Were my expectations met of the Stuttgart Winter Exchange?
The language classes we had during the exchange were really good. At first I thought it would be a struggle having classes taught in German, but after a while I got used to it, and I think this really helped with my listening skills. Our teachers were really great, and it was good that not every lesson was strictly grammar. Often we learnt about German culture and traditions. I really enjoyed this as I learnt things that had a practical use (for example why one cant order tap water at a restaurant, or whether or not to tip at a restaurant) and that I wouldn't have been able to learn from a book. In this sense my expectations were definitely met, as I wanted an education that went outside of what a book could teach me, and not just a focus on learning grammar for example, but rather a more general education on Germany as a culture.
Weather-wise my expectations were also met, as we did finally get some snow and cold weather, at times it even went as cold as -15!
Germany as a country also exceeded my expectations. I was so impressed by how forward thinking they are in so many respects, and at how cheap it is to live there. And all the German people I met along the way were lovely. My favourite cities were Munich and Berlin- they are so unique and there's so much history behind each city. And there are so many other cities in Germany I would like to visit in the future.
Overall I had a great time at the Winter Exchange. I loved Germany and cannot wait to go back!
Sunday 4 March 2012
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Miscommunication?
This week I just wanted to mention something I found amusing, and whilst it isnt a typical "miscommunication" it shows how countries have different views on certain words, and this could lead to a confusion in communication.
When I first came to Europe I was watching "The Voice of Germany" in Switzerland, and one of the judges said, in regards to one of the contestants performances, "That was fan-fucking-tastic!" or something to that effect. And they continued to use the word fuck to emphasise their latter comments. I was shocked that the word fuck could be used so freely on tv, especially as it was on at about 8pm. In live Australian reality shows, the use of the word fuck is uncommon and if it is used, it is often bleeped out. Also tv shows with lots of swearing are usually not on until 8.30pm.
At the time I didnt think too much of it, other than that was strange, and perhaps an accident on the tv shows behalf.
However, since then I have learnt that Germans will commonly use the word fuck, and in fact both of my teachers used it in class this week, one saying that it was fucking freezing outside. We were informed that there are many other German words that are worse than fuck. Whilst Australians will use the word fuck commonly in everyday conversations, the use of the word indicates a servereness to what is being expressed, whereas in Germany it seems to be used in a more off-handed or blase` manner.
So whilst it wasnt so much of a miscommunication, it is something that initially caught me off guard and it shows how different words can have different connotations depending on the country you´re in.
When I first came to Europe I was watching "The Voice of Germany" in Switzerland, and one of the judges said, in regards to one of the contestants performances, "That was fan-fucking-tastic!" or something to that effect. And they continued to use the word fuck to emphasise their latter comments. I was shocked that the word fuck could be used so freely on tv, especially as it was on at about 8pm. In live Australian reality shows, the use of the word fuck is uncommon and if it is used, it is often bleeped out. Also tv shows with lots of swearing are usually not on until 8.30pm.
At the time I didnt think too much of it, other than that was strange, and perhaps an accident on the tv shows behalf.
However, since then I have learnt that Germans will commonly use the word fuck, and in fact both of my teachers used it in class this week, one saying that it was fucking freezing outside. We were informed that there are many other German words that are worse than fuck. Whilst Australians will use the word fuck commonly in everyday conversations, the use of the word indicates a servereness to what is being expressed, whereas in Germany it seems to be used in a more off-handed or blase` manner.
So whilst it wasnt so much of a miscommunication, it is something that initially caught me off guard and it shows how different words can have different connotations depending on the country you´re in.
Thursday 26 January 2012
Week 3
The topic I have chosen for this week is to discuss:
"Some observations about social issues or challenges that face my host nation"
From my experience in Stuttgart an social issue that springs to mind is homelessness (Obdachlosigkeit). Just when walking down Königstraße on every block you can see people begging for money, some with signs asking for a donation or other simply just having a cup at their feet. I have experienced similar instances in other cities such as Rome and Paris. So I think this issue is definitely a big problem not just in Germany but the whole of Europe. I don't expect this problem to get any better, rather one would expect it to get worse due to Europe's current economic situation.
On a side note, another thought I had during the week is in regards to Germany's attitude on smoking. I find it interesting that they can be so forward thinking, and contemporary with things such as environment and economics however when it comes to smoking their views and laws seems outdated compared to countries like Australia. For example cigarettes are available at vending machines on the street and companies such as Marlboro can advertise. Obviously German society has a completely different view to the majority of people in Australia, especially the younger generations. I think this is one of the few instances where I can say Australia is more contemporary or forward thinking than Germany!
"Some observations about social issues or challenges that face my host nation"
From my experience in Stuttgart an social issue that springs to mind is homelessness (Obdachlosigkeit). Just when walking down Königstraße on every block you can see people begging for money, some with signs asking for a donation or other simply just having a cup at their feet. I have experienced similar instances in other cities such as Rome and Paris. So I think this issue is definitely a big problem not just in Germany but the whole of Europe. I don't expect this problem to get any better, rather one would expect it to get worse due to Europe's current economic situation.
