»We learn by teaching«

If I remember it right, I still owe you a final report. It sure is difficult to decribe the period of the past three months in a couple of lines. Not difficult, impossible.

As I've mentioned before saying goodbye was rather stressful. However, I am now certain I will see some people again. Which makes it a bit earier.. Chiara most certainly being one of them! ..the best flatmate one could wish for. Without a doubt!

Farewell dinner with Chiara and her boyfriend Mauro

On my last day, the school organised a kind of a farewell party for me. It was amazing! I had a very hard time trying not to cry ;) It really was very emotional. A couple of students baked different pastries for us to try, while others prepared a review-presentation of my stay at their school.


It was especially difficult saying goodbye to my mentor Silvia who was very much helpful and did all she could in order for me to feel at home. She was very successful at it! Silvia, I'm sure gonna miss you..

Silvia and myself

I am very fortunate to have such a boyfriend who was willing to come and pick me up (together with all my luggage ;) and take me back home. The trip was nice and above all emotional, as driving along the Italian highways and listening to Italian music made me remember all the moments that I had there, all the people that I've met, and the changes that I've undergone.

However, before returning home FOR REAL, we made one more stop. Together with our friends we went to the Croatian island of Cres. The peace that I felt when by the sea cannot be described in words. Check the photo ;)

Now that the three months have passed I can conclude I've learned a lot. Teaching profession as such got closer to me than it ever was and I am now able to see it from another point of view. Teaching is a very interesting and exciting profession, but I now consider it more than just a profession. It is a vocation that the teachers have to show passion for. The proverb »We learn by teaching« can without a doubt be applied for my assistantship, as well. I've learned immensely!

Time to say goodbye..

It's been a week since my return to Turin after the Easter holidays which I've spent home with my family. My last days here went by very fast. Incredibly fast, really.
Besides having to finish off with what I've started three months ago at school, there was loads of saying goodbye. One emotionally intense week, indeed!
I did have to go through the whole »saying goodbye process« once in the past, but it seems to me that no matter how much you prepare for it- you can never be prepared enough.

What I'm feeling at the moment can be described as a kind of »dolce-amaro« taste; feeling extremely happy to return home but on the other hand being sad about leaving behind the life that I've been living in Turin for the past three months. It's been a different life, full of new and exciting things, full of new people (each touched me in his own way). But deep inside me I know this is the right thing. This is how it should be. The period spent here will definitely not be forgotten. But now it's time to move on.. I sure am curious about what life has prepared for me in the future..:)

In the previous week my school work did not differ much from that in any other week- helping teachers of English, that of TOK (Theory of knowledge), having to substitite for a missing professor and holding some supplementary lessons for students with problems.. and soon my working week was finished!

Yesterday it was particularly intense- I had my last lessons with the first and the second class. For this purpose (and to make it a bit more exciting) I've prepared a quiz about Slovenia. Since the start I've tried to make the students understand where Slovenia is located (which is, obviously, a knowledge not to be taken for granted ;) and what its characteristics are. To check whether they've actually remembered anything I gave them a test. They did relatively well. Why relatively? Well, there were still some commentaries about Bratislava and Zagreb being our capital, about Slovenia being a part of either ex Soviet Union or Checkoslovak Republic and this sorts of things.. but we managed to get by ;)

At the end I've asked them to give me a kind of a feedback on my work- writing what they liked and disliked about my lessons. This is something I find to be extremely useful as it can help you improve certain things. In addition, it's an opportunity for the students to get back at me for all the horrible things I've done in the past ;) To be honest I was really very much surpised by the commentaries given. It almost made me cry..
Here are some, in original form (still including grammatical mistakes ;):

»I enjoyed all the exercise, the explains, it was a very nice experience because now we speak the english better then before and we know a little bit better Slovenia.«

»I like very mutch your lessons becaus I have learn something about a new country. But I didn't like becaus you rest with us a few time. For this I am a little bit sorry. Hvala for everything.«

And my favourite one:

»I think she's very nice and friendly, and she can explain english very well. She could be a parfect teacher. I hope to see her again soon.

Ps: when she speak Italian she's very hot ;)«

Tomorrow the school is throwing a kind of farewell party for me. I've never had a party organised just for myself and so you can imagine how excited I am.. ;)

Let you know how it goes!

Family visit

As it has already been mentioned I had two very special guests.. my brother and my aunt paid me a visit last week and I can conclude it really was great! Seeing them after such a long time made it even more special than it already was.

We first took a trip around Turin which was, despite the fact I know it rather well by now, interesting for me, as well. Visual material which serves as a proof I'm not just messing with you, is found below ;)
Gran Madre and the Verbic "brothers" ;)

Mia crazy zia ;)

We also took some other trips to near-by places which I haven't seen so far. Among other places we also saw Venaria Reale, also known as "The Versailles of Turin". Let me say I've been to Versailles several times so far and I find it NOTHING like Venaria (and I don't mean that in a good way ;) Sorry.. ;)

La Veneria Reale

One place which I particularly fancied was defenately Sacra di San Michele. It is also known as "The Symbolic monument of the region Piedmont" which still today served as the religious object.

