Martini, Marple, Barbour jackets & Blood

Afternooon!

Well this week marked the end of the exams at last.  It was such a relief to have them out the way until December. It feels so good to finally have done the first set of exams and now I know for next time how it all works.  I managed to nearly live in the library for the last few days, but considering I had my friends company, a better computer and access to cheap coffee I don’t see that as such a bad thing!! But enough boring stuff, and more exciting stuff (I hope!)

Last Friday I had a great time with my Swedish friend Johanna, I finally found another person here who shares my love for Agatha Christie. So last Friday we spent the evening relaxing with a bottle of Martini and some good food in front of Miss Marple! (so wild I know :p), and of course finished the night with some tea and Jam on toast- think my attempt of turning my friend British is working, I’m mean she already loves Barbour just as much as I do! Talking of Barbour actually, I had a mad moment and went a bought another. It is actually meant to be here today, so hopefully it will have arrived by the end of the day 🙂 I justified this well by the fact that the jacket will last my whole lifetime, and if you weigh that up against buying a cheaper coat each year then it is a very very sensible decision.  Also, the weather is starting to turn now and it is getting much colder- this is another reason why I have made a great investment.

Anyway, so I finished exams on Wednesday and thought I’d let of some steam in the gym as I haven’t been so much this week. That evening my friend Reema cooked us a lovely curry 🙂 It was nice to meet some of her housemates and she also had a friend from home come and visit. I don’t think I have laughed that much in such a long time, it was a great evening!

Yesterday was of course Halloween and my friend Lucy had organised this nine hole drinking game where we had to go round each other’s corridors and do shots at each. Some of them were vile ha! I wouldn’t like to know what was in them to be honest.  My so-called Halloween costume was pathetic, I just added some blood and a plaster to my face and that was that! Though, I had people asking me when we went out ‘oh did you know you have cut your face?’, and I could not tell if they were being serious or not- we are in the Netherlands, so you never know :p ha

I’m majorly excited about next week as I have a few trips on the cards! Although classes start again at uni, I am going to Amsterdam on Wednesday evening to meet up with some friends coming from the UK. They are coming over as it’s the Ajax vs Celtic game, so I may have to pretend I am a Celtic fan for the evening! Also, next weekend I am heading off to Deutschland to visit two of my favourite people Maisie and Jack in Bonn. Maisie is studying there so we thought it would be a great idea to go and stay with her. I think we are planning to have a night out in Cologne which should be super fun and no doubt it will involve ending up at a Karaoke bar! Ahh too exciteddd!

But I’ll leave you now  to look at some pictures, and think it’s time for me to take a nap- such a hard life!

see yaa next time!

Sian  xxx

A mixed week!

Really gone and surprised myself by writing another blog, only after a week since the last one!  But I think procrastination has been the major driving force behind this one :p

So what has happened this week? Well it’s been slightly mixed for many reasons. The weekend started off well with the visits of two Sheffield girls to Nijmegen, it was nice to see some familiar faces and have a good catch up with them. We took them to the ‘so-called’ ERASMUS white party- but I was slightly disappointed by the lack of white clothing, pretty sure I was the most white-dressed there! However, it was a nice change to take the bus to town rather than cycling  and by the end of the night I think I appreciated that decision with the fact that we made the most of the 2 for 1 drinks :p ( yes I don’t think it would have been a safe option to cycle back). And we won’t talk about how I felt the next day either!

SO moving on, the beginning of the working week began yet again with some revision. I had one exam this week which was for my Dutch Culture module. The exam was also very mixed, I was unsure about the set up of the whole thing as it was my first exam here. I was kind of annoyed at the questions because they missed out one of the topics and put in a question about something which was covered in the intro lecture. Nobody thought that would be the case. So pretty sure that question went terribly bad- but hey its only one question and I guess and there isn’t a lot I can do about it really! I still have two more exams next week- one of which I may as well not turn up to. This is my Dutch literature module which I have to write all in Dutch and about their literature (stating the obvious I know!!). But I am stressing out way too much as I know its way above my  level and I can’t face going into an exam which I have no clue about- this has never happened. But there is a first time for everything and I will have to face the music I guess. The other exam should be fine as it is a translation exam from Dutch to English where we get access to online dictionaries and all that! And considering I am a native English speaker I am hoping I can pass this one 🙂

