Clases

First day of classes was on the 10^th.  At orientation my first week here, we learned about the different perception on privacy.  We were told that usually personal space is much larger for people from the States.  Fact: I was sitting on a small 2 person bench waiting for my first class to start when a guy came up and sat down next to me.  For the next 20 minutes I sat there thinking if I should say something.  Neither of us were doing anything, literally we were both just sitting there.  He was so close I think our shoulders were touching. 

As for my actual classes, I am taking 5 classes with an equivalent of 3 credits each once they transfer back to U of I.  Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I start at 9am with International Relations: Human Rights and World Politics.  I finish with Political Science: Themes of Latin America around noon.  They’re one hour classes so I have a 1 hour break between classes to get my internet fix at the computer labs.  I feel guilty for taking the International Relations course… because it is taught completely in English.  The subject matter is really interesting though.  Also, I’ve come to terms that hopefully because the class is in English I will have an easier time with class work.  The extra time I will spend volunteering and getting to know my host family.   Tuesdays and Thursdays I have 3 classes: Spanish for Foreigners: Intro to Ecuadorian Culture, Spanish for Foreigners: Intermediate Conversation, (Lunch Break!) Art History of Colonial Latin America. 

Every class except for International Relations is in Spanish.  The Spanish classes and Art History have a lot of students from the U.S.  I am plotting to make friends with at least one Ecuadorean.  It’s actually really challenging because A. Language/culture barrier, B. It’s easier to sit next to Americans, or C. I have people (who I like) in my program in my classes that I sit next to.   I know, I need to get out of my comfort zone, but it’s chaining me down at the moment. 

I mean what do I say to someone in my program?  “Oh, I know I’ve sat next to you every day in class, but I really want to be friends with that Ecuadorean who looks like they might be nice and put up with my broken Spanish.  Excuse me while I confront my social anxieties and attempt to immerse myself in Ecuadorean culture. Thanks, did you still want to eat lunch together?”

Yeah, I’ll think of something less awkward I promise. By the way, I have only had to buy readers (photocopies of articles) for my classes.  The most expensive one was only $19.15!  Woah.  Along that discussion, I tried to buy my “book” for international relations but they ran out. I paid for it in advance to pick it up on Monday.  I hope I don’t lose my receipt!