Sacra di San Michele/Saint Michael’s Abbey

Sacra di San Michele/Saint Michael’s Abbey

At the moment I'm spending my Easter holidays in Slovenia with my family and friends. I love it here! Even more now than I did before going to Italy. Slovenia is undoubtedly MY HOME. And even though I'm loving my days spent in Italy, nothing can be compared to the feeling that you get upon returning home..

This Sunday I'm going back to Turin to finish off what I've started 2 and a half months ago. I'm sure saying goodbye won't be easy. Leaving new friends, collegues, experiences behind.. But then, I'm an optimist myself when it comes to the future. And so.. new experiences, here I come! ;)

Three weeks to go..

The week that is about to finish passed extremely quickly; one of the reasons being that I only started working on Tuesday and not on Monday, as usual. Which made the whole week a day shorter ;)
As mentioned in the previous post I've been to Lyon last weekend.


As I really wanted to take full advantage of my stay there I asked my mentor if it would be possible to take a day off. Fortunately for me, she agreed ;)
This is actually something I really appreciate with this programme of Comenius Assistantship. An assistant is supposed to be working from 12-16 hours per week but the days when the work is supposed to be done are not really defined. So in a way assistants are relatively free when deciding when to work. However (and like in most cases) this also depends on the relationship that you establish with the mentor and with other school staff. I can say we have a good rapport. But then, isn't that always the case- when you're honest to someone, this someone is very likely to give his kindness back?

School was quite busy, though. I can even conclude the passing week has been one of the busiest so far. On average I worked for 4 hours per day, but when returning home there was plenty of other stuff to do... Believe it or not, it took me additional 4 hours to prepare for the lessons held in the following days. That's what I call hectic ;)
But I am now through with it and extremely happy about it ;)... did I tell you holidays start next week? Yeah, that's kind of the thing that keeps me going ;)

A classroom at Il Liceo Europeo Vittoria

At our school holidays start next Thursday and last up until the 19th of April. And so as you can see, I have a looong holidays ahead of me (and I'm sure not complaining about it ;)

Ok, so I've told you about my good, working side. However, teaching and preparing for lessons is not the only thing that I do around here (even though one might get precisely this idea ;). I do like to take time to enjoy myself, of course. To be honest, I already got the feeling that it's only a matter of time before I'll have to leave Turin and return to my sweet Slovenia. That's why I want to take full advantage of my stay here. And how do we do that? First, we go for some ice-cream tasting ;)
And so yesterday I met up with my friend Kate, again. The main purpose of this meeting of ours was to check out the new flavor of the month in one of the best gelaterias in town (GROM- I strongly advise you to remember the name! ;). But... believe it or not, this time I said no to it and only watched Kate as she enjoyed her scoop of Gianduja. I'm not saying it wasn't hard or that I did not suffer while watching her, but the thought I was able to resist it for once, makes me even happier ;)
By the way- the reason why I said no wasn't a religious one (or any other noble kind, for that matter). I was just too stuffed with other sweets that I had before ;)

Yesterday evening we went out for dinner. A friend of mine, Alex from Romania, celebrated his birthday which is why he invited us for an aperitivo. It was a very lovely evening!

And today? Well, apart for writing this post, I’m preparing myself for a very special visit. My brother and my aunt are already on the way to Turin... how cool is that? ;) We’re planning to visit some things in the city and hopefully we’ll manage to see some other cities which I have not had a chance to visit so far. And so I am expecting a very nice week! As a welcome present for them my flatmate Chiara (who is, by the way, a true expert in baking) and myself (well, I mostly did the watching part ;) baked these handome looking cookies.. Wanna a bite? ;)

Weekend in Lyon

Last weekend I've been to Lyon (France) where I met up with an old friend Johann. We were hosted by his brother Benjamin and his family who did their best in trying to make me feel like home. They did an excellent job!

Adell de Ortells family, you trully are great! ;)

Let the photos tell the rest..

The Roman Era Theatre

Place Bellecour

Panda town ;)
Basilica de Fourvière I.

Basilica de Fourvière II.
Charnay

Here and there and everywhere

If you happen to be wondering what has Tina been doing in the past week, here's a brief description ;)

On Friday evening I usually go to the Italian language course. Last Friday was particulary sweet. Wanna know the reason? Well, two of my friends from the course and myself went to try out some ice-creams just before the course. I actually took them to a gelatteria where another friend of mine took me a week ago. I was thinking it would be a shame not to spread the word of "the best ice-cream in town" to others ;) And judging from their faces I would say they loved it as much as I did ;)

After the course we went to a kind of a party (which proved to be nothing more than a dinner, but ok ;) Here's a photo..


Later we went for some chocolate tasting which proved to be an excellent way of ending the day ;)

On Saturday I was invited to join two of my students together with their family as they visit the Museum of Oriental Art. An interesting museum, indeed. I recommend it!

We continued the day at a Chinese restaurant where we had a looong talk in 3 different languages (the mother is Serbian, which enabled us to speak our own languages). It was a bit confusing, but to be honest I liked having the chance to speak Slovene again!


