Erasmus: changing lives and opening minds...

Week eighteen: 24/06/2013 - 26/06/2013
Conclusion:

It almost feels like an injustice to sum up my Erasmus experience within the next few paragraphs. Lin Yutang once said that "No one realises how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." I have now been back in Northern Ireland for two days. In many ways it is nice to be home, to see friends and loved ones and share with them the many tales of my travels. However, as I write my final blog entry I can't help but think of Linz and the truly amazing people that I met there. 

A farewell buffet with some amazing friends...

My last few days in Austria were spent getting organised for our return home. It was great to finally get our learning agreements completed with Niels and Christian and I was very pleased to see that I achieved a level 1 in all of my modules. On monday evening some of my friends and I decided to muster up an international buffet and this was one to remember! As this would be our last evening cooking together, we all pushed the boat out and produced some very tasty food. Pictured  to the left are not only some talented chefs but the people that helped to make my experience here so special. Stefan (left) was our student mentor who became a great friend and has recently booked flights to Belfast in August, great! Hakan and Erkan (center) were our neighbours and fellow Erasmus students. Warren and I spent A LOT of time with these two and I genuinely will miss them. Kyle and Klaudio (right) were two other guys that had a big influence on our time here. Kyle played rugby with Warren and I, a very laid back guy with a great sense of humour. Klaudio Beka is someone that I will never forget. Fluent in an amazing six languages, this man is probably the most stylish, cool and sophisticated person I have ever met, oh and he's not a bad hairdresser either!

Warren and I enjoying a final beer...

Tuesday evening was one to remember. After saying our goodbyes to our lecturers and university friends, the remaining Erasmus students had organised a meal in L'Osteria, which is without doubt my favourite restaurant in Linz. This is a restaurant that holds many memories for me. I first came here with the Erasmus crew on my very first night. Since then I have came here with my parents, girlfriend, friends from home, Warren and his sisters. The atmosphere, reasonably priced menu and eighteen inch pizzas make this a superb dining experience and somewhere that will always be a part of my Erasmus memories. 

I still don't think it has sunk it that it is all over. Four and a half months is a long time but truth be told I could've stayed longer. When I first heard about the Erasmus Programme many years ago I promised myself I would do it. However, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have enjoyed it this much. According to the European Commission's website for the Erasmus Programme, 'a period abroad not only enriches students' lives in the academic and professional fields, but can also improve language learning, intercultural skills, self-reliance and self-awareness.' I definitely agree with all of this, but Erasmus was even more for me! 

Great times at the imposing River Danube...

Living in the heart of central Europe gave me the chance to feel like and become a true European citizen. This programme certainly made me develop an appetite for travel and to learn,  share and develop my teaching skills and abilities. Undertaking a programme like this has definitely broadened my professional and personal horizons; I feel I have benefited educationally, linguistically, socially and culturally in a land which I have been proud to call home for the past few months. After all, Erasmus could be the starting point of what my life could become!

Stefan, Kyle and Klaudio waving goodbye at train station! 

As I said to my friends,  "Das is nicht das Ende, dies ist nur Abschied für jetzt" (This is not the end, this is just farewell for now)

Erasmus 2013, a truly unforgettable experience!

Danke und auf Wiedersehen,

James

References:

• Suoquai, Q (2011) Liberal Cosmopolitan: Lin Yutand and Middling Chinese Modernity, Hotei Publishing, The Netherlands
• EC (2013) European Commission: ERASMUS Student Mobility for Studies, available at: http://ec.europa.eu/ [Accessed 29/06/201

Music, friendship and travel!

Week seventeen: 17/06/2013 - 23/06/2013
Cultural Development:

Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus left a lasting legacy. Among many wise words, he once noted that "The summit of happiness is reached when a person is ready to be what he is". During the past four and a half months I have learnt many things about myself; some negative and some positive. However, I truly believe that Erasmus has been one of the best and most worthwhile experiences I have ever done and in some ways Desiderius Erasmus' words ring true; today I know much more about myself and the direction in which I would like my life to follow. 

