Post No.26

The first day of our practice lessons was very beneficial. As agreed before, we visited our practice school in the morning. Before we could take some breath we were in the classroom, talking with the pupils about immigration, racism and the south part of the USA. At the end of the lesson we were invited by the teacher to join an afternoon performance of the school choir. We did and, of course, we didn't regret. Even though we didn't understand anything we were able to appreciate the sound and wonderful singing.

After this experience I really start to think that this programme is becoming to give us exactly the thing which we have asked for. Practice. Learning about the Danish educational system and comparing it with ours, as well. 

Post no.25

6th April - Wake up for the trip and see what the town of Abenraa looks like. Another part of our modules took part on Tuesday when we took the bus to Abenraa to enjoy a drama lesson. No one knew what was about to happen so we were quite excited. When we found out that the "classroom" is no bigger than a usual classroom, we were a little bit perplexed. Flemming was again in his optimistic and cheerful mood and started the lesson with the explanation of the schedule and other practical things. After the lesson really began we were taken to the process completely. We were shown many interesting activities which can be easily used as so called icebreakers. In general, the lesson was well-prepared and all the Erasmus students had a really lovely time. 

After the lesson we had about an hour to enjoy Abenraa - we took a short walk and the rest of the time spent on a beach. I am really looking forward to going there again - on FRIDAY 9th.

Post No.24

After few days of doing nothing I realized that I should start doing something useful - i.e. finish same papers for my home university, read books or update this blog.

The week after the International Week was very peaceful and calm. Nearly every lesson we attended was one of the last ones. We started the week on Monday 22th with the music lesson where we sang our favourite songs such as Singing all together. We finished the lesson with a little drama which was based on a classical piece of music. It was quite difficult - not to think about the theme or topic but to be precise. We were quite surprised how similar our ideas were.

The day continued with the last Special Education lesson where we were talking the way we are focused on special education in our countries and showed the presentations aw well. To sum this module - I think it was one of the most beneficial one. I really enjoyed the openness of the teacher and her enthusiasm. 

The following days were really relaxing and we were looking forward to the cooking lesson with other Danish students. We went shopping together and talked about the recipes. However, I  was quite disappointed with the students because during the procedure they kind of didn't want to talk to us and the teacher noticed it as well. In private, she also told us that she had expected them to be more communicative... but nevermind... the final buffet satisfied everyone and that was the goal. We had the opportunity to taste some of the very old and (nowadays) old-fashioned dished - a special type of porridge which was made of bread and beer and many other things which followed the Climate Friendly Cooking scheme. 

After this lesson we started enjoying the holidays and we planned our trips. We visited Legoland and Arhus and had a lovely time together. 

Post No.23

International Week Day 4

At the edge with physical force... coughing and very tired I joined the whole international group on the way to RIBE. Ribe, the oldest town in Denmark - I really couldn't afford missing it, right? First the museum - very nice, especially the practical part and the movie as well. Then stop at the baker's for some Danish delicious pastry and taking picture of the wonderful deserted town where we were passing only the international students =D (Hey, are you sure that the town is in Denmark?). On our way back we were very preoccupied with preparing the International Song Contest!!! YES - those people really made me sing =) Pizza, beer and singing - the most wonderful combination ever. 

Post No.22

International Week Day 3

The third day was in the name of SURPRISE ME. We prepared a little exhibition on the project we had made in the workshops. Then it was our time to present our Universities to others. I may say that quite a lot of people were surprised by the modernity of our town and our University as well. We prepared some pictures from our town and were ready to answer every single question. 

I also want to thank my group from the English lesson - I really enjoyed cooperating with you... Well, that was the purpose of the International Week, right?

Post No.21

International Week Day 2

Workshop A was the greatest fun I experienced during the whole International Week. First we were given a small lecture on Danish pastry and coffee tables. Very interesting. Then we were taught how to prepare a LUNCH BOX. Hehe you really want to teach a 23-year-old Czech girl teach how to prepare a snack? =D Nooo, I am just kidding. It was pleasuring. 

