A joyous and peaceful Easter to everyone.
Around normal Easter festivities (decorating eggs and such), I have begun creating my packing list for both Germany and Turkey as well as organizing and collecting all flight and housing information. It is going to be challenging to not pack wisely and not excessively. Sadly, being both a soprano and woman, I feel I am slightly prone to over-pack. In my defense, I merely desire to be prepared. I am only pack travel size toiletries; however and am excited to go shopping in Germany and Turkey for things like shampoo and conditioner.
I do need help though! For those reading, please throw out advice and suggestions for things to pack-I would greatly appreciate having them.
The wonderful Turkeye Institute has awarded me a $750 scholarship towards my studies in Turkey! This money will help pay for the Turkish language courses and for transportation around Turkey, most specifically, to and from the language classes. The Institute has requested that I consider working for them next year since I will have formal training in the language and because of the interest I have shown in studies and travel in Turkey. This is actually wonderful news because I do need a job next year! Thank you Turkeye Institute, and thank you to everyone who is praying and keeping good thoughts coming. I am still searching for funding to help with other portions of the trip and expenses that I have thus far paid out of pocket.
In an attempt to stop speaking Turkish in German class, among the other languages that seem to be randomly coming out of my mouth (Italian, Spanish, and French), I have put a temporary halt on learning Turkish phrases and am concentrating solely on German. For those who pursue studying a foreign language, here are some hints I found helpful:
- Immerse yourself in the language!
- Listen to news broadcasts (http://www.dw-world.de/)
- Watch foreign movies (kids movies are great and use basic language, plus they are fun to watch)
- Be active when you read
- You can pick up a lot on the language if you are active while you are reading.
- Find a pen pal from the particular language you are studying
- Go to school websites first to attempt to find this. Please don't just type in foreign pen pal on Google. Contact study abroad programs and ask about pen pals too.
- Post-It Notes and Coloring Books are your Foreign Language Friend
- I have post it notes all over my house with the German words for different everyday household items. In the same, I have coloring pictures of clothing, place settings, and house plans in my room. These are fun and incredibly helpful.
- Don't be afraid to speak
- More often than not, natives of the language you are learning WANT to help you learn the language. And, let's be honest, you can't improve if you don't try.
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