Fluency&presenting yourself

Our workshop started with a 2minute talk of everyone about a topic which we didn't know before. My topic was "music" and I had to talk about it spontaneously and free. It was a good way to open the theme of our workshop but then it became really theoretic which was a great pity because we all have to learn speaking free and fluently but we won't learn by listening to some presentations. I would have preferred more talks&presentations on our own. It was boring to listen to the presentation which was about things we already knew.

The second part of the workshop was really good, helpful and interesting. We had to prepare a presentation about different newspaper articles and I think this is something what improves our skills as speakers.

information search at TIB&UB

Today we made a guided tour in order to get to know the library of the university. We visited the different houses of the TIB/UB and came to know where we have to search for special branches of study. In my opinion the guided tour was very good because all of us got a general overview of the library.
We had a look at the hompage of the TIB/UB and learned how to use and work with it.
At the end of day everyone of us set up an account at StudIp.

I think it was a good way to get an general idea of the library but I would prefer more pratical work like searching for books.

Intercultural Training

Today's subject was "intercultural training" and it started with greeting rituals from all over the world. We had to greet the other group members by shaking the left hand or giving someone a peck on the cheek. For me it was a good introduction to the following things because so we knew what this workshop was about. The learning goals were increasing cultural awareness, recognition of different cultural values and developing intercultural competence and we tried to reach these aims by the help of some games, group work, movies and role plays. In my opinion these methods were really good in order to get information about different cultures and values which are important in countries abroad.
 What I have learned today is trying to avoid any stereotypes and judging about others.

27.09.2010

Today was my second day in Hannover and the preparatory programme "stepIn" has started.
I was really excited and full of anticipation on the way to the university.
I  enjoyed participating in this programme today because it was/is a good way to introduce us to the university. Our first day was good and I am looking forward to the following days :-)