So I survived my first week in an Austrian high school. I had a total of 11 lessons this week. My students ranged from ages 15-20, and all with varying levels of English. The earliest I had to get up was 5:30am, which seems early, but in reality is pretty normal for a "real-life" job. I'll get used to it, along with my little commute out to the village. Since this was only the first week, I mostly introduced myself to the students, showed them pictures from Oregon, and talked about America in general. One of the activities I did in a few classes was aimed at finding out what (exactly) the students think about when they think of America/Americans in general. I got some interesting responses:
"Shades of Grey, California, big fridges"
"Hugh Hefner, Navy SEALS"
"Cape Canaveral"
"American Dream, the worst health care system, Victoria's Secret :)"
"Snoop Dogg."
"fat people, skyscrapers, Spongebob Squarepants."
And last but not least: "Las Vegas, American Pie, BIG PARTIES, and American football."
When I asked if anyone had questions for me about America, one kid in the back of the classroom asked "Is soccer still considered a secret communistic tactic?" um.....what??! No comment, sir.
All in all, the students participated in the discussions, though sometimes it was very very difficult to get anyone to talk. It makes sense though; all of the sudden a girl from America is making them talk in a language they aren't 100% comfortable with. On another note, the faculty is very friendly. All of the English teachers so far have been helpful and excited to have me in their classes.
I was placed at two schools, so I'll be starting lessons at school 2 on Monday. I have only corresponded with these teachers through email so far. I have received very interesting lesson topics including Abortion Pros and Cons, Scientology in the USA, Binge Drinking, Health, Friendship and Drugs, the World of Work, and Political Incorrectness. With that said, I will be learning a lot about my own country this year haha. I think this will be fun though :) I'm excited though, because I found out that I have two classes of 10 and 11 year olds. Our lessons will obviously not be so complex, and they will be telling me about their hobbies, friends, families, etc. Should be fun.
I think that about sums it up for the school-aspect of my life. When I'm not at these schools I'm usually hanging out with fellow Americans, drinking coffee, and drinking coffee. Coffee here is just so good. I really don't even miss Starbucks anymore. Starbucks seems...weak. And yes, that is a bad sign hehe. Autumn has definitely arrived here in Vienna...it's a lot cooler and the leaves have already done most of their changing.
It's Saturday night here in Vienna, and I have no plans. I already printed out materials for Monday lessons, so I'll have to find something fun to do.
