January 9, 2009

We had our presentations today…seriously, the students in this class are either not putting much effort in, or they really don’t have much presentation skills. It’s really hard to believe this is a master’s level course…I mean the things we are learning are great…but the effort people put in is really minimal.

Sometimes I feel like the classes drag on for way too long. L and I both agreed that some of the topics could have been taught in half of the time taken. Maybe it’s just January block classes. I really hope so…

That being said, I’m having a lot of fun trying to understand the cultural differences and meeting new and exciting people from around the world.

some of the differences I noticed:

– there is a lot of respect for people coming from poorer countries. in fact, i don’t feel any difference at all in the way people participate in discussions etc. In Canada, although we try to be accepting and all, there is still this strange tension when discussion issues about development. We can’t really freely discuss because it’s so sensitive and we try to not offend anybody. But atmosphere here is so relaxed that it seems like we can discuss anything and nobody will be offended. I have no trouble using development without quotation marks here.

Norwegians may appear cold and shy at first…but once you get to know them…they’re super nice. At least the ones I’ve met so far. It’s also such a great chance to meet people from other countries…so far, as far as I know, there are students from Ethiopea, Zimbabwe, Nepal, New Zealand, China, Canada, Norway, …..etc etc in my class of less than 20 people…it’s amazing how much people know and have experienced. And I’ve only just talk to them for a short time!

The instructor really isn’t that inspiring…I wish he was better at facilitating discussions….thank god for guest lecturers..

it’s insane to think that I only have 17 days till my final paper is due….I’ve only just started!!

The readings are insanely long and a lot…but the assignments are quite simple. Group work…so lucky that I have a good group this time…some group members never showed up for the presentation in other teams!

It seems like I would be able to get a bank account if I get a tax number…if only I can get my resident permit stamped @_@

I had a really long chat with my Czech room mate Y tonight. Strange guy…we seem to have totally different opinions on lots of stuff (state/private, Israel/Gaza etc etc)

speaking of Gaza, Oslo had a huge (15,000) protest yesterday…a march for peace. One of the Norwegian friends of A was so angry about this one politician in Norway who is for Israel. Apparently all the politicians and parties in Norway are for Palestine.

going to go check out the student bar/dance place tonight…and then a long hiking trip for tomorrow!

my cooking really sucks :P but I’m enjoying experimenting in the kitchen. I’ve barely used any oil or salt in my days here :P I try to eat vitamins when I remember…for those who always pester me to eat them!