Sunsets in Lisbon, truly one of a kind |
This past month has not been filled with exotic places, but rather the life of a gal living and working in Lisbon.
WORK!
My University Fulbright teaching schedule has kept me quite busy-- preparing and giving lessons, workshops, presentations... It is incredible the amount of time it takes to create curriculum from scratch-- especially if it is content I don't specialize in. Researching topics, curriculum, creating lesson plans, informational handouts and worksheets, PowerPoint presentations...I insist on being well-prepared. The highlight are my students! Working with adults is a refreshing change from my younger munchkins in the U.S.
I am teaching a weekly class to the International Relations Staff and other staff members on English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Last week I did a lesson on the American tradition of Thanksgiving-- a little surprised they knew nothing about except for the "gobble gobble turkey". We looked at literature from two perspectives- the traditional story we are told as we grow up about the 'pilgrims and Indians working and feasting together', to the perspective of the Native Americans, who often consider it a "National Day of Mourning."
Also included in my teaching load are weekly workshops for the Professors on their "Technical Writing" skills-- to be used for articles they write about their research to be published in English. Each module focuses on a different aspect of the research article: Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, and Discussion/Conclusion. I am using a book to help guide my teaching called, "Science Research Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English" which has been helpful. The aim of this course is to provide them with the information, vocabulary and phrases, concrete examples, structure, and hands-on writing to improve their skills.
International Education Day |
LEARN!
Learning Portuguese has been coming slooowwwllyyy. I am a bit disappointed because of the lack of oral practice and progress I am making. It seems that most young people in Lisbon speak English, so the minute they can tell you aren't a native speaker they begin to speak to you in English. And since most people want to practice their English, they want to speak to you in it instead of Portuguese. I am taking an Erasmus Portuguese course at the University, so I feel my comprehension, writing and vocabulary is improving at least. Hopefully the oral skills will begin feeling more comfortable soon!
RUN!
Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge |
Casa Vinyasa, my studio in Lisbon Yogi! I have also found a rad "ashtanga" yoga studio I love for my recovery days! It is a MySore style studio which are very rare to find. The closest studio similar is in San Francisco back at home. There are some differences in this method from the modern way in which yoga is usually taught: 1.the class is not "led" as a whole but rather all instruction is one-on-one within the group 2.students practice their own portion of the Ashtanga sequence of asanas at their own instruction 3.the teacher assists each student individually by giving physical adjustments & verbal instruction I am enjoying this style because it really forces you to be present and active in the process, not just "following" the commands of an instructor-- thus the practice really becomes your own. ___ More to come soon. Much love. Beijinhos! xoxo |
Loving your experiences except for the bull fight. Your adventures are amazing. I can imagine it is not easy work but probably most fulfilling. Miss you a bunch here and look forward to hearing more. Please tell if I can do anything for you back home. Happy Holidays!!! --Mark A.
ReplyDeleteHi Mark! Thanks for checking it (: I hope you had a fanatastic holidays!! I was home for 2 weeks so it was quite nice to spend time with my family... Miss you guys. Give Maddie and Deb a kiss for me!
DeleteKristy, It sounds like you are having the time of your life! Just wanted to say hello and Happy New Year. Best, Lauren Ritchey
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great experience. Lovely written. I'm actually going to Lisbon during February vacation for the first time! Can't wait! How come no more post since November? Hopefully not too busy to enjoy Lisbon. - Matt
ReplyDeleteHi Matt! When do you come to Lisbon in Febraruy? I think you will like it! Let me know if you need any tips on the town while you are here! (:
DeleteHi Kristy! I absolutely love your blog! Lisbon was wonderful! I wished I would have gotten in touch with you because it was a bit hard to find things. But it was amazing! So I'll be in Lisbon again on June 16th - possibly for good. I got into a Phd program and so I'm coming to check things out. I wanted to ask you about how you found an apartment, maybe yoga? Anyhow, hope al is well. Talk to you soon! - Matt
DeleteCongrats on the Phd Program Matt! Which university? I found an apt through my University I teach at. Yoga is at a place called Casa Vinyasa (its ashtanga style)... I may still be here mid June so if I can help in any way I will!!
DeleteThanks Kristy!! It's at Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Casa Vinyasa looks nice...for sure, if your still in Lisbon. I would love that, thank you!!
DeleteAre you still in Lisbon?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Mateus! How was your trip to Lisboa?!
Delete