The week passed very quickly again and I now see it's just a matter of time before my departure will come, as well.
Anyway, on Wednesday we went partying (together with Erasmus students which was niceee ;) and on Thursday my flatmate Chiara and her boyfriend have invited me to join them for dinner at their friend's house. Giorgio (the friend) certainly is one interesting person with loads of talents. Let me explain before you start worrying ;)
Apparently, he's an expert in palm reading. Well, at least that's what he says ;)
I learned some interesting facts about my life which I wasn't aware before. Anyway, always good to find out something new about yourself ;)

Friday night we went out again- a friend of mine from England (working just outside Turin) came with another friend and we went to grab dinner together.

And Saturday.. well, on Saturday I went to Como (most famous for its lake, of course). There, I met up with Ivan. He's a Spanish guy who I first met at that meeting of Comenius Assistants in Florence. As you see, I got to know quite many people there. So those of you who will actually go abroad as assistants- do go to this meeting, you will regret not going. That's an ORDER! ;)


Como was really nice. Honestly, I didn't expect to see so many nice things there. On the way back I stopped to Milan where I had 3 hours before my train back to Turin. I went to see some other places which I could not visit a week before. Among other things, I saw one of the most prestigious shopping streets in Milan (Via Monte Napoleone). So if you happen to find yourself having 1 000 euros to spend, I suggest you stay at home. Do not come here with less than 5 000 ;)

Till next time..

International week

One great week!
I know I say this for every week that has passed, but this was REALLY something speacial ;) For a week our school hosted 17 Dutch students and 2 professors, coming from the Merewade College in Gorinchem, Holland. They came here with a programme of the European Union (Comenius school assistansthips) which enables schools to take part in such one-week lasting cultural exchanges. I found the programme an excellent way of getting to know a foreign culture, giving the the students a unique opportunity to live out a real Italian experience. Such an exchange is based on the principle of reciprocity; last November our students have gone to the Netherlands and spent one week with the Dutch families. This time it was them who did the hosting part. Each Dutch student lived with an Italian family. Great, is it not? A true and genuine experience!

I was really glad (and fortunate) to be able to participate in the whole thing. My task was to help with the organisation and to join our guests when sightseeing. As you can imagine, I had no problems with that.. no problems what-so-ever ;)

And so on Monday we took them to Lingotto, a former Fiat factory which is interesting for two things. First, it has a track all around the building and so when the directors wanted to observe the whole production process they did not even have to step out of their cars (they could drive all the way through). Second, it also had a rooftop test track for testing the cars. Smart, isn't it?

On Tuesday we went to the Egyptian museum (the 2nd biggest in the world, immediately after the one in Egypt).
























Wednesday was an interesting day, as well. In the morning we visited Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of Turin which hosts the Cinema Museum. What I particularly fancied was the view from the top. If you're ever in Turin, it sure is a must to go on the top. On a clear day it seems you can see all the way to Slovenia. Well, almost ;)



TTT- The three teachers ;)

In the afternoon we visited another important sight- Palazzo Madama, one of the residences of the royal family. The palace now houses Turin's Museo Civico d'Arte Antica.


In the evening I was supposed to take the Dutch teachers out for dinner. I have to admit I don't remember the last time I had so much fun ;) To make the story short- late evening we ended up in the apartment of Sara, our afternoon guide to Palazzo Madama. Don't ask, it's a looong story ;)

I've never been to Milan myself, and so going there was something I've wanted for a long time. My wish came true on Thursday when we all went to see this fascinating city, found only two hours away from Turin. When we got in front of The Duomo there were crowds of people staring at the sky, shouting something. A couple of minutes later I found out the cause of their enthusiasm. On one of the balconies there she was.. Dolce Nera. Never heard of her? Well, join the club ;) But according to the number of people gathered there she seems to be rather popular among the Italian youth (recently she participated in the San Remo festival).
Anyway, let the photos tell more..

The students in front of Castello Sforcesco

The professors in front of Il Duomo

We ended the week on Friday by going to Parco Valentino and to see Borgo Medievale. Due to some organisational problems (or the lack or it, for that matter ;) we didn't actually enter (but as a proof, we did take a photo in front ;). But I think the students actually prefered having some unexpected free time than seeing yet another museum. I can't really blame them ;)


With more experiences that I have here I see my horizons are spreading. I see more and more possibilities that are offered by the EU and I can only hope others do, too. Take advantage of it or else you may end up regreting for not doing it. There are very many possibilities and so I'm sure you can find one that suits you, as well. Go for it, guys! ;)

A week in a life of Comenius Assistant

For those who happen to be interested in my days here in Turin, here's a brief summary of the passing week.