Performing once again

This week began with a bang, a bang in the form of traditional Irish music! You may remember that some weeks ago Warren and I sang during International week. Well, as some of our teachers thought this was ‘such a success’ it was time to get the guitar out, warm up the vocal chords and do it all again, only many more songs were required this time. Manuela Reif, the Erasmus departments trusted secretary had organized an ‘Irish coffee hour’! Tutors from throughout the college gathered together, drank some coffee and listened to Warren and I perform our songs. I must admit I enjoyed this performance much more than the last. The atmosphere and environment were much less formal and I felt I could relax and just enjoy the music and I believe everyone else did too!

Enjoying the Viennese sunshine...

Wednesday was a very memorable day for Warren and I as we visited the city of Vienna for the first time. When you think of Austria, you think of Vienna and Warren and I had planned a much anticipated day visit to the capital . The fast train from Linz can take you there in under two hours so we had a full day in the blistering heat, to take in the sights that Vienna had to offer. Vienna abounds with beautiful locations and is an ideal-typical European city very similar to London or Paris. One real plus here was the transport system. This is a very compact city and was very easy for us both to negotiate; well to be honest Warren was the man in charge of the map as my sense of direction leaves a lot to be desired! Vienna is referred to by many as a unique onion, with each of the urban layers surrounding the oldest historic center being equally important to the overall flavour of the city. We were both so impressed with the capital, but it is much more than old buildings, which turn Vienna into a city of beauty. The many parks, flowers, trees and even bicycles give this city a unique charm. I would highly recommend this city to anyone and am determined to return one day.

Warren and I taking in the sights of Vienna!

Myself, Kyle and Warren having a ball in Prague...

Saturday morning saw the two of us, along side our good South-African friend Kyle Jackson pay a visit to the famous city of Prague. Prague was always high up in our list of cities to visit. My brother has spent some time there in the past and therefore recommended some great places to see and things to do. A very enjoyable and interesting days sight-seeing led to a party to end all parties. A very reasonable €23 saw us book a place on an exclusive boat cruise along the picturesque river Vltava and gain free entry into central Europe’s largest nightclub which boasts an incredible five floors, yes I repeat five floors! Prague was fantastic and I believe a fitting way to spend our last weekend of the Erasmus Programme.

Bis Spald,

James

References:

• Rees, F (2006) Desiderius Erasmus: writer and christian humanist, Compass Point Books, Minneapolis.

A lively week in Linz!

Week sixteen: 10/06/2013 - 16/06/2013
Personal Development:

The influential English writer Samuel Johnson once said "Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation how it shall be spent". I believe I have spent the last four and a half months with this philosophy in mind and this week proved to be no different.

Ondrej Lastovka

My week began bright and early on monday morning. This would be a very important day as I would be undertaking my German oral and listening exam. I have always had a keen interest in languages. At school I studied French for seven years and still try to practise this when possible. I suppose in some ways I regret not taking on more languages at school. I think being at least bilingual is very important. Most children have the capacity and facility to learn more than one language. In fact, researchers say that there are many advantages to being bilingual. Some of these include  being able to learn new words easily, using information in new ways, coming up with new solutions to problems and having good listening skills.

Hakan and I celebrating our exam success!

So, after studying German for the past few months today I would be put to the test. Ondrej Lastovka, my German tutor would ask me a series of questions revolving around the topics that we have spent the past few months learning about. I would be lying if I said I was not slightly nervous. Those feelings brought me back to my school days and reminded  me of just how nervous I would get before a French oral exam!! I am very pleased to say that my exam went very well. Ondrej was very pleased with my progress and awarded me a level 1, which is the highest possible mark! I really have enjoyed and embraced learning the German language which is considered a difficult language to learn. With its long and winding words, four noun case endings and three grammatical genders it feels like speaking German gives every muscle in my mouth a good workout! On the other hand, as both English and German are related, I noticed a number of similarities that made it somewhat easier to learn. Mark Twain may have once said that "It is easier for a cannibal to enter the Kingdom of Heaven through the eye of a rich man's needle that it is for any other foreigner to read the terrible German script". I'm sure many people would agree with the famous words of Mr Twain but in this case I am not one of them. I have thoroughly loved learning the German tongue and being surrounded by so many native speakers.