But moving on to something more important, which has made me put all my so-called ‘problems’ in perspective was finding out some very sad news. On Tuesday we received an email from our head of department informing us that one of our course mates had suddenly passed away. Naturally I was in shock because he was in nearly all of my classes last year and someone that I saw on a daily basis- it really brings home how precious life is!  I would like to send my best wishes to his family- I can’t imagine how they must be feeling right now. It really puts everything into perspective and makes you realise that shouldn’t complain about the small and pathetic things because they aren’t, in the scheme of things, actually a problem at all.

Next time: I will let you know how the exams went, the end of exam partying (Halloween next week) and also how the progress of my 2-pac is coming along! Hoping I can keep my motivation for the gym going, I went so much last week but haven’t so much this week, and  I bailed out today: p But me and my friend are trying to motivate each other- sooo much easier to go with someone!

Until then nighhhttttttt xxxx 

It’s not all plain sailing.

Hoi!

I guess it’s that time again to do another post, I think it’s been a good month since my last! Time flies and I really can’t believe how quick it’s gone, it’s crazy. I was yet to start university before my last blog, so I shall tell you all about how that went, and also a few other things which I have been up too.

Well if I told you settling into University life was easy, than I would be lying. I knew it would be hard but I honestly found it a struggle to begin with, and it’s only now I am starting to get used to how things work out here. For example, my Dutch literature module was very interesting to say the least. I knew that it would be hard considering the lectures and seminars would be in Dutch, and although I understand and speak Dutch, analysing literature in Dutch would require a lot more work!  This was made a lot more comical by the fact that one of the Dutch lectures for the module could not have had a stronger Dutch accent even if he tried. I remember talking to him after one of the lectures because I found it hard to follow him, however the conversation seemed to turn into talking about Sheffield and colleagues he knew there. Therefore the thought of doing this module seemed way out of my reach. So I have completed half of the course, but still feel like it is way out of my depth.  However, I will see what happens after the mid-term exams and if I can change it or do another course I may consider that. At the end of the day if I don’t pass the literature course, it will still be beneficial to my Dutch and my knowledge of their literature- I guess I need to try and stay positive. A lot easier said than done though!

But I do warn UK students coming to study in the Netherlands that the set up is completely different to what we are used to. I think I took it for granted how well informed I was at Sheffield. For example, we are not told anything about our mid-term exams unless we make the effort to find out. This was made worse by the fact that the mid-term exams cover everything we have studied, whereas in Sheffield it is normal that we pick a certain amount of topics to revise. If I had not found this out then it would have caused problems for next week’s exams. Therefore, I do encourage students to make sure that they make the effort to find out information for themselves, as I wish I had been aware of this more.  Another thing which is hard to deal with is the way in which Dutch lecturers deal with feedback. In the UK, well in my experience, it is not really acceptable to discuss work in front of the whole class unless it is positive. However I have witnessed students, who have had to deal with the awkward situation of being made an example in front of the class.  I am pretty sure that this is typically ‘Dutch’ however it would not be easy for a British person to deal with for the first time!!

I am enjoying most of my other courses and learning more about my own language in my modules ‘English as A world language’ and also in my translation and writing classes. It’s weird how many things I do not know about English grammar and having a non-native speaker teach you this makes for some interesting disagreements! Though it is nice that I am valued as a living English dictionary- I have a use I guess!

I am trying to explore as much as I can, although it’s extremely hard when you are busy all the time! But I have been to Arnhem three times as it is so close to Nijmegen- only 10 mins by the trein 🙂  I found the shops were much better there, I mean they have a Zara and that’s when you know it’s going to be good. I went to Utrecht with a friend this weekend and also have Rotterdam on the agenda as they have a Primark there! I didn’t think I would miss it but my bank account seems to! Some of us also want to have a weekend in Amsterdam and this is a must-do before I leave in January.

