(Students from Belgium and France on bus/ferry headed over to Bournemouth. First arrivals.)
Sunday, June 26th, 2011
Today was a very long journey from Brussels, Belgium to Bournemouth, England. Even though we took the bus to get to our destinations, we also had to take a long ferry ride and a few taxis to transport the students. Wietske is here with me for the first week, and this week is a small group of students, (six for the daily activities) but we had to transport 25 children from different areas today and keep up constant communication with everyone through the different schools and through the company Easy Languages to get them there.
The youngest child was about 11 or 12 and the oldest was about 18 I think. Getting through customs in the UK was a bit annoying but not too drastic. In some ways (sadly) the brashness of England reminds me a little of America, even though they drive completely bonkers here on the left side of the road which scares me to death. If I lived in England I wouldn't ever drive I would probably walk or ride the bus or my bike (risking my life here though). There is an English tea called Tetley's and it is pretty good here. I would consider it a bit of a stronger tea as it consists of more caffeine than most teas in America.
When Wietske and I finally arrived to the residence at Arts University, we were so tired we could barely focus on the activities and budget for the next day, yet it was a day of triumph as all the children made it to their host families and correct destinations on time. We met a woman named Claudia who introduced us into the residence and we also met Dom and Danny. Claudia, Dom, and Danny do similar activities with the students as Easy Languages but they work through the Capital school department. They were all really nice and made Wietske, the girls we transported here for Captial and I dinner. They will be making us dinner for the week, then next week I go over to the main house with the other Group Leaders to get started on next week.
It is comfortable and quiet here in Bournemouth and the area reminds me a bit of the west coast. The cliffsides look similar to Ireland but are less distinct, as they are smaller but still magestic. There is a beach side around this area called Jurassic Beach, but it is too expensive to go there by bus. There are many adventures waiting here for us I think as a new week begins.
(We would have taken a picture by the water if it weren't so foggy in Calais!!)
Monday, June 27th, 2011
Today was a whirlwind of events with it being my first day with the students in Bournemouth. Wietske has helped to keep me organized as it is her third summer with Easy Languages, but I keep asking so many questions I hope she isn't annoyed with me. It seems that through this company and through this experience I am learning a lot about communication and persistance, especially with my leadership skills. Each day has been pretty packed with organizing activities, actively communicating with each school about activities, checking the students off, helping them with touring Bournemouth, checking the bus schedules, and computing the weekly budget for the activities. The problem as well is that if students are ages 16 or older they can choose whether or not to join in on the activities. The activities are really fun, but perhaps it is because of their age level or something, most of the students don't want to go to museums or parks or those kinds of things. They for the most part (which is understandable to a degree as well) want to have their independence. The students are all at different levels with their language capabilities which makes it nice for generativity.
It seems that if I write a lot of lists and take my tasks day by day they become less overwhelming and a bit easier for me. England in general is a bit like America in my opinion, but they are more proper and drive on the other side of the road with steering wheels on the right hand side. It is truly bizarre and yet frightening to see them drive because not only are the streets narrow here (like everywhere in Europe) but drivers in England are even more abrupt than they are in Belgium. It was kind of strange going through two countries as I have been using two different converters. In the UK I was asked more questions at customs when I entered Belgium two weeks before. Because I am an American instead of European I had to not only show my passport, but I also was asked a lot more questions when entering the UK than anyone else in the group that had to pass through customs.
Tuesday, June 28th, 2011
It has been such an eventful day that I don't know where to begin. Wietske showed me where to get off the bus at one of the schools and I went there and put up posters, asked Russ about the London Tour on Saturday, printed out copies of papers we need for departure students this weekend, got a receipt for the disco tickets, asked the school about my SIM card, got a receipt for the SIM card, asked the students during their break if they had any questions for me, then rode the bus back to meet up with Wietske at Westbourne Academy. Today we had two activities to help with, Christchurch tour and the disco activity at Club V for the students.
