January 7, 2009

I haven’t been able to write everyday since school started. A one month course is really intense…we have at least 3 hours of class each day…plus 2 hours of discussion groups sometimes. Everyone tried to assure us that a masters course and a bachelors course in Europe is about the same level of difficulty…but this course is definitely more intensive than what I’m used to. The readings are longer…and we have a group project due in 3 days from starting..@_@

anyways…I really hope this kind of work load is not going to affect my stay too much. Today to finish my part of the project, I needed to stay in the whole day…not much fun if you ask me. If I were at UBC, it would have been fine…but…I’m in Norway for goodness sake! :P

Class has been ok so far. This course was taught by someone else last year…and I have a feeling it was much better last year. Our instructor is knowledgable..but quite boring as a lecturer.

I miss seeing my new friends…there’s gotta be a way to keep in contact with them during classes.

I think I’m going to go to Turkey for spring break! One of my friends from Japan in 2005 lives there..and he said come whenever I want :D

I got a letter from my parents the other day. It was very touching. Thank you. I love you too.

Gender and Development is a really good course to take in terms of content. It’s such a big part of development that is often neglected or only given lip service. btw, it seems like people here don’t have the aversion to the word ‘development’ compared to in BC. The friends I’ve talked to from ‘developing’ countries have no problem with using the word. I tried to explain how we avoid using because it implies the only way to develop is to become like the ‘developed’ countries. They agree that it isn’t the only, and definitely not the best way, but what other word can you use? I guess global north/south just doesn’t cut it…

My flat mates are really quiet…we have conversations..but it’s all so formal..@_@