Pre-Departure Orientation: Day 2
A lot of information was thrown at us today and it was a bit overwhelming!
After breakfast, we walked over to the American Councils building to start our second day of orientation. We started off with a presentation about rules in the host country—basically no drugs or alcohol and just general tips about staying safe and being aware of our surroundings.
We also split into our groups based on location (Moldova/Estonia) and just put together a list of general rules: i.e. don’t be a hermit, don’t be late, don’t abandon anyone, don’t die, etc.
While split up we did a series of skits in small groups to help with various situations we might encounter with our host families, teachers, or locals we might try to communicate with. They were useful to a certain degree, but somewhat (ironically) limited by our Russian abilities.
Most excitingly, we got a better look at what our schedule will be like on the program and some of the group activities we might do as cultural excursions, like visiting monasteries or going to a museum.
After lunch, there was a presentation about differences between our host countries and the U.S. in relation to gender roles, religion, and politics. We learned how to avoid awkward situations and where to exchange money and about our lunch options while on the program—the Moldova group (unlike Estonia) will be able to eat lunch independently a few days every week, so we talked about some of the restaurants and cafes located close to the University where we’ll be taking classes.
Finally, there was an alumni panel to answer some of our questions. Three of the four alumni there had gone on the year program, so they weren’t able to answer all of our questions, but they shared some of their favorite memories and gave us tips on how to refuse food from our host families (apparently, we should expect to gain weight), which put my mind at ease about some things, but made me more nervous about others.
However, despite all of the little things that are (maybe) freaking me out (just a little bit), I am so excited for tomorrow, when we will be flying to Chisinau, and to meet my host family!
After breakfast, we walked over to the American Councils building to start our second day of orientation. We started off with a presentation about rules in the host country—basically no drugs or alcohol and just general tips about staying safe and being aware of our surroundings.
We also split into our groups based on location (Moldova/Estonia) and just put together a list of general rules: i.e. don’t be a hermit, don’t be late, don’t abandon anyone, don’t die, etc.
While split up we did a series of skits in small groups to help with various situations we might encounter with our host families, teachers, or locals we might try to communicate with. They were useful to a certain degree, but somewhat (ironically) limited by our Russian abilities.
Most excitingly, we got a better look at what our schedule will be like on the program and some of the group activities we might do as cultural excursions, like visiting monasteries or going to a museum.
After lunch, there was a presentation about differences between our host countries and the U.S. in relation to gender roles, religion, and politics. We learned how to avoid awkward situations and where to exchange money and about our lunch options while on the program—the Moldova group (unlike Estonia) will be able to eat lunch independently a few days every week, so we talked about some of the restaurants and cafes located close to the University where we’ll be taking classes.
Finally, there was an alumni panel to answer some of our questions. Three of the four alumni there had gone on the year program, so they weren’t able to answer all of our questions, but they shared some of their favorite memories and gave us tips on how to refuse food from our host families (apparently, we should expect to gain weight), which put my mind at ease about some things, but made me more nervous about others.
However, despite all of the little things that are (maybe) freaking me out (just a little bit), I am so excited for tomorrow, when we will be flying to Chisinau, and to meet my host family!
Safe travels! Can't wait to read about your first impressions and experiences!
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