Week Three - Vecka Tre (Cultural and Professional Development) 28-01-12 - 3-02-12

The Haga District (The Old City).

Skansen Kronan; and all the steps!

This week was our trip to Gothenburg (known as Göteborg to all Swedish people) which is the second largest city in Sweden by population size. We set off on our travels with an American and Dutch student with many plans of what we would like to see in the city but as the adventure progressed the weather got colder with the arrival of yet again, more snow. However, braving the elements we still managed to have a great time and see some interesting sights including a science museum, Feskekörka (Fish Church), Skansen Kronan (a Nordic fortification), a ‘Skyscraper’, Haga District, Gothenburg Museum of Art and the Botanical Gardens. It is a lovely city with many beautiful characteristics, such as the old wooden buildings in the Haga District as well as the little tea light candles along the footpaths. My favourite aspect of the city was probably the Nordic fortification as it had incredible views even though you had to climb several hundred very icy steps but it was totally worth it! A lot of the bars/restaurants provide blankets so that you can sit outside on their balconies which makes up for the fact that it is mandatory for you to give them your coat AND pay. I realised this quite early into my stay in Gothenburg. I was quite cold in the restaurant and decided that I would like to keep my coat on, but the guy at the door told me in a rather stern manner that it had to be taken off. He replaced my coat with a blanket which I originally thought was nice but then the truth became apparent as I was leaving, he asked for fifteen Kronor because he had taken my coat. I still think this is ridiculous and don’t think I will ever forget it! 

The Feskekörka beside the river Göta Älv.

 

There were some further down sides to this week relating to money as we were informed by email that our rent will increase by 1.97%. This may seem like nothing but it really is when you are living in Sweden. I decided that I wanted to get my contract translated to English to find out if there was anything that stated this could happen, however I have been informed by the International Office that it is normal for rent to be increased for no reason and so the time came to pay my rent. What can I say? It was another fascinating aspect of Swedish culture that I somehow can never see myself getting used to. When you pay your rent you have an additional fee of thirty-five Kronor... for nothing. I had prepared the money I owed for rent the previous night and had the exact amount ready to hand over to the cashier. She counted it and told me that I did not have enough money but I was certain that I did so I asked her to count it again. She then enlightened me by telling me that every time I pay my rent I owe thirty-five Kronor as a fee. I am still very unsure as to what this fee covers and cannot make any sense from it as my internet, electricity and heating is included in the rent. The initial shock of this matter still has not subsided. Megan and Maria were very lucky not to experience this shock as they were not paying their rent until the next day.

This week I have also realised that there is a huge difference between university life in Belfast and university life in Trollhättan. Over the past three weeks I have found it increasingly difficult to get into the swing of things at University West. I feel that the lectures and tutorials in Stranmillis are much more structured and easier to apply to my future career whereas at University West I am finding it hard to relate module information to teaching. I also have a different lecturer for each class making it difficult to build a positive rapport with lecturers. My work load is beginning to increase as time passes and I am trying my absolute best to keep on track of what I am supposed to be doing but University West relies heavily on their internal website DisCo, where lecturers can post information regarding modules and room changes etc. As I am in no way technically minded I am experiencing problems in remembering to check my emails and posts from lecturers. 

Next week Megan, Maria and I are having a meeting with a teacher from a school we may be teaching in at the end of March. This should provide an ample opportunity for me to ask some questions about what I will be doing whilst at the school as well as finding out some information about the Swedish National Curriculum. I am already excited for this meeting as it will help give a better indication of when I can start the teaching module and visit a school in Sweden. I am very keen to visit a school in Sweden and work with the children as I am sure their way of learning is a lot different from ours, especially as higher education in Sweden is very different. Nevertheless it is another adventure waiting and plenty more challenges I am sure!