Classes began on Monday. I was too nervous to post on Sunday night and too busy to post the last few nights. My work book and lessons are all in German. Also all of the out of class activities are in German, although the professor asked me in English to promise not to sue when I borrowed her bicycle.
Classes are given in two week periods. September is normally their slow period, but this period is the slowest ever. There are only five students in the school! Last week there were fifty and the next period will be thirty-ish.
This has been very good for me. Instead of three hours of group lessons, I am receiving an ninety minutes of private lessons followed by ninety minutes of self study with access to the professors. Also, Stephanie and Max have been welcomed at the luncheons since the crowd is so small. The lessons are very demanding, but I am keeping up with Stephanie’s help.
During the out of class activities, I blunder through conversations using lots of hand gestures. I am definitely the least knowledgeable, but Stephanie has reassured me that most of the other students have heavy accents. The class consists of two Spaniards, an Italian, a Japanese, and a Thai. Miguel knows a good bit of English so I have talked with him the most.
I also practice every chance I get on store clerks and the neighbors. They are VERY understanding.
Posted by aukje on September 5, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Guys, your time in Germany sounds amazing. Wish I could come by for a beer and a Broetchen mit Nutella!