high spire – this climb was soon one that we regretted.  After being told to go through a small door into a dark entrance we were then faced with nearly 400 small, spiral steps with no going back down.  After many moans and complaints we finally made it to the top.  Here we were able to enjoy some magnificent views across the city into the Bernese Mittelland and the snow topped mountains of Bernese.

Upon initial arrival in Switzerland we all were allocated a ‘study buddy’.  My study buddies, Bea and Tracy, happen to be the girls who are coming to Stranmillis in September through the Erasmus Programme.  This week they kindly invited Ashleigh, Sarah and I for some traditional food called ‘Raclette’.  This dish involves using a ‘raclette grill’, you put some chopped up ingredients into a tray and cheese on top and place it under the heat for it all to cook.  It is a well-known dinner party food as it is seen as a sociable way of eating and cooking together.  Since being here it has been wonderful how welcoming everyone has been especially my study buddies with nothing too much bother, which is very reassuring.  So the pressure will really be on when they come to visit as the standard has been set high. 

This is us with Bea and Tracy

The British Council (2008) states that the Erasmus Programme is not expected “…to be all work and no play”. 

Just about to head down the mountain on our sledges!

It is fair to say that the above quote is most certainly true with the weekend that we experienced.  On Saturday we went to the nearest ski resort – Flumersberg - to go snow sledging.  Before I left I rang my dad asking would I need to get insurance for this activity, to which he replied “No sure you will only be going down a small hill!”  If only he had known what was coming! After reaching the top of the mountain we were taken to the starting point and told the sledge to the bottom was between 2 and 3 kilometres long, full of huge bumps and tight slippery corners.  Even writing this now I have a huge smile at how much fun it was.  From flying in the air over the bumps and not making it round the corners, to going a little too fast over a bump resulting in the sledge going one way and me the other and ending up with my face buried in the snow with those behind having to crash to avoid me was typical of my skill level.  No major injuries were encountered thankfully, just a couple of bruises and a sore throat from the screaming and shouting.  Easily my favourite activity here yet!

This week also brought Saint Patricks day and since we are known as the ‘Three Irish Girls’ there was pressure on us to put on a party to show everyone what the Irish culture is really like.  After a full day of decorating the house, making the well-known Irish stew and instructing everyone to wear green we were ready.  With more renditions of ‘Tell me ma’ and Ashleigh showing off some Irish dancing I think we really pulled it off and everyone seemed to truly have a great night. 

Being here is also making us aware of our language and the way we speak English as we have been told a quite a few times to either speak in ‘neutral English’ or ‘Oxford English’.  Although we laugh when people ask us to either speak slower or in ‘proper English’ it is something that I have realised is important when teaching in schools, as Burns, A. (2003) states:

“As English increasingly becomes the language used for international communication, it is vital that speakers of English are clear in pronunciation…it is essential in spoken communication”

Until next time - Tschüss,

Stephanie 

Week Four - Creating Brilliant Friendships - 14th March 2014

As I sit and write my week four blog I have just realised how much I have experienced and been a part of in one month and how being here for five months will bring me so many opportunities both in the educational world and culturally. 

On the cultural front we are constantly experiencing many different nationalities with regards to their foods and stories of their beliefs.  Realising that the videos on ‘YouTube’ about the subway system in China are real and that there are actually people employed to literally cram people into the carriages certainly made me laugh and realise how different countries are to home.  Wouldn’t get that at Great Victoria Street train station in Belfast!  As Gandhi states:

            “Meeting of different cultures is the widening of mind and spirit.”

On Friday we had a house meal in which our Chinese housemate cooked us Kung Po – fair to say it really does put even the best Chinese restaurants back home to shame – it was delicious! This was then followed by the attempts of Ashleigh and me at the wonderful chocolate brownie.  Our Mum’s would be proud – they were awesome!  This was a night that we all really enjoyed as not only did it consist of wonderful food and a variety of conversations but guitar playing and singing – it was a great way to establish even better friendships with our housemates. It even resulted in one of them calling us family.  

My house mate Ailing and I

As a follow-on to our great night together on Friday, Ashleigh, Yeuxin and I then set off to St. Gallen on Saturday.  This week we actually made it to our destination! With the sun shining, many laughs and a hot chocolate costing approximately £6 (it was worth it trust me) it was a great day. 

Inside the beautiful St Laurence Church in St Gallen

With Janine and Salome

This week we were also kindly invited for dinner by two of our classmates in university - Salome and Janine.  This was my first proper ‘Swiss’ meal in a proper ‘Swiss’ home.  For dinner we had Chӓschnӧpfli followed by Prussiens.  This was a great opportunity to form closer relationships with other students outside of class and it is fair to say that Swiss people are so welcoming and everyone is offering to take us somewhere so that they can be a part of our experience. 

At university this week students from Bolivia arrived to study with us as part of our ‘Global Education’ class – yet again exposed to more cultures.  Within these classes we are looking at sustainable development and how we are going to teach our pupils the importance of recycling and the benefits of renewable energy.  As UNICEF (1992) states:

“…it promotes the development in children of attitudes and values…which equips them with knowledge and skills which will empower them to promote these values and bring change in their lives…”

Having three different cultures looking at this (UK, Swiss and Bolivia) gives a great insight as to how we all contribute to this world wide topic.  Living in Switzerland shows us exactly how strict they are at recycling – it is getting hard for us to get used to separating milk cartons which are plastic from egg boxes etc.!  And the worst part, especially since we are students, is having to pay to get our rubbish collected!

Three different nationalities out for coffee

I think it is fair to say that yet again this has been another packed week and it is hard to get everything mentioned on this blog.  Reflecting on the week has made me realise how much more independent I have become. From taking myself off to cycle to a coffee shop in Germany and sit and admire the view to really becoming proud of my own cooking skills – it’s amazing what you can do when you have to!  Creating and developing friendships that allow us to go and do simple things like have coffee together is especially enjoyable.  It is fair to say this definitely is home for the next while so why not make it like it!

Auf Wiedersehen,

Stephanie