Hi Everyone,
I realize I have completely been neglecting my blog, for which I greatly apologize. Things stay fairly busy here, so it is hard to sit down and catch up on eeeeverything that's happened.
Note: Any Clarkies reading this blog - all my photographs are on my facebook, so feel free to contact me that way.
The last few months have been fabulous here. I'm really having a wonderful time. Obviously, I can't share everything that has happened from September to November in this one blog post, but I'll try to share the highlights.
I've been enjoying my classes very much. I'm taking three courses this semester. My two anthropology courses are Social Movements and Environment and Society. Each course is taught by two professors - one teaches the first half and then the other teaches the second half of the course. I really like the material I've covered in both. I'm not so impressed with the second half my Environment course, but it's still ok. The Social Movements course has been fantastic! It has really got me thinking about all types of social movements and what it means to be an activist. The last course I'm taking is Intro to Dutch Studies. I only have one professor for this one and she's really nice. The course is just a nice way to learn about the country. We covered some history, heard the professor sing the national anthem, learned the history of the Dutch language, and completed a city report for which we chose a city to visit and learned its history, landmarks, and any other facts we could about its people, what it's known for, etc. My partners and I chose Breda - it was so much fun!
All my courses are in English. It's a lot of work (though the work load depends on which courses you take), but less than I normally have at Clark, which means everything takes me sooo much longer. What can I say - I love procrastination =D December is going to be challenging because that's when everything's due.
No culture shock thus far. In many ways, I've been doing better here than in Worcester. It's just so much prettier and safer. I don't feel as confined since I have to travel across the city to get to class and run errands. It's not a huge city, but it does take me about twenty minutes by bike to get to the Social and Behavioral Science Faculty. At first it seems like a hassle to have to go so far (especially since it's getting really cold and windy here!), but I like that I'm forced to get out and see the city almost every day. It's much needed fresh air and I get to take in the beauty of Leiden.
My main hurtle has been that the university administration and any kind of authority in the city are all ridiculously unhelpful. If you ask someone a question that doesn't fall very specifically into their job description, they won't help you or refer you to anyone who will. It was essentially a scavenger hunt just to register for my courses because no one bothered to tell us international how to do it until the Friday before classes begun. I still have not received my residency permit. I called Immigration yesterday and they essentially forgot to make it, so it will be another two to four weeks. Some people are just now going to their Town Hall meeting, which is the step preceding obtaining the residency permit, even though they are only here until December. When I was told that this country was "bureaucratic," I did not realize it is a non-functioning bureaucracy. However, us internationals are figuring it all out together. You just have to sit back and laugh at the inefficiencies at some point - or you'll scream. But really - it's doable!
I'm not meeting as many Dutch people as I would like, especially because my housing is all internationals and Dutch students often live in other cities or are off doing their own thing. I've made a few Dutch friends and they're all ver nice. I hope to hang out with them more soon!
The one big trip I've had so far was two weeks ago to Barcelona! It was great. I saw so much Gaudà architecture and the beach and ate Tapas and saw Flamenco - it was so fun! Otherwise, I've been going to different cities in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is not my favorite city, but it is definitely one-of-a-kind! It's very busy and crowded - which many people love. I get lost easily, but am learning how to get around. I looove the Hague (Den Haag). It's quieter, cleaner, has awesome museums, parliament, and great shopping. I haven't made it to Rotterdam or Utrecht yet. Like I said, I went to Breda - that was fun. I wouldn't have gone if not for my report, but I'm glad I did. It was just a pleasant day getting to know a Dutch city.
I'm off to London to put on a British/American Thanksgiving in 9 days and I'll be visiting Italy over New Years with my brother! So exciting!
Anyway, I'd say that's a huuuuge update for now. Hopefully I'll be so much better about keeping this blog up to date.
Until next time!
Tot ziens!