It’s been nice to get to know a few Dutch students in my classes, although I am still struggling with the fact that everyone wants to speak English when all I want to do is practice my Dutch. But I know I must keep trying! However, one of my Dutch classmates has helped me out a lot and she makes sure that she speaks to me in Dutch. Also she gave me mean girls (The Dutch edition of course! ) and a copy of Vogue Nederland. This is a great way of just surrounding myself with the Dutch language in a more ‘fun’ way.

Oh and my mum came to visit me two weekends ago which was nice, I showed her how well I know the city now and took her to good old Arnhem! It was so lovely to stay in a hotel which was nice and quiet. I also can’t believe how happy I was to have a bath- I certainly made the most of it. Enough to keep me going until Christmas I guess! Also made the most of the BBC coverage, so I of course tuned into Match of the Day  🙂 A kettle for my room was also the highlight of the weekend, being able to make some tea without leaving my room is perfect!

My week this week started off fabulously with receiving my Erasmus grant. I know I have to pay my accommodation and book some flights, but I thought it would be rude not to treat myself. So I went a bit mad (a lot ) on the make up front! But you only live once is always my justification for buying things and it seems to work….I mean I don’t feel guilty. I bought the Chanel powder and  a lipstick! So if you want to know if they are any good.. I can help with that :p

That was it. Sorry for the boring post! I promise the next one will be better written-just thought I’d let you know how I am getting on 🙂

Bikes, Bikes and more bikes!

Here I am sitting in my student room in Hoogeveldt reflecting on my crazy 2 weeks (well it seems a lot longer than that!) here in the Netherlands. I’d like to begin by saying that I am very much enjoying being here and I have meet some great people so far, which is always a good thing. I think the hardest part was the first night here, just after my family had left me. This was mainly because I had not yet met anyone and didn’t even have an internet connection to speak to people back home. But over the course of orientation that was soon gone and every day I’m starting to feel more and more at home. My room here is also looking a bit more gezellig than when I first moved in…it was extremely depressing at first.  However, I bought some flowers and have put a few things up so make it feel more like home so it can only get better!

Right, so let me tell you some of the things that have happened since my arrival in Nijmegen. The first Monday saw the start of the orientation week here at the university. Here we had the opportunity to meet our lovely mentors and mentor group. It was great to meet so many people who came from all over the place; it’s something that I have never really done before. So, after all of us had been introduced we headed to town in search of a bicycle which is something that would be hard to live without here now!  I was successful in finding a bike, but I’m still searching for a name for it… so any suggestions are greatly welcomed. Of course being British the whole daily cycling culture was completely alien to me.  I just found it weird how it seems as though every single person in Nijmegen rides a bike and how bike riders are so tolerated on the roads. Back home I think I have more chance of seeing Cheryl Cole than someone riding a bicycle. This may explain why I thought some of the houses were bike shops, when they were actually just houses with bikes parked outside of them!

With our mentor group we did various wonderful activities from visiting the major and the Valkhof museum to sports day… oh and the partying. And this was the perfect way to bond with our group and also get to know the other international students. The whole beer culture is still something that I will need to get accustomed to. This was clearly highlighted when I asked for a vodka and lemonade which apparently doesn’t exist in the Netherlands!

Another thing I love about Nijmegen is there are some great places to chill and enjoy lunch which I have been doing a lot since I have been here.  My lovely Swedish friend Johanna and I been trying to do as many as possible to see what ones are the best. Moving on to the Dutch cuisine I think it’s safe to say I have had a done it a slight justice. I mean I’ve already tried bitterballen (not quite sure what this is I have to say!), Ontbijtkoek and stroopwafels. But any person would probably agree with me when I say the best by far are the stroopwafels, in fact I am eating them right now as I talk to you, and I think they will take up most of my luggage when I fly back home too!