Last weekend the weather was really horrible. Let me tell you that after three weeks of pure sun I had loads of difficulties with excepting such a change. However, I wanted to take advantage of my stay here, so I decided to do some sightseeing. »The more the merrier«, some say and so I invited my friend Alex to join me. We went to Monte dei Cappuccini which is not found far from the city center. Besides the church of Santa Maria del Monte, National Mountain Museum can also be found there. The thing I liked most was the sight that was offered from the top of the museum (the rest I didn't really find that interesting ;)


The rest of the day I spent preparing for the lessons that I had in the coming week. However, when my flatmate then invited me to join her and her boyfriend for dinner I just couldn't say no. We went to Eataly (I just LOVE the name ;), a place where you can do both, try different food and also buy the ingredients (it serves as a restaurant and a kind of market at the same time). It was a true cultural experience as the food offered there is supposed to be genuine Italian (oranges are from Sicily etc). As you can imagine the prices are sky high. So I'm guessing it was my first and last time in Eataly ;)

On Monday the other flatmate and me have decided to visit the biggest shopping center around (Le Gru). There wasn't really anything special we needed to buy, we just considered it to be a nice way of spending the afternoon. And it was. Even though at the end of the day I was tired as hell, it was worth it!

In the evenings I like to prepare for the lessons that I have the next day.. but then, you cannot only study, can you? ;) There's time to work and there's time to have fun.

On Tuesday afternoon I had some extra lessons (Corso Sostegno) with the students who are facing problems with their English. I find it really great to be given the opportunity of presenting English to those who in most cases dislike it. It's a very big responsibility but at the same time I am given the option to let the students know that English in fact can be- fun! And most of all, very useful. I hope I did make a change. I certainly did do my best.

Even though at the end of these afternoon courses I get really tired, there was something I just had to do that Tuesday; my friend Crystal was returning home after five months that she's spent here. We meet up, went to apperitivo for one last time and them parted (hopefully not for good ;).

On Wednesdays I usually join one professor of TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and then spend a couple of hours with another professor of English. My duty is to get the students talking. I am doing it by asking questions and expecting them to actually answer ;) I've been quite an optimist so far, as I hope I did make a tiny difference (some students who had problems with expressing themselves before actually utter a word or two when I'm around ;)

In the evening, it was fun time ;)
Together with some friends who I met at the Italian language course I met up in the evening. The plan was to go to a club which is very popular among Erasmus students. It was certainly the right decision! It was a blast! ;) It gave me the opportunity of re-experiencing my Erasmus life. But.. let me tell you a secret. I was kind of happy to return to my »old«, Comenius life. Life, in which people actually have to work and when partying 3 times a week is just not an option. Well, I just realised I'm getting old ;)

Friday was nice, too. One special event made it even nicer. Do you want to hear more?;) Well, a friend of mine (Kate) paid me a visit and we decided to make the most out of the afternoon. Each month one of the best ice-cream shops prepares a new flavour of the month. Last time that we went there was in February. This Friday was already March.. you get it? ;) We just couldn't resist trying out the new flavour. And I'm happy we didn't miss it- peach with chocolate proved to be an excellent choice!

The week actually got better and better/tastier and tastier. Let me explain! Friday, the 6th of March is also the date when the traditional 10-days Turin Chocolate festival (CioccolaTO) began. On Saturday I went to see if they have anything that might interest me. Both, me and my flatmate were more than impressed! Yeah, it did interest me ;) All those different flavours, shapes, colours, scents.. I'm sure I'll go there again!

My flatmate and me

In the afternoon one of my students has invited me to join her for a walk around the city. She's a native from Turin and as I find her knowledge of this city so priceless, I could not refuse her offer. She took me to a place, saying it was there that the best ice-cream is sold. I agreed to go there, but to be honest I was rather sceptical about »being the best one around« part. After trying out that on Friday I was almost certain I've already discovered the absolute winner. However, my assumptions proved to be incorrect! Riva Reno in the center of Turin is, undoutedly, THE BEST ICE-CREAM I've ever tried (well, until I find the next shop ;) By the way.. thanks Claire, I really appreciate you taking me there ;)

When I woke up this morning I was really glad to discover that the weather is sunny again. As I'm the sort of person who likes to discover new things I decided to take a trip. Together with my »travelling companion« Alex we went on a near-by hill to see the famous Basilica di Superga. It was spectacular! It is actually very much reminiscent of St Paul's cathedral in London. There was one more thing there that really left me touched. Almost 60 years ago a plane carrying the Grande Torino football club crashed into the hillside. Everybody on board died. Now, only a stone plaque and hundreds of fans that go there are commemorating this tragedy. Let the photos tell more..



When returning home I was starving, so I was happy that my flatmates and me had agreed to spend the afternoon preparing food together. It was a very nice way of socialising, and it also gave me the opportunity of actually learning a new thing. So now I'm almost an expert in making real Italian pizza and foccacio. Any questions? ;)

Comenius Assistantship

I feel it's my duty to present the programme which enabled me to experience this wonderful exchange. I owe it at least that ;)

My blog is supposed to not only give information about what's going on with me, but also serve as an info point for those who are thinking of applying for Comenius Assistanship. For the latter I'm posting some more details on the programme.

