Well, day two in Madrid was interesting. Orientation started this morning. I made my way to campus without getting lost (yay!) and found my group. I was surprised at how many “visiting” or “study abroad” students there are—about 10 groups of 25-30 students. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but that seemed like a lot. Anyway, we got our IDs and then were led to a long presentation about nearly everything on campus. Probably not the best decision to have 250 jet-lagged students in a small, overheated room for a 2.5-hour long presentation, but okay… We heard from many people in Student Life and Academic Advising, covering pretty much everything that we’ll need to know this semester (in regards to SLU). I’m not sure how much of that I will retain, but it’s probably good information.
After that, we were given lunch (ham sandwich, fruit, chips, and a candy bar). I met a few new people, but apparently, orientation is not very focused on introducing students to one another. Granted, I hate those cliché “get to know you” games, but in this case, I might have actually preferred them. Oh well. Following lunch, we had an abbreviated “tour” of campus (simply pointing out the 4 buildings that comprise SLU Madrid—it did not help me learn where my classes will be), and then we were taken on a walk through the neighborhood to see some of the places to eat and shop. I also learned that “night life” means you leave home between 1 and 2 AM and don’t return until after 6 AM (when the clubs close and the metro starts again for the day). I’m not exactly sure at this point how I’m going to manage staying awake until past 6 AM, but I guess it’ll be an experiment.
Tonight I plan to relax and get some sleep… I’m still recovering from the time difference. Maria made fish (“pescado”) for dinner. After talking for a bit, we watched my new favorite gameshow: “Pasapalabra.” Everyone spoke way too quickly for me to pick up much, but maybe by the end of the semester, I’ll understand it all! It definitely reminds me of watching Jeopardy with my family. :) Tomorrow I will go to campus to buy a phone and maybe sign up for some day trips around Spain (possibly Toledo, Salamanca, Segovia), and in the afternoon, we have the opportunity to go out for a traditional Spanish “merienda” (late-afternoon snack between lunch and dinner). I hear they serve wonderful food, so I’m excited! Wednesday is the start of classes, which means I’ll hopefully begin to find a routine that works.
I suppose that’s all for now. I hope everyone is doing well state-side or wherever you may be (D.R. anyone?!). A special hello to my Delta sisters, who are getting pumped up for recruitment! Good luck Epsilon Mu!
Besos,
E
You seem to be handling the first few challenging days with poise and grace! Already you are noticing opportunities for improvement, so remember that when they ask for feedback at the end. I agree, some ice-breakers should have been a big part of that orientation - goofy, yes, but very productive for the interaction as well! It's great there are so many kids in your program, and in the next few weeks you'll have a chance to meet many of them either in class or socially! Your coping skills are solid, and everyone is proud of you!! Oh... and the nightlife schedule? Wow! Thank you for blogging so articulately... helps us all picture you there! xoxo M
ReplyDeletehahaha omg Elizabeth I laughed so hard reading this! Probably because I understand everything you are talking about since I experienced it all too! everything = so true
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, I wish we would have done stuff so I could get to know more people, and I wish we could have actually walked around to rooms b/c I'm going to get so lost tomorrow for our first day of classes!
Also, just so you know, we are going out sometime soon. There is no avoiding it! and I can teach you how to stay up till 7, actually. It's 7 because that's when the metros start up again. so get excited :) it's happening
also, I'm going to Salamanca so I hope you are going too!
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