On Saturday of this week, along with some friends I attended the annual Wake of Steel wakeboarding contest located in the Linz trading harbour. This really was such a cool event and I have never witnessed anything like it. The event ran on Friday and Saturday with nearly 12000 spectators coming down to cheer on the world's best wakeboarders. The crowd, summer temperatures and top riders turned Red Bull Wake of Steel into a super cool summer festival. It was amazing to see the Austrian Dominik Hernier picking up first prize in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Domini Hernier performing some trademark tricks to the home crowd, amazing!

My week was rounded off in true erasmus style with a delicious international buffet in our kitchen. Friends from Turkey, Albania, Austria and of course Ireland combined our expert cooking skills and unique cultures to produce a very tasty meal. It's the simple things that you do with friends that make this experience so special. It hard to believe that in just a few weeks I will be at home (probably in the rain). However, nothing quite compares to my Father's sunday roast!!

Klaudio, Hakan and I enjoying the food and atmosphere...

Viel Gluck,

James

References:

• Clark, J, D, C. (1994) Samuel Johnson: Literature, Religion and English Cultural Politics from the Restoration to Romanticism, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

• Twain, M. (1880) Mark Twain: A Tramp Abroad, Century Publishing, London

Another busy week in Linz!

Week 15: 03/06/2013 - 09/06/2013

Professional Development:

It was the iconic Ernest Hemingway that once said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” I can reflect on another very busy week here in Linz.  It truly is hard to contemplate that we only have a matter of weeks left in Austria. It is both Warren’s and my aim to make the most of these and pack as much in as we can.

Ebony and Drake

This week I spent a lot of time concentrating on my project for our ‘Making Movies’ module. I have to admit that making movies and all that comes with it has never been of great interest to me. I was one of those people who would happily watch a good movie and give none or very little thought as to how it was made and the equipment used it make it. This somewhat ignorant attitude has gradually changed over the past few weeks. Our project entitled ‘Drake the Vampire’ revolves around two new Erasmus students (who happen to be vampires). ‘Drake’ and ‘Ebony’ are played by myself and fellow Irish friend Terri Dorrity, a very talented actress. The main gist of the story focuses on the Erasmus ethos that everyone is ‘welcome’ and ‘accepted’. Although a somewhat strange storyline, with a bizarre ending, making this short movie has been great fun and a barrel of laughs.  Making the actual movie was not such a difficult task but the hours of editing that come after that can prove challenging. Whilst difficult, I really have enjoyed the editing and the software package provided (Final cut) is fantastic with literally limitless options as to what you can do with your movie. I look forward to finishing this in the next few weeks!

Some members of the International Team at the Padag!

Within the past few weeks the majority of my modules at the Padag have came to an end. I must admit I have thoroughly enjoyed the modules offered to the Erasmus students. We were given the opportunity to take a diverse range of courses, which have all been beneficial in different ways. I feel I have also formed some very strong relationships with some of my tutors; friendships that I hope will last for a long time to come. In the world of education, having international contacts can be very important. Teaching in Austria is not something that I would rule out in the future, with a course or two in German, this is a project that I would like to pursue. 

On a side note, I think it is imperative to mention the devastating floods that occurred this week in Central Europe. The main countries affected; Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic saw tens of thousands of people being evacuated from their homes. At least twenty-one flood-related deaths have also been reported with the river Danube, Elbe and the Vltava all overflowing after just five days of heavy rain. Warren and I paid a visit to the Danube yesterday and the water level had risen by a staggering eleven meters. Thankfully no deaths have been reported here in Linz and within the next few days Warren and I are determined to lend our help with the mass cleanup operation that will no doubt be needed.

These two photographs give you a great insight as to just how much the Danube has risen. The photograph on the left was taken just one month ago. I captured the photograph on the right today, a rise of eleven meters! Fingers crossed the rain eases within the next few days!

Bis Später,

James

References:

• Boon, K, A, (2008) Ernest Hemingway: The Sun Also Rises and Other Works, Michelle Bisson, China

International week!!