We have had a small group so far and I am beginning to understand the bus schedule since the roads are so different here. I took a lot of pictures of the students and informed them today about their scrapbooks. The tour and everything went well as the kids were pretty well behaved and they also asked questions. Wietske and I were impressed that the students were engaged in the activity because they are all ages 15-16 and most of the time they want to go shopping or party. It was an eventful day, and they kids seemed to be happy about having a summer scrapbook with their pictures in it.
(Here are the students at Christchurch).
(Here is Wietske and I at Christchurch)
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
So, right now I don't really know what to say. Wietske and I took the students to the Oceanarium (which we were worried they would be bored with) but the students proved us wrong again. Not only did they love it, they also were more than happy to participate in photos and everything. It was a pleasant surprise they were so cooperative. There is still a lot of planning and things to figure out when we book activites and talk to the schools and everything. Yet, the group has been great as they are cooperative, nice, and ask questions. I can tell that though it is a bit of struggle that they all want to learn English. For at least two kids out of our seven kids they are going to Bournemouth for the second or third time. For the other half or more of this small group, it is their first time here.
(Here they are at the Oceanarium)
(All of them are smiling here).
(Here I am surfing it up)
(Here is Wietske, colleague from Netherlands).
Thursday, June 30th, 2011
Today was also quite eventful as we had two activities, Poole by bus, then a boat ride in Poole and also bowling in the evening with the kids at Bowlplex. The kids really enjoyed the activities and once again it was great to take them to each activity due to their enthusiasm even with the educational activities. They continually tried to take pictures and they even asked Wietske and I questions about ourselves which showed a maturity beyond their years. They are definitely teenagers though one moment acting almost grown up and then the next as if they are almost toddlers.
We feel almost like parents or older siblings to these kids as Group Leaders. The students picked out their English group name for this week, it is The Umbrella Kings or the UKs. It was quite a clever idea I think :) and even though Marguerite was the one who came up with UK part idea the whole group worked together on their group name. Wietske and I came back really tired again today and it is late but I am still working on my duties. Yet I love immersing myself here and getting to know everyone. It has been really rewarding to not only see the children grow as a group these past few days but have fun on all of these adventures.
(Here are the students looking at the sky, Poole, England)
(Me and Wietske, Poole Boat)
(The students on Poole Boat)
(Boys Bowling Team)
(Girls bowling team)
The boy's team which Wietske was on, won the bowling game at Bowlplex today. It was still a really good time though! I was on the girl's team and we started out ahead and then caught up a little near the end. Today Wietske and I also got to try a traditional English Breakfast at Mary Shelly's today in Bournemouth. We had it with PG Tips and some milk. It was really good, and I even took a picture!
(This consists of a fried egg, baked beans, one sausage, two pieces of bacon, half a tomato, and one portabello mushroom. It was only 2.99 pounds, and tea was separate for 1.09 pounds. Essentially you can get this kind of breakfast for under 5 pounds at Mary Shelly's in Bournemouth any time from 7am-12pm. Pretty awesome I think!)
Friday, July 1st, 2011
So tomorrow I am nervous because I am going to supervise the students going to London with ETC school. Today was kind of quiet as Wietske and I completed tasks at both of the schools, added time to my phone, answered student questions, looked for Skype headphones, and took the kids to Splashdown. They had a good time there on the waterslides for about two hours before meeting Wietske and I at the cafe near by.
Saturday, July 2nd, 2011
Today was a pretty packed excursion because we went with ETC to London on a two hour tour. Even though I was only responsible for five students and for the most part I didn't have to handle them for longer than three hours by myself, I felt like I had accomplished a lot by the end of the excursion. Not only do I know how to return home from the station alone I am much more capable than I was before handling these kinds of situations. I am going to miss the students as I feel they have taught me a lot and I am so proud of them for practicing their English. They have adjusted quite well to this Bournemouth environment and worked so well together. Today I let the girls look at my Cosmopolitan magazines on the one and a half hour bus ride, since they are 16 and it was a fashion magazine in English :) a bit of bonding in a way for them I think. Marguerite and Cyprien are headed back home tomorrow and I may get to see some of the other kids from the activities as well, the Legendres (brother and sister) and Mathilde. On Monday we are getting a lot more students from all over and I hope that the group mentality will be just as good as this one was for this week!!