Most of you are well acquainted with the Erasmus programme. Frankly speaking, some 50% of my friends have either already experienced it or will do it in the following year. I myself have also been an Erasmus student; it was in the 2006/07 that I've decided to go to Poland (Lublin) and to put myself to the test. I did well ;) It was my first longer stay abroad and I really learned a lot. Not only about Poland and its culture, but also about their educational system, their values and life in general. What is more, being an Erasmus students you have the perfect opportunity of learning a new language, meeting foreign students and experiencing how it is like to live in an multicultural environment. This is what I liked most. Visiting a country only as a tourist does enable you to get to know it a bit, but it cannot be compared to living in one for a longer period. In my opinion this is the only true way of really getting to know it. I am sure that those who have also been Erasmus students at one point or another would agree with me ;) You learn a lot! So it really doesn't surprise me to read that the number of Erasmus people is getting higher and higher each year. For those who are still thinking of going but are facing personal dilemmas, here's my advice- just do it (where did I hear this one before? ;)


Ok, to return to Comenius Assistanship.
This programme enables you to do your teaching practice in a foreign country; one can spend from 3 – 10 months abroad, depending on personal desires and the demands of the welcoming school. When applying you have to specify the period of your stay, the country (without the exact city) and some other information. The rest is up to the National Agency to decide.

The following part is taken from the »Comenius assistantships: A good practice guide for host schools and assistants« guide:

»The assistant’s main task is to cooperate with and support teachers in the classroom. The assistant’s work programme may include working with small groups, team-teaching with the teacher responsible, leading conversation classes, supporting project work as well as shadow-teaching. The assistant must not be left unsupervised or employed as a regular substitute teacher. The assistant should have between 12 and 16 hours of ‘school-based’ work (time with learners or other work on behalf of the school) per week. This does not include a lesson preparation. A grant is awarded in order to fund their subsistence and travel expenses. Another key aspect of the Comenius assistantships is that they introduce or reinforce a European dimension in the host school and community. Assistants raise learners’ awareness of another European culture and help to break down prejudice.«

From what I’ve experienced so far I can only tell you good things. It’s a perfect way of getting to know a country, a language, the people, yourself. What is more, it is also a great opportunity of seeing whether or not you’re fit for becoming a professor (I’m still deciding on that ;).

I have to say my experiences here have been nothing but positive; my mentor is really helpful (even though we sometimes have communicational gaps, as my Italian is still not as good as hers ;). But with the use of our dear universal English we can overcome that, too! She was kind enough to find me a place to live (and she did it very well- my two Italian roommates are more that I could wish for). Not to mention the school which proved to be a perfect working environment (even though at the beginning I did face some problems with the lack of discipline. To be completely honest, I sometimes still do ;).
I am also very fortunate to be able to attend the Italian language course which is actually meant for Erasmus students (but the teacher was good enough to let me participate in it, as well).

Did I manage to convince you? ;) I’m not saying there are no bad moments. There are. But in comparison to the positive ones, their number is really negligible.

So now that my first month has passed I can easily conclude I sure am I happy that a year ago I managed to raise the courage to apply. I am sure I will never regret it! ;)

What about now? .. did I manage to persuade you now? ;)

The orange battle

Yesterday was a true adventure.

My pupils at schools have told me about a place about an hour from Turin which is famous for its orange battle. It is held only once per year (during the carnival) and so I’ve found it a must to go ;)
Together with 2 friends we went in search of new experience. The place is called Ivrea and it can easily be reached by train. The whole experience itself has really been something special. Before going there, people had warned me about it, saying it might even be dangerous (you can get hit by an orange). I can see what they meant ;) However, there are two ways of how to protect yourself. First- wear something red (this is a sign you’re a friend and not an enemy ;) and second, do not stand in “the ring”, but rather find a safe place behind the net. This is what we’ve done and it sure proved to be a good technique. We found a pleasant spot with a good view over the battlefield and waited impatiently for the battle to start.



Main weapon in this “war” are- oranges. Loads and loads of oranges, which you throw at the opponents. For those who’d like to learn more, I’m adding a bit more information (taken from the official webpage- http://news.carnevalediivrea.it/).

Around the thirties and sixties of last century, girls started to throw some oranges from their balconies onto the parade carriages together with confetti, lupins and flowers. The targets of these were the boys by whom the girls wanted to be noticed. From the carriages the boys started to answer in kind and little by little, the gesture of homage became first a duel and then a real fight between the throwers on the balconies and those in the streets. Only after the Second World War did the battle become the present contest following fixed rules.
Today the contest is still enacted in the main squares of the town where teams in carriages (symbolising the tyrant’s guards) battle against the orange thrower teams on foot (the rebellious commoners) which consist of hundreds of throwers.



The way back was no less exciting. There was one particular reason for this; instead of returning to Turin, we took the wrong train and ended up in Aosta which is found close to the French border.. Yeah, these things happen ;) But at the end, things turned to our benefit; a kind employer offered us a free train ride back to Turin an hour later. Which meant we had exactly an hour to discover the city. I was trully amazed!



