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.