In London I was really frightened that the kids would get run over by cars and that they wouldn't be able to find their way back home when we returned. I called all of their host families to let them know that their kids would be arriving late. Everything turned out alright at the end and the kids complmented me and Wietske (though Wietske wasn't with the kids and I in London today) about how they thought we were good group leaders. Upon hearing this I smiled and felt so good knowing that I could help make their experience a nice one here. If this kind of opportunity had granted itself to me when I was their age what a wonderful thing it would have been. I am glad to be a part of this, despite the difficulties and despite all of the different modes of transportation because not only has it made me stronger it is also helping the future generations of kids to learn English. To me they are like brothers and sisters and someday in a few years they will make an impact on the world as adults.
(The students in London that I led today ! :)
Sunday, July 3rd, 2011
Today was a day without a lot of pictures as it was a bit of a quiet day. Allegra, Rebecca, and Anne Catherine got in last night and we all did a tour with the kids together today. This morning I helped a girl named Nicky to get to Southhampton and took the train and taxi to her residence with her before heading home. I went for my first jog here today and I have been feeling a bit restless. Even though I have enjoyed my time so far in Bournemouth a part of me wonders what it will be like when I eventually do return home. This weekend will be a three day weekend with the 4th of July for my family and everyone. I haven't heard from some of my friends but I know that they are all probably busy like me. There is a part of me that doesn't want to ever return to the US and another part which yearns for it. Maybe it is because my family celebrates the 4th of July all together. It is difficult to say exactly why but I thoroughly enjoy being in Bournemouth as a part of me feels like I am on vacation even though it is also constant work.
Monday, July 4th, 2011
Today was different as I am still getting used to the new dynamics here in Bournemouth with a larger group size and with more group leaders. The activities don't seem as complicated as they did before, and the routine is getting a bit simpler. It is a lot more difficult to remember all of the kids names and we played a name game today to get to know everyone. Now that we have Allegra, Rebecca, Anne Catherine, and I working together it is a bit easier to stay organized. It is still difficult for me getting used to understanding the kids and understanding how to talk with them. I try to ask them questions and keep up a good attitude though and I think that is shows that I am trying.
We went to Swanage today by boat and we had a good time I think. It is a different dynamic because I am living in a different residence for a week before going over to the bigger house. It is a national holiday in the United States today and I kind of miss my family. Of course I haven't told anyone I miss my family though and I don't plan on telling anyone because it would be rude. Also I made a promise to myself to not complain about anything here or in the future as a New Year's Resolution. It is difficult to not complain about things sometimes, but since it is one of my goals I am working on it. The weather has been beautiful today and I really hope that it doesn't rain tomorrow. If it does rain tomorrow then I will be a little bit sad that we cannot do beach games. Yet at the same time even if we don't do beach games it would be alright with me because there is the cinema.
(Allegra, Me, Anne Catherine, and Rebecca)
Our group for the most part is in this photo as well:
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
Today we were planning on having beach games with the kids but since it rained we decided to go to the cinema. We all saw that movie Bad Teacher together and the students seemed to enjoy it. After the movie we asked them if they understood the English in it for the most part and they said yes. Tonight we went to V Club and the students seemed to enjoy that as well. There is this guy at the front door who gives out all of the V Club flyers and he is generally quite enthusiastic. He has a colorful cap and speaks about 10 different languages it seems as he constantly speaks to different children. It is his enthusiasm that is contagious as the kids walk into the old church that has been transformed into a club. It is funny how something so traditional can be turned modern, but that is Europe for you right?
