Everyday life
Classes here are all about the Italian language. We have two hours of class a day Monday through Thursday. Mondays and Wednesdays we have two hours of Italian 203, which is basically just grammar, taught by the big, jolly Ruggero, who I had for 101. Tuesdays and thursdays, we have Italian 299 with Giuseppe, who is the director of the program. In that class, we are reading a small book. So far, it's pretty difficult. Hopefully it gets easier with time. On thursdays, Ruggero gives a special lecture about a place, and then we will go there on Fridays. Tomorrow, it's the Vatican, which should be a good time.
Giuseppe has also arranged what he calls an internship for us with the Roma Chamber of Commerce. However, when one thinks of an internship, it usually involves doing some kind of work, and getting some experience in a certain field. That's really not what this is at all. We pretty much just sit there and talk to the people who work there. It's an interesting experience, but since everyone there speaks English, they usualy just get fed up with our inability to understand what they are saying and revert to English. When they do speak in Italian, it's stuff about what the chamber of commerce does, and it's hard as hell to understand, and not very interesting to boot. Nonetheless, many of the people there have commended me on my speaking ability. Some people working in restaurants have complemented me as well. I don't feel like I'm speaking all that well, but I guess they're just amazed to see an American who can speak any Italian at all. And I have to say, it's the best feeling in the world. One person complimenting my Italian makes up for so many who just immediately speak english to me at first sight. And compared to some of the other people here on this program, a lot of whom are at the 100 level still, I think I am doing pretty well. Also, I have been asked for directions twice and one friendly old man that I met in a park while taking a stroll about town thought I was english, so that felt pretty good. Nevertheless, after a couple days here I've become very good at spotting Americans. I sure hope I don't stick out as much, but I'm sure I do. Alas. At least I can speak a bit.
I must be on my way now. I'm going to Venice this weekend. should be a good time.
Giuseppe has also arranged what he calls an internship for us with the Roma Chamber of Commerce. However, when one thinks of an internship, it usually involves doing some kind of work, and getting some experience in a certain field. That's really not what this is at all. We pretty much just sit there and talk to the people who work there. It's an interesting experience, but since everyone there speaks English, they usualy just get fed up with our inability to understand what they are saying and revert to English. When they do speak in Italian, it's stuff about what the chamber of commerce does, and it's hard as hell to understand, and not very interesting to boot. Nonetheless, many of the people there have commended me on my speaking ability. Some people working in restaurants have complemented me as well. I don't feel like I'm speaking all that well, but I guess they're just amazed to see an American who can speak any Italian at all. And I have to say, it's the best feeling in the world. One person complimenting my Italian makes up for so many who just immediately speak english to me at first sight. And compared to some of the other people here on this program, a lot of whom are at the 100 level still, I think I am doing pretty well. Also, I have been asked for directions twice and one friendly old man that I met in a park while taking a stroll about town thought I was english, so that felt pretty good. Nevertheless, after a couple days here I've become very good at spotting Americans. I sure hope I don't stick out as much, but I'm sure I do. Alas. At least I can speak a bit.
I must be on my way now. I'm going to Venice this weekend. should be a good time.