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? ;)