1st Week

Hello again! Well, it's been about a week since I've been in the UK now. Yesterday, I had my first class here- Practice of English Language Teaching. It was from 10-12 in the morning. I feel like the professor is really kind and likes to hear opinions from her students. She likes to talk things out and make sure they make sense. My friend from Spain was in the class with me, too. (: There were about 30 students total in there. I like smaller classes. They're not so awkward when you have presentations. All I have to do before the next class is read the chapter that she printed out for us on the handouts from the class. I think the class is pretty similar to my education classes back home. We mainly talked about the different kinds of teachers who teach English and how they need to be enablers and get their students actively involved in learning. She lectured, then we talked to our neighbors about it, then lectured more, etc. The only real difference I've seen so far is that I have to write a 3,000 word essay due at the end of the semester... not looking forward to that. But I don't have to buy the book for this class, just borrow it from the library when needed. Yay saving money for traveling. I'll have my second class-Second Language Acquisition and Learning- tomorrow at 10 am.Then my last class this week is on Thurs at 2- The Social Child. I'm looking forward to them both. I'm just ready to know what all I need to do and how much homework I'll be having for the semester.

Yesterday, after dinner around 6:30, I had planned on going to the GlobalCafe to meet up with some friends there, but dinner ran late and I missed the first bus to the Uni, so I didn't get to meet up with them (Sorry!). I went, but didn't see any of them there, and I was planning on going to the Leeds University Union Christian Union at 7, so I left and went to that around 7:15. I met some really nice people there and the message was good, too. They had lots of time for prayers w/ people around you, so that was nice. It's really comforting to know that there are other Christians on campus who want to worship together. I REALLY miss Student Connect and home meetings back home. If you're reading this, I love you all. <3
I also met a girl there who lives in Bodington Hall, so we talked a bit and rode the bus home together. We plan on getting tea or coffee Thursday night after dinner. (: She also informed me that there are Bible studies in my hall on Wed. nights around 7:30. I'll definitely check into that soon. I might have to miss this Wed since I was planning on going to see the Culture Shock Comedy on Wed night at the International Students' Club from 6-8. I heard there was a discussion on faith afterwards, but I'm not really sure.

On another note, When I was talking to a British girl here, she said she loves it when Americans say "I feel like..." when really what you mean is "I think..." because what you're saying is not an emotion. That's so funny. I never really think about things like that. I've noticed a lot of British people saying "I'll pop in" (like I'll come by later), "Speak later" (talk to you later), and "Cheers" (thanks/goodbye/etc).

It's really ridiculous how many parties there are here. EVERY night. Seriously, when do these people sleep?! haha. I mean, having a drink for a social occasion is fine to me, but getting drunk every night or almost every night, is not cool. And I thought UNT was a party school. You guys have no idea!

But to each their own I suppose. And at least they're not bothering me or being loud on my part of the hall. So, I'm good, don't worry!

Anyways, after dinner tonight, we're having a welcome meeting in the main common room at 7. Hope it's fun... I'm so tired of listening to boring orientations. haha.

The kitchen is still incredibly gross and disgusting and freezing. And I need to figure out a place to do my laundry. I hear there's only 1 washer and 1 dryer here. And the whole process is completely confusing and complicated. Something to do with codes and topping up cards and more codes. Maybe I'll just go into town tomorrow and do my laundry or something. I dunno. But I need to wash my jeans at least. I still have plenty of other clothes to wear.

I'm really looking forward to the Global Community trips coming up. There's one this weekend on Saturday to Liverpool. I've already bought my ticket to go. Woohoo! :D

Well, I'll update on my travels again sometime soon. Feel free to contact me via skype, facebook, emails, or my internet phone.

Until then,
Cheers (: