We had an AFS Orientation which was an amazing weekend
seeing all my friends from around the world. We played games, ate cake, and
stayed up all hours of the night.
My birthday was the 22nd but that could have been
one of my roughest days here. The day before we had an AFS orientation and some
friends had snuck some presents and a card into my suitcase and I found them
the next day. But my birthday had started terrible but my family tried to cheer
me up by giving me a birthday cake and sang to me in English. I probably cried
4 times by my third class that day and it was only getting worse. Because I am
still the new girl not many kids knew it was my birthday so it seemed like any
other dark rainy day in Vigo. I practically ran home only to find a care
package that my mother had sent me from the U.S. All the American trinkets and
candies made me cry only once again. I didn’t go to squash that day because my
mom had forgotten her keys so I had to be there to let her in. when she got
home slowly one by one AFS friends were there to celebrate my birthday. In the
end they just helped me with my homework and we ate pizza. It was a fun day in
the end.
Went to Portugal with other AFS friend last week and were
right on the border walking along the river. We spent the day at a really nice
spa.
School: School has been rough but I am pushing through.
There are many differences from Spanish schools and American schools. Most
people think (at least in the U.S.) that European schools are much harder and
the children are a lot smarter. I would have to disagree with some of those
thoughts. In the US it would be the teachers fault if the child does not pass
the course. It is the teacher job to make sure that the children do well in the
class. I notice that most teachers in Spain are just here to teach what they
know then test us on the subject. The professors aren’t there for the child’s
needs. The children in Spain get the material then do all the learning at home
studying. I don’t get homework, but if I want to pass I need to take the
initiative to study on my own. I have had a CMC (science) and Lengua exam so
far. My grade on the CMC was “DON”T WORRIED”.
Today is Halloween! It will be devastating for me not to
celebrate my favorite holiday. In Spain they celebrate Day of the Dead, but
they are not as extravagant as South America. We just have a day off of school;
no festivals. I’m going out to a party tonight then spend the night at a
friend’s house.
