Class Begins

Hello everybody! Sorry for the delay on posting. I've gotten busier than I thought I would adjusting into the new schedule! They have kept us pretty active here.

This is the only picture I have from the last few days-- I will do better about asking for someone to take my picture! But it's a special one because these things are so darn good. And the gelato from the kiosk on campus is probably the best thing I've ever tasted. :)

We had our first class on Monday. It was awesome-- there are only four of us in the class. Rhodes has small classes but never that small! We have one main classroom that we use that is right downstairs and across the way from my dorm room. So very convenient. I'm really excited about the material. We're going to be learning mostly about the 1990s conflict in Bosnia but also about immigration in Italy and Bologna. We learned yesterday that Italy is one of the two main gates to Europe for immigrants; and Bologna has about 15% immigrants.

My professor is very serious but engaged and seems to care a lot about the class. The four of us are also responsible for teaching ESL to Immigrants on Monday and Tuesday nights. We split up into pairs to alternate who would be "team captains" for each class. We had our first class on Tuesday and it was so fun to be a part of. There were people there from all over the world. One 35 year old, Christian, is from Italy but wants to learn English so that he can excel in his film career (and know American movies better). Another woman is in her 60s and from Ukraine and wants to know English to keep her mind young. It's amazing how much we take our language for granted-- it's an important one to know! There are also some sweet teenage girls in the class. (I will have more pictures of this class later on--didn't want to freak them out on the first day!)

This class will take a lot of preparation. But such a cool experience. So many different cultures and people who mainly speak Italian but want to know English. It's strange being the only American! There  really aren't many American tourists in Bologna-- we don't see any on the streets.

We've been able to walk to everything in town which is really nice-- something we don't always have in the U.S. The city streets are vibrant with people walking and riding their bike.

Still adjusting to the schedule and trying to find time to keep up with my journal/blog and have time to read for class. The group is fun but it is kind of hard being the only one from my school as most of them are from Spring Hill College and know each other well. But I think with time we'll get to know each other!

On next Wednesday, we leave for our 10 day trip to Bosnia and Croatia. We're staying with different people that Dr. Waller knows there to learn more about the conflict there. I've also heard it's very beautiful!

The weather has been very mild but warm at times. Mostly in 70-80s. Not summer heat like I'm used to.

Hope you are all doing well!

Ciao!

Jenna

First Days in Bologna

Hello!! I'm sure you all will be happy to know that I have made it safely to Bologna. What a whirlwind the last few days have been! I'm pretty proud of myself for traveling alone for 24 hours straight. After long layovers and flights, I was exhausted when I first arrived. But I was quickly greeted by the Student Life Assistant, Mary Jane-- who is very smart, kind, and helpful. Dr. Waller, the director of my program, greeted me as well. My room is basic but very clean and nice. We have two huge windows that open up next to a park. We also have our own bathroom which is a big plus! Unfortunately we don't have working AC. Apparently, Italians do not air condition their housing until late in the summer! I'm so not in the South anymore…. But I can adjust! The great part of this dorm is that it is part of and Italian campus. We eat our meals in the mensa with other Italian students. Really makes for a richer experience!

My roommate Meagan is really sweet-- she will be a senior at Regis University in Dallas. Dr. Waller informed us that we will be two of the four people assigned to teach the English class to Immigrants on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. That will be an adventure for sure.. Considering we don't know what we are doing! But, hey we can do it!

During our first meeting yesterday, we got to know each other a little bit (even though everyone has been pretty jet lagged). Dr. Waller gave some really helpful information on our program and the city. Can't wait to learn more from him in class! The group seems really fun and easy going. There are about 18 of us.

We also took an awesome walking tour today to get a feel for the city. In many ways, Bologna seems to be what I imagined it to be. Massive, ancient structures built in red brick-- giving the city the nick name - "The Red."

We've already learned that student life is a big part of Bologna-- as most of the residents attend the University of Bologna (which began in 1088-- oldest university in Europe).

Tonight we have a "three hour food marathon" planned as our opening dinner at a nice restaurant in town. I'm pretty excited to chow down on that food.

This is my cute little room-- great space.

Some pictures from the walking tour today.

This is Dr. Waller sharing his knowledge with us…

My first Italian cappuccino and chocolate pastry. Puts Starbucks to shame! And I'm a Starbucks girl...

That's it for now, sending my love all the way from Bologna!

love,
jenna