mis clases!

OKAY....so I finally have settled down into the classes that I will be taking for the rest of my time in Spain... I had a two week period to try out classes (like most colleges/universities in the U.S. do as well). I have settled into four classes:

*literatura hispanoamerica (latin american literature)
*historia de la filosofia (history of philosophy)
*introduccion al ensayo hispanico (intro to spanish essay)
*la historia de la mujer y sociedad en espana (history of women and society in spain)

It's been my first week in each of these classes and I really enjoy them and the professors very much. I am glad that I choose the integrated program now since I feel that I am really learning something. I am taking subjects that interest me, and improving my listening Spanish; finally all those silly listening practices from school have paid off! The only disadvantage of taking classes with Spaniards (as opposed to with other international students and NO Spaniards) is that one must pay attention at all times. If one finds themselves distracted by the slightest thing they might miss something important. Well you could say this applies to classes in America as well, however, if you space out in America you will still be hearing English, instead of Spanish. This is the only course that required me to buy books (4 to be exact) and they all look very interesting. I look forward to reading them!

The literature course is my class with the most international students. The majority of these people are from the U.S., England, and Korea. There are also Spaniards in the class. This class is taught by a young (in her30's) female professor who is very excited about the subject matter.

My history of philosophy class is interesting, and I feel a step ahead since I have already taken a full year of philosophy at BC. I have also taken other political science based philosophy courses. The professor seems very passionate about this course. The class is packed, and it is completely full of Spaniards.

My intro to the Spanish essay course is smaller and has mostly Spaniards. I like this professor best because he speaks slower (normal speed) so I am able to write down everything that he says. I have also made an acquaintance in this class. Her name is Ana Maria and she is from Colombia originally but she lives in England. She asked me if I was from Spain; this seems to be a common question for me which I feel has it's advantages and disadvantages. I enjoy blending in and having people approach me with Spanish first rather than English. Also things are not made any easier for me because it is assumed that I am from Spain (or another Spanish speaking country). HOWEVER...this also doesn't encourage other international students to approach me since they think I am a Spaniard and therefore am "intimidating." haha.

My fourth class, history of women in Spain, I enjoy very much as well. This class is taught by a woman, who is in her early 60's and very upbeat. She cracks jokes here and there and makes the class a fun time. I really like the subject matter, and so does she, which prompts her to speak a mile a minute. There are two guys in the class too, haha.

Overall, I'm enjoying my educational time in addition to my free/exploring time. :)
hasta luego!