On a side note, another thought I had during the week is in regards to Germany's attitude on smoking. I find it interesting that they can be so forward thinking, and contemporary with things such as environment and economics however when it comes to smoking their views and laws seems outdated compared to countries like Australia. For example cigarettes are available at vending machines on the street and companies such as Marlboro can advertise. Obviously German society has a completely different view to the majority of people in Australia, especially the younger generations. I think this is one of the few instances where I can say Australia is more contemporary or forward thinking than Germany!
Thursday 19 January 2012
Week 2
Nearly 2 weeks into living in Stuttgart and so far I haven´t noticed any major cultural differences.
However, one thing I have noticed that is almost shocking to me is that children (some aged around 4 or 5) walk around by themselves. I see them everyday walking to school, or catching the U Bahn to and from the city centre without parents or adult supervision. It seems parents are either very trusting of their children or of the general public or both and this is not something I would see in Perth. I consider Perth to be a safe city, however even so I dont think that people would be so trusting to let their children catch public transport in and out of the city each day without supervision. It will be interesting to go to other cities in Germany and see if this is the norm throughout the country, or if it just occurs in Stuttgart. In any case I think it is a good reflection of a society, as obviously many parents must consider Stuttgart a safe city and the people to be trustworthy.
This leads me to my second observation of Stuttgart: it seems to be a city stuck between a city and country way of life- it has aspects of rural life with its grapevines spread around the cities hillsides, but is also has aspects of other main cities with its great public transport system, many well know shops and fast food chains. In many ways Stuttgart is similar to Perth in that it is not a big city and that it has many of the same shops and brands throughout the city centre. It also has a smiliar feel to Perth in that I get the feeling if you lived here for a year or so you would often be running into people you know whenever you were in he city or to and from work. Or as so often happens in Perth, when you meet someone new they will most likely know someone you know.
So far I am still yet to see any major cultural differences, but it will be interesting to see how other cities in Germany are different/similar to Stuttgart.
However, one thing I have noticed that is almost shocking to me is that children (some aged around 4 or 5) walk around by themselves. I see them everyday walking to school, or catching the U Bahn to and from the city centre without parents or adult supervision. It seems parents are either very trusting of their children or of the general public or both and this is not something I would see in Perth. I consider Perth to be a safe city, however even so I dont think that people would be so trusting to let their children catch public transport in and out of the city each day without supervision. It will be interesting to go to other cities in Germany and see if this is the norm throughout the country, or if it just occurs in Stuttgart. In any case I think it is a good reflection of a society, as obviously many parents must consider Stuttgart a safe city and the people to be trustworthy.
This leads me to my second observation of Stuttgart: it seems to be a city stuck between a city and country way of life- it has aspects of rural life with its grapevines spread around the cities hillsides, but is also has aspects of other main cities with its great public transport system, many well know shops and fast food chains. In many ways Stuttgart is similar to Perth in that it is not a big city and that it has many of the same shops and brands throughout the city centre. It also has a smiliar feel to Perth in that I get the feeling if you lived here for a year or so you would often be running into people you know whenever you were in he city or to and from work. Or as so often happens in Perth, when you meet someone new they will most likely know someone you know.
So far I am still yet to see any major cultural differences, but it will be interesting to see how other cities in Germany are different/similar to Stuttgart.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Week 1
Here is my first post for week 1 of the Stuttgart Winter Exchange. First thing I will note as how very un-wintery it has been. Today the sun is shinning, and whilst it is still chilly outside I think it could be classified as a ´warm` winter. So hopefully this will change over the 6 weeks we are here, because as lovely as the sunny weather is, for what other reason would one go to Europe in winter for other than to experience some snow!
What are my learning expectations?
Well obviously I would like to consolidate my German, and mainly improve my oral communication skills. I, like most people, generally find it much easier to read and write in German but when it comes to speaking it is something I havent had as much practice with. So far our language classes have focused on improving our oral communication, as well as going over grammer we have learnt in the past. Classes are being taught in German, which whilst it may be hard to process at 9am, is actually quite enjoyable. Secondly we have gone back to basics and gone through basic pronunciation which I´ve found helpful.
So overall I think the next 6 weeks will definately help improve my oral communication skills.
Other leraning expectations would of course involve German culture, and so far I´ve learnt quite a bit about food (so much bread!) and city life but of course there is always much to learn. It will also be good to travel to different cities throughout Germany to see how things differ from city to city.
That wraps up week 1,
Until next week, tschüss.
What are my learning expectations?
Well obviously I would like to consolidate my German, and mainly improve my oral communication skills. I, like most people, generally find it much easier to read and write in German but when it comes to speaking it is something I havent had as much practice with. So far our language classes have focused on improving our oral communication, as well as going over grammer we have learnt in the past. Classes are being taught in German, which whilst it may be hard to process at 9am, is actually quite enjoyable. Secondly we have gone back to basics and gone through basic pronunciation which I´ve found helpful.
So overall I think the next 6 weeks will definately help improve my oral communication skills.
Other leraning expectations would of course involve German culture, and so far I´ve learnt quite a bit about food (so much bread!) and city life but of course there is always much to learn. It will also be good to travel to different cities throughout Germany to see how things differ from city to city.
That wraps up week 1,
Until next week, tschüss.
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