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
We took the kids to laser tag and it was a blast with all of them. They thoroughly enjoyed trying to get each other in the game and even two of us Group Leaders, Rebecca and I had the chance to play. It was difficult today as well to get pictures, but we were able to take a few with the students all together. Thus far, we have had a pretty good group of kids and all of them seem to get along quite well together. Today I bought my 20th postcard to send home to my family and I also bought groceries for the first time since I have been here. What was weird about the grocery store is that they don't have eggs in the refrigerated section of the store. I kept looking for the eggs, and even though everything is in English I still get confused here by these cultural differences. :)
(These aren't all of the students but the majority of one group I played laser tag with)
Yesterday night after the students went to V Club, us Group Leaders were able to go out for the night. We went into V Club after the under 18 party had ended and then we all had a chance to dance and socialize. V Club is a popular club here with two bars and a fantastic dance floor. What is unique about V Club is that it is a church which has been transformed into a night club. Here is a picture of the inside of the place.
Pretty cool, isn't it?
Thursday, July 7th, 2011
We are going to the pub The Moon in the Square today to do a pub quiz with the students. All together we came up with 50 questions for the students and there will be five prizes given out to the winners today! After this activity, the students will being going to bowling and we have seven lanes reserved as this is a popular activity. The students seem to enjoy this activity a lot and they have invited some of their new friends. Time has been flying by here a bit faster than I expected and even though my Skype has been having some issues for the most part everything is going alright. Allegra and I will be going to London this weekend with 39 students with Westbourne this Saturday. I am scared that there will be at least a student or two that will end up lost or something. It is my goal to make sure no one gets lost or hit by a car and that we take a lot of pictures. I think we can accomplish this though without any fatal injuries and I am looking forward to finding out what the students think about the city.
So there wasn't enough room in the pub even though we booked it in advance so we took the students to the park. They all enjoyed the quiz and got pretty competitive with it by asking questions even when they weren't supposed to :) Everyone ended up being given ice-cream and the winning team was given milk shakes. The team names were rather clever, we had these team names: Barbie (Ken and His Girlfriends), Arch, The Duchesses, The Happy Smurfs, The Cookies, TEMAC, The Indestructables, KIKOU LOL, and The Spanish Team. All of them did such a wonderful job I am really proud actually.
Here is the winning team (all of which head home in a few days)
Before going over there I took this picture:
There are lions like this one all over the park. I am not sure why either as it seems maybe it is for endangered species or something.
So after this activity we had a bowling activity at Bowlplex. It was quite fun and even though we only played one game it was neat to see the kids getting along with each other. We all made it through the day pretty well and no one got hurt, lost, or felt left out from what I can tell.
(Allegra, Anne-Catherine, Rebecca, and Me)
Friday, July 8th, 2011
Today was super busy as I hardly had time to do anything. Even though Splashdown was a real hit with the kids I always must have my cell phone out to make sure that if anyone calls me I have it on and I am always worried about losing one of the students. Tomorrow Allegra and I go to London with 39 students and I am just hoping that all of them stick together, hold on to their maps, answer their phones, and don't get lost or hit by cars. That would be the ideal trip to London though :) we shall see what happens tomorrow. So far though the kids have been a real joy this week, as they have been a great group that has worked together and listened well to instructions. For the most part once again their English is probably better than my French, but we are all learning from each other here. The weather has been cold and rainy almost all week, but since the water slides were indoors the kids had a lot of fun still as us four group leaders held down the fort. :)
Saturday, July 9th, 2011
Today Allegra, a tour guide, 37 students, and I went to London together. It was a long excursion and by the end of the day we all could not wait to return home. It was good that all of the students were responsible as I am very proud of them almost like a mother would be with her children. They all showed up on time to the bus both in Bournemouth to leave to London and in London to return to Bournemouth. We let the students explore and go shopping in London for a few hours while Allegra and I went with three women from Colombia and the tour guide all around London taking pictures and seeing the sights. All in all the group was well behaved and this has been a wonderful and also exhausting week.
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