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A Spanish Speaking Friend |
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By Kent Truckor - Guest Blogger studying in Valencia, Spain In the third week of school I have found that persistence pays off in regards to learning a language. I have fallen on my face a few times now in regards to speaking the language and speaking with native individuals. However, it is true what they say that the majority of the people are patient with someone who is learning the language and work to help you. I have gotten a better chance of practicing the language through intercambio with Silvia as well as speaking with my Spanish mother and her son in the house. What I have found to be the most difficult is listening to native speakers, deciphering
Continue reading "A Spanish Speaking Friend"
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By Bradley Rahek - Guest Blogger studying in Ecuador The previous entry may have given the impression that Quito is an extremely dangerous place to be, that the rest of South America is likely the same, and that it's best just to remain at home in one's own country. It probably doesn't help for me to say that two other girls in my school had money and belongings stolen from their bags on a bus on Sunday. But in all honesty it really isn't so dangerous if one uses a bit of common sense: walking only in groups at night (which those climbing the volcano failed to do), staying in populated areas, and keeping one's bags under foot, on lap,
Continue reading "Security in Quito"
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By Kent Truckor - Guest Blogger studying in Spain It is the beginning of my third week in Valencia. I have found that I have learned much in these two weeks because today quite a few new people have started at the school. One of which entered my cultural class today and really only understood ¿Como se llama? I feel kind of bad for him because in two weeks it seems as though the class is progressing ahead in a uniform manner in regards to dialogue. Until he came into the class today I felt kind of frustrated that past day or so because I do not feel as if I am progressing along well enough. However, I am aware
Continue reading "Learning Spanish"
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By Bradley Rahek - Guest Blogger traveling in Ecuador I had planned on talking a bit more about Quito and my host family, describing life here, etc, but recent events have demanded that I write about a somewhat more sobering topic: the dangers of traveling. A group of students and I had planned on climbing Cotopaxi, the second tallest active volcano in the world, this weekend. In preparation, we tried on mountaineering boots, crampons and the whole bit a couple of days ago, and then decided to do an easier hike yesterday for acclimatization to the high altitude. For this we went to Guagua Pichincha, which is the closest volcano to Quito. We rode the Teleferiqo, which is basically a
Continue reading "Be Safe When Traveling"
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By Kent Truckor - Guest Blogger studying in Spain Today has been a very good day. First off I received an email from a woman named Sylvia who is interested in an intercambio language exchange. What this means is that I will help her with her English and she will help me with my Spanish through discussion format. From what I have heard this is a truly dynamic way to improve ones listening and speaking abilities. I have found that I can speak decent with Spanish people however when it comes to listening and comprehending what they say when they speak at a regular pace, this is a different story. I am excited about the opportunity to work with someone
Continue reading "Intercambio in Valencia"
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First Impressions of Quito |
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By Bradley Rahek - Guest Blogger studying in Ecuador I admit to knowing very little, if nothing, about Ecuador. I don't see anything wrong with that, because where am I to better learn about it than here? However, I did have a few ideas about what the country and the people would be like. Most of these were colored by my roommate Brad, whose mother is Ecuadorian (and whom I've never met). I imagined the people to be mostly short and squat, with dark skin and round heads. Other characteristics of my roommate (idleness, near-continual intoxication, popcorn eating) I assumed to be unrelated to his maternal ancestors. I was pretty much correct. The people generally are short and squat, with
Continue reading "First Impressions of Quito"
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By Kent Truckor - Guest Blogger studying in Spain I have started my second week of classes and things are going well. I continue to meet individuals from various countries, which is excellent. In my class, there are students from China, Turkey, Austria, France, Belgium, England, and Hungary. It is a fun environment because everyone is going through the same thing of the battle of learning a new language. The past weekend was good, Valencia held the 4th meeting of The Catholic Families of the World and Pope Benedict the 16th was in town. Two of my friends and myself checked out some of the events that took place and the weather was nice for it as well. The majority
Continue reading "Weekend in Valencia"
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The Importance of Packing Right |
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By Bradley Rahek- Guest Blogger studying in Ecuador Packing is the most important part of travel and study abroad. This may sound surprising, but keep in mind that I said "most important", not "most interesting" or "most exciting". How well you pack can have a profound effect upon your entire trip; for example, if I forget my diving license, then I won't be able to dive. A forgotten passport might mean days of intense negotiations with the local consulate or embassy—maybe even expulsion from the country. Most people don't forget such major things; however, less obvious items can easily be overlooked. I've just finished packing for 8 weeks in Ecuador, and as a somewhat veteran traveler, I am wise enough
Continue reading "The Importance of Packing Right"
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