And so instead of one trip, we had two. I guess it was a sign I should get lost more often ;)

For me, this assistantship has been much more than just teaching abroad. It is a way of getting to know one’s culture, language and habits in depth. And through all this, you get to understand the most important- yourself. That’s why I would really recommend all of those who are still thinking of whether to go or not, to just do it and apply for Comenius Assistansthip. And then let the nature do the rest ;)

Turin. My city

It's been three weeks since I've arrived here, so I guess it's the right time for me to tell you more about Turin, the capital of Piedmont region.
I got to know it quite well, so if you're planning on visiting Turin yourselves, I suggest you take advantage of my newly gained knowledge ;)


A friend from Great Britain (who I've actually met last week at the meeting in Florence) has paid me a visit yesterday. It was a great excuse to spend the day doing nothing but sightseeing, trying out different pastries (by the way, trying Gianduiotto is a MUST when in Turin! ;) and enjoying ourselves!

First thing that you most probably think of when you hear the word »Turin« is- FIAT. As a matter of fact, Turin actually puts "T" in »FIAT«. It is actually known as »the Automobile Capital of Italy«. Besides Fiat, Turin is also home to factories of Lancia and Alfa Romeo. By the way, I've never ever ever seen so many Fiat Panda cars in my life as I have here in Turin. And I'm pretty sure I never ever ever will ;)

The male part probably knows it as the host of the Winter Olympics (held in 2006) and as a city with two big football clubs (Juventus and Torino f.c.).

However, the city has much more to offer.

Do you have any idea which is the birthplace of solid chocolate?
Or where the world-famous grissini were first made?
Or which was the first capital of unified Italy?
What about the highest museum, where can we find it?
Can you guess which city hosts the biggest open-air market?
Or where Nutella is made?

As you have probably figured out, the answer to all of these questions is simply- Turin.

Mentioning the highest museum, I have to explain it in greater detail. I'm talking about Mole Antonelliana which is a kind of a symbol of Turin. Its 167 m high spire can be seen from everywhere. It actually hosts the National Museum of Cinema, which is, as mentioned before, the highest museum in the world.


It also has the biggest open-air market (Porta Palazzo), but many people refuse to visit it due to the supposed crime that is present there. When I told some people about my intentions of visiting it myself, I was rather surprised by what they've told me. The first reaction was: »Why the h*** d'you wanna go there?«. Hm, maybe because it's the biggest one in Europe? ;)
But when they saw I'm not giving up, they've suggested I leave all my jewelery at home and take the minimum of money with me.. If their words are to be trusted, you can get robbed even in the daylight. Well, me and my curiosity had no intentions of not seeing it, of course. I was actually very lucky to have mentioned this to one of my collegues at school, Carlo. He has kindly offered to give me a tour of the market. Of course, I said yes ;) To be honest, I found it interesting and not even a bit dangerous. I think I even found the place where I'll be doing my groceries in the coming 2 months ;)
I've noticed that some people are full of fear. Fear of the unknown; either of the unknown situations or people who appear to be different from themselves. I do agree a certain measure of precaution is necessary, but I do not want to wander the world in fear, just waiting for something bad to happen.

There is another thing that is really attractive for the tourists- The Egyptian Museum which is supposed to be second largest in the world (right after that in Cairo), is certainly worth a visit.


If you're fond of churches, I suggest a visit to Gran Madre on the other side of the river Po. It is one of the most important religious objects in Turin, modelled on Rome's ancient Pantheon.

If the above mentioned arguments did not persuade you to come to Turin, then I assume something must be wrong with you ;) Kidding.. let me just mention one more thing- come for the people. They are really nice and pleasant and ready to give a hand. Which counts the most.

Florence.

As mentioned in the previous post, I've spent my weeking in Florence. There, I attended a meeting of all Comenius Assistants who are currently doing their assistantship somewhere in Italy. Even before going there I knew it would be a great opportunity for all of us to share our experiences and possibly also some techniques of how to calm down the hoards (also known under the name Italian pupils ;). I guess I did mention the lack of discipline in Italian classes, hence the slightly provocative expression »hoard« ;)

There were about 30 of us coming from different European countries. I was the only representative of Slovenia which gave me an excellent opportunity for presenting my country. Most of them were already acquainted with it (unfortunately, only by reading about it). There were others, though, who at one point actually have visited it. Without telling me more, I kind of guessed that Slovenia was not their final destination, but only a transit country for going to Croatia. So in this aspect, we should thank the Croats for providing us with more tourists ;) I do think I did a good job promoting it. In my opinion Slovenia does not actually need a lot of promotion. It only needs a few people who had been there before. They are, indeed, the best promotion that we can possibly wish for (assuming that their experiences in Slovenia have been positive, of course ;).


For those of you who are planning to go to such an exchange (Comenius Assistansthip) in the following years, I certainly recommend going to this meeting. As mentioned, I enjoyed myself exchanging experiences with others. Giving support to some and sharing happiness and excitement with others.

This weekend has not only gave me the opportunity to meet others, but also to see the city. It was my second time in Florence and I have to admit it felt as if it was my first. I was so much impressed by the buildings, churches, bridges.. For those who haven't had a chance to see it yet, I'm posting some photos. I guess you'll find it as incredible as I did..


