Friday, 1 November 2013

Outdoor education classes: Module A :)

Here are some random pictures from Module A.  I can't believe a quarter of the program is already done! Our class gets along really well...with all the camping and overnight trips it feels like one big crazy family!
 
 
 
Camping trip in Mela
Another literature seminar drama performance!
 
 
Fields and Forest behind the university :)
 
'The Elements' cooking team.
 
 
Making rope
 
Whittling wood...outdoor craft.
 
 


Canoeing trip!

 
Every adventure is so international in Sweden.  We enjoyed a day of canoeing on one of many lakes in Sweden with friends from France, Germany, Czech Republic...and of course the lone Canadian! :) The weather was spectacular...I think we spent more time taking breaks then actual canoeing! Fun times with fun people!
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, 15 October 2013

Thanksgiving in Sweden!

 
 

 
 
 
I had to introduce my flatmates to the North American Thanksgiving Feast.  Considering I've never cooked any of the menu items, I was quite impressed with how good everything turned out!

Wild Apples

Apple Crisp 
Stuffing the turkey

 

 
 
 

Flatmates enjoying dinner!

Thursday, 5 September 2013

Living with 4 Roommates!

 
Living with 4 roommates hasn't been nearly as challenging as I first thought.  All of us have very different schedules and so far it's been working out great! My roommates love to cook and they're always eager to share their cultural dishes with me! I've tried to reciprocate the favour but I don't think I represent Canada well in the cooking department! So far they think my dishes are too spicy!
 
 
The view from outside our apartment building
 
Kitchen
 
Kitchen
 
 
Bathroom
 
Living Room transformed into a third bedroom for 2 people.
 
My bedroom shared with Paul.

A view of Skaggetorp...the suburb we live in.

St. Petersburg Church in the centre of town.


Town Square.

Linkoping University

 
Apparently I've forgotten what it's like to be a university student in the 8 years since I've last attended school! Students like to stay up till early morning and sleep till early afternoon.  I'm always so quiet getting ready in the morning so I don't wake up my roommates.  Unwilling to submit to this routine I've been enjoying early morning runs and bike rides exploring the city.
In Europe most students do their master's degree as part of their study.  It is not at all common to work for several years and then do your master's.  I am the oldest student in my program and the only one that has teaching experience.  So far I find the program awesome and very relevant.  I'm excited to start work on my thesis.
The program is very international and I am the only student that isn't ESL! There are students from 9 different countries in my program that include Greece, Germany, Ireland, Spain, China, Turkey, Italy, Czech Republic, and Canada. It is very interesting to discuss the differences in education of each country.
The pace of life is a lot more relaxed in Sweden with constant "Fika" interruptions.  For Fika you take a break with fellow students or colleagues and grab a coffee and something sweet. Skipping these breaks is somewhat frowned upon.
 
 
The bike route to school.  Often there are completely separate roads for cyclists and motorists as seen with the overpass in the background.
 
 
 
Most students bike to school :)
 
The campus is beautiful with many cobblestone lanes.