The whole Tuesday was in the name of FOOD. There was the snack at noon and in the evening we were supposed to prepare a typical dish from our country. the ones who weren't there can't image the beauty of the tables carrying the weight of so much food - so many different kinds of starter, main dishes, desserts... The Czechs spend lots of time in kitchen and we've already introduced some national food. On this occasion we prepared a potato salad and I, very bravely, added a note saying "The Czech Republic - Potato Salad - The best potato Salad you have EVER had". Finally it wasn't brave at all b/c our salad was a complete success and many people came and expressed the pleasure they had while eating it. Thank you ;-)

Post No.20

International Week - Day 1

Another module which is obligatory for us was the International Week. We welcomed about 30 other people from the whole Europe - Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Turkey ... I just hope I didn't forget somebody. What a shame that there were now Hungarians for Viki or Czechs for us ;-) 

We started the day with an introduction in the C building where we filled up nearly the whole big classroom. What was very practical and enjoyable was the intercultural activity. First we gather in groups according to our country and we draw a picture of our culture and nation. Then we switched in groups and tried to do the same with a culture which we didn't belong to. Finally we presented the pictures and I might say they were very similar =) (beer, food, knowledge and heritage for the Czechs). 

The next activity was a Danish lesson with some Danish students who taught us some basic phrases. The thing which was confirmed to be an absolute truth was the fact that every single Dane pronounce the words in his own words. I've heard so many version of "HVAD HEDDER DU" that I fell completely and utterly confused and lost. I love DANISH - it's so.... Danish ;-)

Post No.19

Special needs

Today we have visited Favrdalskolen in Haderslev. I was amazed! I've never seen such a beautiful and enormous school before. I really start loving Danish schools and the atmosphere in them. Everything and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Thank you for the arrangement. 

Post No.18

CZECH-NORWEGIAN-POLISH NIGHT at the student's café

Thank everyone for coming to our party. We hope you liked the JEDNOHUBKY and the beer as well. We got a very good feedback on our refreshment so if you want the recipe, just tell me on Ondrej =D

Post No.17

Danish lesson - I must admit that the last Danish lesson was completely different form those previous ones and that we really enjoyed the activity. We were divided into groups and we should write a recipe of our national dish. We were together with Viki (Hungarian girl) b/c she is the only person from Hungary and our cuisines are very similar. We both love garlic, onion and spices - at the end the decision wasn't difficult at all b/c if you mix everything together with a good piece of beef (or pork) you will get a wonderful dish called GULAS (goulash, in Hungarian gulyas). This activity was very creative and at the end we saw many national dishes written on big sheets of black paper. 

Post No.16

Exhausted, thirsty, ... and covered in bruises =) that was the result of the last PE we had. It was so pleasurable. Everyone was supposed to bring and share a game which is commonly used in the kindergartens or as a leisure children activity. What was surprising was the fact that quite a lot of activities or games were quite similar to each other. For instance we played a game, sitting in a circle with one person walking around us and it was nice to hear the singing which could be found in at least three languages. Thank you for a lovely time.

Post No.15

4th March - the last history lesson. Let me use this blog to show appreciation to Jorn Buch for the lecture he gave us. The previous lectures were quite confusing - not for me b/c I could follow it without any difficulties, thanks to my studies at my home university - but at least for other ERASMUS students. However, the last lesson really made sense and I really enjoyed sitting there and listening to all those facts which I had heard before. It was a nice way to revise all of it. I think that Jorn prepared the lesson very well and his speech was very knowledgeable (as always) and well-structured. Such a shame that the other ERASMUS students aren't keen on history at all. 

Post No.14

Globalization and Citizenship - this is the name of a module which is obligatory for us. In general this has been a very hot topic lately and maybe that is the reason why we should attend these classes and learn about societies and their differences. However, I must say that I was insulted when I heard how important democracy is and that it is the only right way to live. Of course, I was born into a democratic society and I am happy that I didn't find out what the life in the communist era really looked like BUT I think that every single nation has got a right to choose how to govern themselves and how to make politics. What is good for us is not good for somebody else. Please, don't forget that you teach people about tolerance! The thing which caused me the biggest shock from the whole beginning of my ERASMUS stay was the sentence that we really MUST fight for our democracy (that's true in a certain point of view) and we MUST spread it everywhere, so everyone will live in a democratic country. Oooh, is this the tolerance you've been talking about? I am sorry, I don't think so. Even from the historical point of view, nothing which was simply brought to some place never succeeded or at least it caused severe damage in the later years. Let just other nations and societies find their own way and find the emancipation themselves. What I want to say is that everyone should have his own opinion about these issues and should be tolerant to others with their own ones. Teach us about globalization and citizenship but don't tell us what to think.

Post No.13

Long time no see! My apologies! To be honest, there have been so many things going on in the same time that I am tired sooner than I can even write about them.