Without a doubt I can conclude that the passing weekend has been really great. Looking forward to the following ones! ;)

By the way- in one of the shops in the center of Florence I've discovered our genuine Slovenian milk (Alpsko mleko ;). You can imagine how happy it made me, a true dairy maniac, feel ;)

School affairs

Now that I've been going to this school of mine for almost two weeks now (I can almost call myself an expert ;), it is time for me to give you my first real evaluation.

At first I was really shocked by how things work around here. Pupils coming and going in the middle of the lesson, using their cellphones, putting their make-up.. But then, what I've also learned is that the teacher has actually a lot to do with this. Noone would really tolerate it, but then the pupils themselves know perfectly well how to behave with a certain professor. Knowing that there would be consequences if behaving badly, makes them think twice before doing a nonsense.

Last week my main occupation was to check how things are to be done (I was a kind of an observer), and this week I was ready for action. In the fullest meaning of the word. Trust me ;)
I was asked to help some students who were facing problems with their English. The courses that I'm having are officially called corso sostegno and will be held each afternoon for the following three weeks. When told about this, I thought it was a great idea helping the students in such a way. However, I was fooled once more ;) Not to be too harsh on the students, I have to admit that some really took advantage of this opportunity that they were given. But then there were those who found it.. an useless way of spending their precious time. Yeah, that's the right definition ;) And so instead of taking advantage of it and seeing it as a means of improving their English, they came there to talk to their buddies.
As I did not have many experiences with teaching so far, I found it rather difficult having to calm students down all the time. I though it would be natural for them to be quiet. I've been greatly mistaken ;)
However, to finish off in a slightly more optimistic tone, let me mention that the classes that I had today went much better. The students that I had to teach were older than those from yesterday, and I guess they were aware of the fact they were given an excellent opportunity of taking advantage of my knowledge ;)
The first ten minutes were, naturally, dedicated to asking questions about my age, my status (married?;) and the whole of my personal life. Only later, when I've told them basically everything that they need and need NOT know, could we start ;)
And so I am now glad to be able to conclude that my day at school ended ok! ;)

Ps: on Friday, the Italian national agency (dealing with these kind of exchanges and Comenius assistansthips) is organising a meeting of all foreign assistants who are currently in Italy. It will be held in Florence, and be sure I'm not gonna miss it!

I'll let you know how it goes! ;)

"Extra curriculum activities"

Writing about my first week here I get the impression that it has passed in no time.

Before I knew it, there was Saturday. And what happens on Saturday? Shopping! ;) Some say that getting to know the »commercial side« of life abroad is an integral part of ones foreign experience. I do agree ;) That is why I had decided to go to the biggest shopping center that there is to be found here in Turin (Le Gru). It's actually sales time at the moment and so it was a must for me to go and check it out ;) Shops were full of people, buying all the stuff they need and don't need to survive. Their shops are generally closed on Sundays and I assume this can also explain the previously mention crowd. I've also visited Ikea, which is found is the near vicitinity. Those how know me, know how much I enjoyed myself there ;)

A day before, on Friday evening I've met my friends (who are also here to do their assistanthip). I've invited them to visit me at my new temporary home and for this, I made pancakes. Considering the fact it was my first time making them, I say they turned out great ;)

We're meeting again today. This time, it's tiramisu time ;) Tiramisu as an important dessert for the Italians, we feel sort of obliged to try it out ourselves. Cultural experience, of course ;)

I'll let you know how it goes (although I guess I can already predict the results now- 4 empty plates and girls with stomach problems ;).

.. boun appetito! ;)

Getting acquainted

The passing week was really nice. Once again, let me thank sincerely to those who try to make me feel at home here. I must confess they are rather successful at it.

On Thursday after school my mentor has invited me to join her and some other pupils for lunch. It was an invitation I could not refuse ;) And so we went. The restaurant that they chose was a vegetarian one. And so me as the only member of the vegetarian clan felt really special and honoured ;)
It was also intriguing for me to see the relations that the pupils and the teachers have. They were very personal, meaning that during lunch, we spoke about private matters as well. I guess that the division between the teacher and the pupils here is not as sharp as it is in Slovenia. I do agree that there has to be a limit (in order to be able to educate someone, you need to establish a sort of authority), but I find their system which provides for closer contacts, as productive as ours. It must be nice to talk to the professor in a sort of way that you would speak to a friend (well, leaving out the juicy, inappropriate parts, that is ;). To see the other person as a human being and not solely as the ultimate authority that you should obey.

This week I was also taken to two offices which deal with foreign exchanges and other programmes that are organised by the EU. I am now a whole lot smarter than before and armed with an uncountable amount of brochures of all sorts. If there's something you're interested in, just ask ;)

I did notice that, contrary to what many have said, the Italians love to help. Young, old, male, female, black, white- it doesn't matter. If I ask for direction or if I'm lost in any other way, I get a positive response from most of them. Maybe that has a little something to do with the fact that I look very much distracted and that they kind of feel it's their human responsibility to help. But I like to think it's simply because of- me ;)

School is fun

Well, it can be. Sure thing.
Let me explain how my first day at school went.