Of course I’m here to improve my Dutch, and as I was aware I knew speaking Dutch would be very hard. Of course as a native English speaker I was ignorant to the fact that most people HAVE to learn another language, which is English to come here.  It is therefore extremely hard to speak the language all the time, but I have been trying as much as possible to speak the language and it’s a lot easier when I am in public. For example I was in H&M queuing for the changing rooms and I was talking to a lady about how we liked each other’s clothes (simple things!).  But hopefully when we start uni next week the opportunity for this will improve and I’ll get to meet even more Dutch students. As far as my uni courses go I have chosen:

Dutch Culture from the Golden Age until the Present Day

Advanced Academic Writing

English as a World Language

Grammar and Translation

Deutsche Sprachpraxis, which focuses on German reading, speaking and writing skills. Although, this one will be especially hard as it is taught in Dutch and German.

Dutch Literature 3. This one focuses on modern Dutch and Flemish literature

So we will see how they go when we start next week, I know that it will be hard to get back to the studying mode after a break. But it will be nice to get some routine back and I have also joined the sports centre so will fit that in into my schedule too.  The facilities here are great and it only costs 14.50 Euros a month to join the sports centre which is so much cheaper than back home.

On one last note it would be uncharacteristic not to mention the weather here in Nijmegen, and it has been quite hot and sunny on most days. This, of course,  I did not expect when coming here so my choice of clothes has been a bit limited, definitely one of the hardest things to deal with since being here (I’m only joking) . But I promise you it gets better in the winter!

That was my short summary so far, until next time when I hopefully have something more interesting to say!

xxx

Going Dutch!

Hi guys, just another Year Abroad blog to throw at you. My name is Sian Dolan, a student studying German with Dutch at the University of Sheffield. I’m splitting my year abroad (third year)  in two and going to university in the Netherlands and then doing a British Council teaching assistantship in Austria. So here is where I’ll hope you’ll take the time to follow my year abroad adventures 🙂

Well tomorrow is the big day, my year abroad finally begins. Like I always seem to say, where has this summer gone?!  It’s gone so fast that it feels like everything is such a last minute rush.  We have been building up to the year abroad ever since we started our degree and now it has finally come round.  I have been busy trying to get the last preparations done and also deciding what to pack (one of the things which I’m finding the hardest).  I’m sure for anyone who knows me; I always take too much whenever I go away. So today will be a tad bit stressful trying to make sure I’ve packed everything I ACTUALLY need. There will surely be something that I have forgotten, but I mean as long as it’s not something too important it won’t matter too much.

I will be studying at the Radboud University Nijmegen in The Netherlands until January and, although I’m excited I can’t help feel a little bit scared about moving out of the country for the first time ever.  But I know once I’ve settled in everything will be fine and I’m sure I’ll love it and being in Holland.

I’m quite lucky that my Mum and sister wanted to come to Holland to see me off, which means I’ll arrive a few days earlier than I need to. Of course it also means I get another suitcase to put some of my things in, which can only be a good thing right? We thought it would be a good idea to stop off in Amsterdam for a night before we travel down to Nijmegen, which makes perfect sense as we are flying to Amsterdam anyway.  So hopefully we will get a tiny bit of sightseeing done, but if not I’m only 1 hr 30 mins from the big city when I’m living in Nijmegen so I’m sure I’ll get plenty of opportunity to visit Amsterdam while I’m living in Holland anyway.

I’ll arrive in Nijmegen 16^th August after the visit to Amsterdam and hopefully I’ll be able to get the keys for my room. I’m staying in the student complex called Hoogeveldt- I’ve been told that this is the biggest student complex at the University. Being able to stay in student halls meant that I didn’t have the worry of trying to find private accommodation. I know I’ll have to do that when I go to Austria in February. Also, from a social point of view it means I get to stay which other students of a similar age. Although I can’t choose who I’m staying with, as a student of Dutch there is always a hope that I’ll be staying with actual Dutch students. But I guess we will see how that one goes!

The university offers an orientation week which starts 18^th August, where we will take part in lots of activities getting to see more of the city and the University.  What is great is we have all been put in a group of about 12-15 other Erasmus students, so it will be good to meet other international students who are in the same position as me.

….Well I guess I better get back to my packing. Until next time, where  hopefully I’ll be feeling more settled and also managed to not fall off my bike!

Dag!

xxxxx