Week fourteen: 27/05/2013 - 2/06/2013
Cultural Development:

The events of the past week really are difficult to summarise in the word space provided. This has perhaps been one of the most memorable weeks I have had here to date. Each year at the Padagogische Hochschule the International department (spearheaded by our tutors Christian Kogler and Niels de Jong) host an 'International Week'. This involves many lecturers and educators from many different European Countries and the USA congregating at our university to discuss important and current areas within education such as Early Childhood Education, Multilingualism, Inclusion and School management.

Warren and I performing...

'Beeeeeeep' went my alarm clock. It was 6:30am on Tuesday morning, but this would be no ordinary Tuesday morning. At approximately 9am Warren and I would be performing two songs to a room filled with over one hundred and fifty people, to say I was nervous would be a grief understatement! So, how did this all come about? Basically, some weeks ago the tutors heard that I like to sing. This may be true but my previous performances have only ever been to either my mother or my dog! However, it was a great honour to be asked and I was very fortunate in the fact that Warren is an excellent guitar player and thankfully had managed to borrow a very expensive guitar and agreed to accompany me! We decided to focus on two Irish songs, songs that would allow us to share some of our culture with the audience. Firstly we performed 'There were Roses' a song made popular by Cara Dillion some years ago. This emotional song talks of the friendship shared between a protestant and catholic boy during 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland. Our second number was a lot less depressing! We opted for the iconic 'Galway Girl' written by Steve Earle in 2000. This song went down well and really seemed to get the crowd going. Despite the nerves, forgotten words and flat notes I think we managed to pull it off! After all, when will I get the chance to sing to two-hundred people again?

Singing 'The Galway Girl"

Doctor Georg Gombos delivering his presentation...

An extremely enjoyable and beneficial element of the International Week was getting the opportunity to spend time with and hear the presentations of many influential educationalists. These people are all extremely high-up within their own fields and are held in high regard within the world of education. One man that made a real impression on me was Georg Gombos who was representing the University of Klagenfurt. Doctor Gombos centered his keynote around the topic of multilingualism and how as future educators we must incourage this and promote this within schools. A speaker of a staggering seven languages himself, Doctor Gombos really got me thinking about this and a coffee with him at the interval gave me a chance to further discuss this and get my own viewpoints across.

Some interested members of the audience...

A fantastic way to conclude the week was a BBQ held in the university on Wednesday evening. There was a great turnout with delicious food and a very generous amount of alcohol provided. It was a lovely experience to sit and have a beer or a glass of wine with Christian, Niels, Catherine and Roswitha (our tutors) and believe me, the Austrian people know how to enjoy themselves!

The Stewart sisters and I embracing the rain...

On Thursday I was delighted to welcome Warren's two sisters Heather and Scelina who had made the journey from Ireland and London respectively. Despite the hideous amounts of rain we had a great few days packed full of sight-seeing, culture and some great local cusine. Oh, and I made sure I told them some tales of their little brother and his antics!! It was a pleasure to meet the Stewart sisters and a mid-summer barbeque on their family farm has been organised for our return home!

Viel Glück!

James

'The Three Musketeers'

Week thirteen: 20/05/2013 - 26/05/2013
Personal Development:

"No one realises how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." (Lin Yutang)

I chose to carry out my Erasmus experience in Austria for many reasons. Among these was the fact that Austria is located in the heart of Europe and gives you a fantastic opportunity to travel and see other countries. With this philosophy in mind, this week my good friend Jack Woods accompanied Warren and I on an adventure to the Czech Republic!

Enjoying the nicest beer in the world!!

Jack, a proud English man is working as a Language Assistant for a year in a local school here in Linz. Warren and I have got to know Jack very well over the past few months and his company is always enjoyable and very entertaining. So, the 'Three Musketeers' packed our bags and headed for our first destination, the city of Ceske Budejovice; commonly known as Budweis. Busweis is a statutory city in the Czech Republic and is the largest city in the South Bohemian region. This city is well-known for having the largest square in Middle Europe and as the place that brews the excellent Budvar beer (Budweiser). I have been fortunate to taste some beautiful beers in Austria but the beers there were simply 'unbelievable' and extremely cheap! 