My first day was actually yesterday when my mentor took me to school and has introduced me to the school staff. It sure felt nice to be acquainted with them. It is important for me to have a good relationship with my collegues as these are the people I'll be bumping into (well, hope not literally ;) in the following three months. I was also given a special locker in the teachers' staff room (which made me feel even more important ;)

My first impression of the school was really very positive. The name is Liceo Linguistico Europeo (liceo meaning highschool) and it is located in the center of Turin. The classrooms are extremely pleasant and the teachers appear to be in good relations, as well. The pupils that go there must be well taken care of. I noticed that the relationship between them and the teachers is more relaxed than it is in Slovenia. It seemed as if pupils with problems could easily go to the teacher for help, which I find great. There are also many activities that this school is involved in, from different projects of making a newspaper, to hosting and attending international exchanges both for the teachers and the pupils.

This first week of my stay here is supposed to be a kind of an introductory week, for me to get acquainted with the school environment and vice versa, of course. And so today I went to my first real lesson here in Italy. It was interesting. And we all know that interesting is indeed a very wide word, carrying different meanings. My first mission was to get the pupils talking. This wasn't really that hard, as their class was actually a special one where all the lessons (even chemistry and mathematics) are held in English. We covered different grounds and so we ended up talking not only of Slovenia and Italy, but also of Italian fashion, music, religion etc. Not surprising, our conversation ended at football ;)

This was to get their attention and I can easily conclude that my task was successfully done. However, when it was time for us to start doing something less exciting (such as doing an exercise), things changed. I couldn't believe my eyes- when I told them to open their books, one started to read a magazine, the other began writing a text message, two started having what appeared to be a deep conversation.. When I asked them to be quiet, they seemed so surprised. As if I said something totally inappropriate. But then, I think I managed to achieve a bit of discipline and they finally got quiet. It seems there's a challenging task ahead of me ;)
But I think that with a bit of luck and a lot of patience, I'll come out of this as the winner.


Either way ..Wish me luck! ;)

Day 1.

Having to describe my first day in Turin, two words pop into my mind. Trumpet and kisses. Loads of both. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, let me explain what I mean.

When I arrived to the station my mentor was already waiting for me there. The feeling that you get when you see there's someone there willing to help is simply comforting. I can say I'm very fortunate to have such a nice mentor.. talking to some other Comenius Assistants, I've discovered that this is not to be taken for granted. For this reason I cherish it even more.

Later, I literally had no more time than to leave my stuff at my new temporary home and set off , in search of new experience. My roommate, together with her boyfriend and another collegue of theirs have invited me to join them for a late dinner. Which, according to their standard, is not that late. Well, if you ask me, having dinner at 10 in the evening is not the most normal thing in the world. But we all know what they say- When in Rome, do as the Romans do! ;) And I did. And so my Italian journey began.

I still haven't explained the kissing and the trumpeting part, have I? Well, I guess we all know how Italians tend to be very.. emotional. Without knowing the other person, they start kissing you immediately. As a sign of frendship, of course (not to be mistaken for anything else! ;).
Trumpeting?
The stereotypes about the Italian drivers proved to be correct. Noone really pays a lot of attention to the other party in the traffic. They just go they own way, using the trumpet as their weapon most of the time. There's one thing to remember. Does the survival of the strongest ring a bell? ;) So in order to survive in the traffic here in Turin, I suggest buying a very good, and most of all, very strong trumpet that you can find. And even then- Good luck (with the capital G.)! ;)

In the following days I've met some girls who also work as Comenius Assistants. Getting in touch with them even before me coming here was indeed a very good idea. They are without a doubt the best source of information.
And so it happened that I met Elodie, a Comenius Assistant from France on the second day of my stay, and Sabrina, a Dutch girl. They're both very nice, giving support to confused little me ;)

They gave me a rough tour of the city and today they shall iniciate me into the Turin night life (which will, most probably, not finish that late. Don't forget- we have jobs to go to ;).

All in all, I could not wish for a nicer arrival. Thanks to all that had sth to do with it!

One more day to go..

Can you imagine what is going through my mind at the moment? Whole bunch of emotions, that's what. Reason being my coming assistantship at an Italian school in Torino (Liceo Europeo Vittoria di Torino, to be more precise). There, my main occupation should and will most probably be- teaching Italian pupils English.

Mission impossible? Well, that's the reaction that I get from most people when I let them know about my assignments. However, I'm an optimist myself and hope I will remain one even after this experience is over.

I've applied for Comenius assistantship exactly a year ago, which one might consider to be a rather long period. However, from what I've learned you can never be completely ready for such a thing. At the beginning I felt extremely fortunate to be among »the chosen« ones. I was looking forward to this new adventure so very much.. I have to be frank, though- there were times where I was overwhelmed by a kind of fear of the unknown, as well. But as time passed (and the date of my departure inevitably approaching) my positive feelings only invigorated.

And so now, just one more day away from my journey, I feel ready.

.. I'll keep you posted! ;)