School is still going on in the same way. However, today we very much enjoyed Jette's English lesson and we are very grateful that we were invited. THANK YOU VERY MUCH - You're simply the best. Today was the first day when we decided for the first time not to go to a lesson. And things happen - so it was also the first day when the attendance was checked by the teacher =D bad luck =) but never mind. I really think that I learned more about Danish people and their language by being with my Danish friend than being in the lesson at that time =)

Another lesson which I found very interesting was the Comparative education. It was only a shame that there wasn't enough space to have discussion over such an interesting issue and that was why the lessons were more lecture like. Nevertheless, it helped me to realize where the Czech approach lies and  it was a significant opportunity to compare it.

Amazing possibility to meet Danish and Erasmus students all in one place was the Costume Party. Some of the costumes were absolutely gorgeous and sexy some of them were simply smart... but what was really the point was TO HAVE FUN - and we really DID =) and I remember that Saturday morning at 5 a.m. was quite warm and very enjoyable. 

Post No.12

 

The most magnificent building: Nationalmuseet - The National Museum

Through many years, nations established their National Muzeums. Mostly as a sign of nationalism, emancipation or desire for collections. In many cases you can walk through a lot of exhibitions but every national museum has got its atmosphere which follows you everywhere. From department to department it amazes and catches you. The first part of the National Museum, which we visited, was the first floor and then we were pleasurably lost in the hall maze. 

I really adore being here with other nationalities and that was also why I was amazed by the part about diverse nationalities all around the world. Also the contemporary exhibition on Venezuelan forest took my breath away. For more information about the NM: http://www.nationalmuseet.dk/sw20374.asp.

Post No.11

First, I really want to thank everybody for a really lovely time in COPENHAGEN. For the trip which lasted from WED 17th to FRI 19th. The programme was as following:

WEDNESDAY 17th - When we arrived in Copenhagen the weather was quite okay... at least near the Central Station. However we we reached the hostel (which you can see on the left in the picture) it was so WINDY that nobody wanted to stay outside anymore. More information about the hostel: http://www.dgi-byen.dk/hostel. We really enjoyed using the hostel CARDS!!! We just love modern technology and the experience it provides. I must say that the weather improved a little bit and that was the time for our first tour. We went on a tour bus and walked the STROGET down to the Round tower. The view was gorgeous but, of course, it was quite windy out there. The best past of the day was the question of DINNER. OK, globalization is a very powerful tool so we went to the Chinese restaurant and enjoyed Chinese buffet at the price 99 DKK. We called it a day and went to bed b/c we were so full that we couldn't even move.

THURSDAY 18th - Hey guys, get up! Have breakfast and then up you go for the sightseeing. We managed the Little Mermaid, Amelienborg, the Black Diamond and Opera house. We didn't enter everything but at least we saw the landmarks. The peak of the day was the Mediterranean restaurant: http://www.rizraz.dk/.

FRIDAY 19th - Quite tired after the huge dinner and following party in the Australian Club, we went to the National Museum. Then we could decide whether to stay there or move somewhere else. I stayed, of course. Then the Copenhagen trip was over. 

I must visit Copenhagen again. I really would like to see all those bikers, green parks and enjoy fresh air in Copanhagen. Nevertheless, my rating is 10/10. 

Post No.10

Theme songs of the ERASMUS stay 2010:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB_QGKW_bbI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDoFyKk-C4U&feature=related

Post No.09

What are Czech people like?

I'm Czech because I love beer.
I'm Czech because I love other people's company.
I'm Czech because I love good food.
I'm Czech because I complain about everything all the time.
I'm Czech because I have got "golden hands".
I'm Czech because I love having fun.
I'm Czech because I know how to break rules.
I'm Czech because I am very friendly and welcoming.

Post No.08

What are the Czechs like? We always say that we have got "golden Czech hands" which means that we can repair, make or create nearly everything without calling a specialist. Nevertheless our skills weren't confirmed today when we tried to solve a problem with electricity in our house. Finally we agreed that there is nothing wrong with the fuses but with something else. By now we cannot use the fridge, turn some lights on, wash our cloths...
When we talked this thing over with our Polish roommates, we agreed that it is such a wonderful thing! This is so romantic and a little bit medieval, too! What is better then storing food supplies in the snow outside, washing clothes in hands, preparing all the food which could go wrong without the cold? And I've almost forgotten to mention that we can enjoy even more the "hygge" and candles. So God bless electricity but also the coincidence!

