We registered at Linköping University (our host university) today. The campus is incredible. Lots of unique art and several unique coffee shops, and thousands of bicycles! There is just such a great atmosphere here.
Lena Örnestrand, our coordinator, helped us get set up in our housing accomodations. She also debriefed us on a wide spread philosophy movement. In the Swedish language there are two words for "you." "Du" is the informal term and "Ni" is the formal. In the Seventies there was a revolutionary movement in Sweden centered around equality. The people of Sweden feel that no human being is inherently entitled to more respect than another. Regardless of job or status, we are all equal and should be treated as such. Thus they did away with the word "ni." This movement also affected several aspects of culture that will be relevant to my teaching experience. For example, teachers and faculty members go by their first names. Many professors at the University will even become offended if you address them as Mr. or Mrs. Another result of the movement is that everyone wears street clothes or whatever makes them comfortable. I think this will take some adjustment because I am used to such an emphasis on professionalism. But I am interested to see how these things influence the dynamic between teachers and their students.
It is still Easter Holiday so we won't begin teaching until Monday. I can hardly wait! Tomorrow we’re having fika with our friend and colleague, Kristina. Fika is like a coffee break but longer. Kristina described it best, “Fika is to Sweden as tea time used to be to Britain.” I’m really excited to try my first Swedish coffee…I know I’ll be having a lot of those ;)
Here are some photographs we took of LiU's campus!
Way to be proactive and take charge of your life, Purple Blob!
One teacher used post-it notes to make a pixelated Mario in her class window.
Not the most comfortable sofa I've ever sat on.
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