Taking in the beauty of Krumlov...

The next morning came and we had two options; return to Linz or continue our Czech adventure! The decision was unanimous - to Cesky Krumlov it was! Situated on the banks of the Vitava river, this town was built around the 13th century. It truly is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact. In fact,  I would honestly say that Krumlov is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. Aidous Huxley once said that "To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." I have to agree with this. I too, never expected the Czech Republic to be home to so many picturesque towns and cities. The city centre of Krumlov really was a sight to behold. The narrow medieval lanes and Renaissance houses complements the extensive complex of the castle and chateau. Two brown bears also roam the castle moat and prove a somewhat different attraction for tourists - and many tourists there were!

Warren enjoying life...

So a planned one day excursion resulted in a four-day sight-seeing, beer-drinking and very memorable trip to the Czech Republic. I really hope we can plan another venture before we return home!

Our week ended in great style with a victory in the quarter-final of the Austrian Rugby cup. Our opponents were Vienna Celtic RFC in a match that required nothing less than a victory if we were to progress further in the cup. This was without doubt our best performance yet as we taught the Viennese boys a bit of a lesson! On a personal note, both Warren and I were able to score out first tries for the team. A day that will live long in the memory and a semi-final to look forward to next week!!

Celebrating a hard-fought victory!

Guten Abend,

James

References:

• Suoqiao, Q (2011) Liberal Cosmopolitan: Lin Yutang and Middling Chinese Modernity, The Netherlands, Hotei Publishing
• Murray, N (2002) Aidous Huxley: A Biography, Great Britain, Little Brown Publishers 

All-round professional...

Week twelve: 13/05/2013 - 19/05/2013
Professional Development:

The thought of packing my bags and going home really is bizarre! I believe I only have 6 weeks of Erasmus left but it feels like yesterday I was touching down in Linz for the first time! Whilst here in Austria, I feel I have developed in many ways. Amongst other areas I feel I have gained a much more professional grasp of education and how I can become the best teacher that I can possibly be. This is largely down to the modules I have undertaken and teaching I have received and carried out whilst here. 

Presenting to the class...

My modules at university are generally reaching their conclusion. At the minute I am finalising some assignments and portfolios that will help form part of my marks for this semester. One course that springs to mind is Teaching Across Borders (TAB). TAB gives us a chance to mix with Austrian students and express our viewpoints and opinions on many matters. This week for example, I was given the chance to talk about and present my impressions of Linz in both a positive and negative manner. Discussions are always very honest and open and a good debate is hard to beat! 

'Drake the Vampire'

Movie making is another course which I am really enjoying at the moment. Currently we filming a short movie entitles "Drake the Vampire" which basically involves myself putting a lot of make-up on, wearing fangs and covering my face in artificial blood, great fun - minus the makeup! Courses such as this are a great way of expressing and show-casing creativity and having lots of lots of amusement in the process!

Life in the Europaschule is also unfortunately coming to end. This week we were asked to begin the lesson with a short activity. Somehow, I was roped into dressing up like 'Chris Tarrant' and presenting our very own 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' (Linz style). The children would be brought to the front of the classroom in pairs and be asked a question on Ireland. Each group would be given three lifelines just like the hit TV show, with the soundtrack and images from the show included. The pupils loved the activity and ended answering all of the questions correctly, which meant more sweets for them, which of course meant smiles all round. 

'Chris Tarrant' and some happy contestants...

Enjoying the run..

My week ended in a very enjoyable manner which involved taking part in a 'Fun-Run' which in annual event organised by the Europaschule in order to raise money and awareness for local charities in the area. The whole school, staff and pupils truly entered into the spirit of things and got their running gear on. The day was a real success and I believe lots of money was raised, the weather was beautiful and only added to the occasion. What a day! Who knows, 'Chris Tarrant' could be making a guest appearance at the 'Fun-Run' in 2014!!

Gute Nacht,

James