Post No.07

It's been quite a long time since I wrote my last post. Since that time many interesting things happened. Another week is nearly over and I would like to summarize a little bit. What I remember quite clearly is the aesthetics lesson. I very much enjoyed the ice-breaking activities. They were so refreshing after sitting all day long. Before these activities we had another Danish lesson and widened our Danish language of numbers and some other words. This time the Danish lesson was better than the previous one. I don't know why, may be I didn't expect that much and that was why I couldn't be disappointed. I also want to thank the teacher who gave us a lecture about "Globalisation and citizenship". That was so beneficial! I can't say that I learned a lot of the theory because many things have been said before but I really liked her energy and her activities.
Now I am looking forward to visiting Kobenhavn and right this time I am searching for some information about Kobenhavn history and I must say that it is very rich.

Post No.06

Another quick post.
I'm reading an article about Greenpeace right now and another thing about Denmark came to my mind. It hasn't been a long time since there was an international conference dealing with global warming in Copenhagen. In fact when I left my country I expected that Denmark is a really environment friendly country. I thought of different bins for sorted waste and so on. In fact, when we walked the town around there were plastic bags full of waste leaning against the walls. We were told that it is quite demanding to take care of the garbage right now because of the snow. This doesn't change the fact that the waste hadn't been sorted at all. Many types of materials were in those plastic bags all together and I though "Oh my God, we are more environment friendly than Danish people". To be honest, I am really happy that the Czechs take care of these kinds of things that much and I am really proud of it.

Post No.05

Wow that was an absolute shock for me! When I got to know that I'd been chosen for the ERASMUS stay in Denmark I really expected that I would learn a lot about the Danish school system and till that time I'd thought that it is the peak of European education systems. In Denmark pupils are not tested. They are not expected to reach a particular point of knowledge in the grade. I also expected to meet creative and enthusiastic teachers. Well that was not true either. Many of the teachers just used additional materials which they handed out to the pupils and that was it. No welcoming phrases, no conclusion, summary, saying goodbye. Yes, that was completely different. In the Czech republic we are taught to divide the lesson into several parts such as a warm-up activity, main topic, conclusion, giving homework etc. On the other hand Czech pupils have got completely different demands compared to the Danish ones. They are more resistant to knowledge and more "fresh" with teachers. On the other hand they are quite used to the authority of the teacher. We do not use the first name terms or touch teacher's shoulder just to draw his/her attention.
I really love this experience - although those were just four lessons. I do not want to say anything wrong about the Danish system. I can't say that they do it in a wrong or good way. Every pupil needs something different and the nationality counts very much.

Post No.04

This post is about the Danish lesson. I must say that I was really looking forward to learning some phrases and words in Danish and also the teacher was quite nice from the beginning. HOWEVER as the lesson went on I realized that the teacher broke every possible rule which exists in teaching another language. For example she wrote the phrases first without saying them and she wanted us to read it - Well how can I read it when I have no idea how Danish language works =D then she read the phrases for us and wanted us to repeat after her but it was not possible either because we could not distinguish the stress or accent in her voice. I asked her if she could possible transcribe the phrases into the IPA. I was told that she knows what it is but she is not about doing that kind of thing =). To sum up:
- expectations - HIGH
- final rating - 1/5 (form the didactic and methodology point of view)

Nevertheless, I've learned:
Hvad hedder du? - Jeg hedder Katerina.
Hvet kommer du fra? - Jeg kommer fra Tjekkien.
Hvad taller du? - Jeg taller Tjekkisk.

Post No.03

Post No.02

I've finally changed my mind about the style of the blog and may be I should write something more sophisticated. I am really glad that I can attend this course because it opens me new opportunities. I really enjoy staying with foreign students and playing board games with them and cooking and everything. I must say that I have got huge expectations and I hope I will learn more about the Danish school system and Danish and other nationalities, too.
My first impression was very positive. We landed in Cobenhavn on Saturday and the snow was everything. It was very familiar to me because we have much snow in our country as well. The was journey was quite comfortable even though there were some troubles.
First day at school was fantastic! Mainly the first talking part where we tried to get some information about our ERASMUS students.
It's my second day here and I am beginning to love this place more and more.

Post No.01

This is my first blog I've ever written and I hope that it will bring much interesting information. So far I've gone through a lovely journey and we gained very good accommodation. Everything has been prepared for us - even the welcoming coffee - and I am really grateful for that.