Back in the US

I arrived home safe and sound.
I miss the classes and the life in Madrid. It will take a bit of time to get used to lunch and dinner a couple of hours later than the American time.
I am looking forward to introduce what I learned during the courses. It was certainly a plus to sit on the other side of the classroom.
I am very grateful to NSE for allowing me to have this experience.

Last hours

The exams are over. They were interesting.
I just have a few hours before I leave Madrid.
It was a wonderful experience.

The last days

I am getting ready to take my exams. It will be interesting. I am trying to use what I suggest my students. I feel that it is great to return to school as a student.
More after the exams

Last week

Today the last week started. I am sad because I wish I could continue this experience that provided me with a lot.
There a not too many students and the teachers are getting ready to go on vacation. Nevertheless they are very patient and answer questions in a pleasant way.
I started reviewing for exams and writing the last papers. Meetings and good-byes are on the agenda for this week.

Last weekend in Madrid

The week ended with a lot of work because exams are upon us and there is the usual rush.
After recovering from a malaise, I spend the day visiting the castle of Manzanares. The beautiful structure was restored to its glory with the appropriate decoration. The most wonderful view of the valley completes the sight.
I begin the last week, I wish it could continue longer.

At the end of a busy week of classes I spent Sat. at the Guggenheim in Bilbao. It was a fantastic experience because the sight of the building and its immersion and repercussion on its content and its surroundings are palpable in the city. Furthermore, the cooler temperature of Cantabria presented a welcomed respite to the high temperature in Madrid.
On Sunday a visit to the Museo de America was an excellent introduction to the discovery of the new world, from a Spanish point of view.

Classes resumed today with some new faces and some empty seats because of the different length of stay. The next two weeks are going to be very demanding, academically speaking, and also very interesting with presentations on the transition from dictatorship to democracy in Spain and Spanish music.

Las clases

Classes continue very well. I like the rigorous approach, even if all the teachers give the impression that it is all very light.
Yesterday the University offered a mini course, in conjunction with the Department of Psychology, about memorization in foreign language teaching. It was very interesting. The teacher had some good insights and the group, mainly teachers from many different countries, engaged in an interesting discussion. There will be a second part of the seminar next week.

The trip to the north was excellent, especially for the beautiful sight: I enjoyed seeing the mountains and the views, like Switzerland. I particularly liked observing life in the Basque country, a unique expression of independence.
There was also, Pamplona, but I did not take part in the celebrations, even if I bought the customary red scarf and belt. More interesting were San Sebastian, Burgos and Medinaceli. The view of the pilgrims on the route to Santiago the Compostela was incredible.
I consider myself fortunate that I was here when Spain won the World Cup. I did not get close to the stadium or the places of celebration (I heard from the other students that probably 25 was the older.....), but I feel the spirit, hear the noise and see the red and yellow all around.
Classes continue, as expected, with more demands, but they are very interesting. I am also in a class on Miro and Dali which gives me insight on these unique artists.
I am taking advantage of every opportunity, conferences, discussions and seminars.

The end of the first week

It is unbelievable! The first week in Madrid is almost over. In reality classes are over today because this weekend there are organized trips to Asturias and Pamplona and Burgos. I will leave early tomorrow morning and will be able to post again early next week, hopefully with pictures!!!!

Classes are interesting and very good. I particularly enjoy the one on Spanish theater that presents a brief history of the dramatic productions from the 1700 until 1900.

The weather has been hot, but is acceptable. The spirits were very high last night during and after the soccer game. I did not go to the stadium, I might have been out of place by a few decades. Everyone was wearing the national colors....

El primer dia de clase

Today was the first day of class. The school is well organized and efficiently run. I spent 5 hrs. reviewing, writing, talking and listening. It is refreshing to be able to study!!!

The lecture on the Spanish theater stole the day for me. I enjoyed learning about the evolution of the theater in the 17th century and reading some Calderon de la Barca.

Even if there are many Americans we are all dutifully speaking Spanish.

Estoy en Madrid

I arrived last night in Madrid. I see palm and pine trees from my room at the residence.
Today there will be a placement test and ,,,,,,
I am looking forward to seeing the university and the area in which it is located.
I am very happy to be here.

march 5, 2010 - Going to Spain!!!

I am very excited about studying in Madrid this summer. I am grateful that NSE gave me this opportunity.

I Post

My name is Nicoletta Villa-Sella, and I am a finalist for National Spanish Exam Teacher Study Abroad Scholarship in either Spain or Costa Rica.