Hi Andi!!! Sorry, but I couldn't go to your party yesterday. I wish you had enjoyed it! I wish you enjoyed the time you were in Argentina and the time we spent together as well. It was a pleassure to met you. I hope we can keep in contact. Thank you very much for everything. Best wishes,
Melisa

Language & Politics

This one goes out to the ladies of Language IV in particular, but anyone interested in the following videos is more than welcome to take a look. As I mentioned in class, I've been wanting to share these clips with you, both of which display American political humor in action. So here goes.

• The first link features Stephen Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report" (pronounced without the final "t," perhaps to sound pretentious...who knows). Here Stephen interviews Andrew Sullivan, a British journalist and blogger, about Obama's achievements regarding foreign policy, health care reform and bipartisanship. I thought of this video during our discussion on written vs. oral language. I think it's a fun and witty example of the ways in which language can be manipulated to bolster an argument. It also offers a glimpse into differing opinions on Obama's presidency, a hot topic nowadays in the U.S.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/254667/november-03-2009/andrew-sullivan

• The second clip, this time from CNN, shows a mix of political impersonations from the popular show "Saturday Night Live" (aka SNL). These caricatures and skits were wildly popular during the 2008 Presidential Campaign and were talked about just as much (if not more) than the candidates themselves and their actual interviews and debates. Search online for more--you can view a myriad of skits or even videos that have been edited to compare the actual candidate next to the comedian impersonating said politician. For now, here's the segment from CNN:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tb1mk-dixk&feature=related


I wish we could've watched these clips together, but if you get the chance--leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Best of luck with studying :)

Paper or Plastic?

The Today Show investigates plastic and paper bag waste and offers an alternative:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22839753#22839753

David Suzuki's Nature Challenge:

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/

Some pictures!

Festival Latino Americano de Video

You only have a night and a day left to check it out, but here's a link to info on the film festival I mentioned in class (Thursday, Language I):

http://deltiempodelcubomagico.blogspot.com/2009/09/flvr.html

More to come soon about the online version of Apples to Apples... including a link to the template (so you can design your own Argentine cards!). I'm pumped.

This is a video about eating disorders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSqtVDIwnHo

"Los Cafres" last concert in Rosario

Everyone who likes Reggae music knows "Los Cafres" and also knows that all the concerts are unique and marvellous. It's also well-know that there is a great difference between listening to them in a live concert tan in a CD.

It’s well-worth to stress the excellent performance of the trumpet player and, of course, of Guillermo Bonetto, the vocalist, who since the band was created in 1987, in every show he passes on a lot of feelings only through his songs and voice.

In the last concert in Rosario they made wonderful covers of Bob Marley’s songs, and sang the best songs of all their CDs. that show exceeded all expectations. When I was there I felt like I was in another planet or something like that.

So, if you like Reggae music, go and see them. They will wonder you.

Don't think twice

Have you ever heard Oasis in a live performance?. If you don't, don't miss last show they're giving next week at River Plate Stadium after their tour in our contry.



The British band Oasis was formed in 1991 in Manchester. Liam Gallagher, who is the leader of the band, composes the songs. This group, has recorded 8 albums and has sold more than 50 millons of copies all around the world in the last five years.



As the show begun the crowd at River started to shout and jump in the darkness. Suddenly, the lights switched on and Liam was on the stage singing his first hit "Don't go away". Both the performance with fireworks and special effects, and, the sound were amazig. The sound quality was so high that I could follow the lyrics of each song!



Nevertheless, I must admit that the show was shorter than their last one in Argentina. Moreover, the band didn't seem to be very pleased with the audience during the concert.



To sum up, I really recommend you this fantastic and incredible international performance in which you can enjoy the best music while you improve your English. So; if I were you, I wouldn't wait to buy my ticket!

The teenagers + Discos + Alcohol

I have chosen to comment on this article because I think it´s worrying how teenagers loose control of themselves when they go to discos and drink too much alcohol.
I´ve read on El Dia newspaper that the last weekend three people were send to hospital after violent riots which have taken place in different discos in La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires.
The first event happened at noon last Saturday at a famous disco and ended in one of the most crowded avenues of the city, resulting in two injured teens.
According to the news, there were twenty minutes of punches, kicks and runs at the exit of the disco registered by a security camara. Then they continue fighting in the middle of the avenue dangerously avoiding the cars which were passing through.
One of the injured is still at the hospital while the other has scaped!
The second event was in other disco of the same city. A security guard was severely hit on his head and face after he didn´t allowed ten young rugbiers to get into it due to he suspected they were drunk. The aggressors were send to prison.

Review: "P.S I love you"

"P.S I love you" is an American drama, directed by Richard Lagravenese. It is set in the lower east side of Manhattan. The main characters are Holly, played by Hilary Swank, and Gerry, played by Gerard Butter.





In the film, they are a happily married couple. The story begins with a dramatic climax when Gerry is diagnosed a terminal brain tumor. Knowing he only has a short time to live, Gerry writes Holly a series of letter that will help her cope with grief and will accompany her in her new future. Besides, he always sings off each letter with the phrase: "P.S I love you"

Despite the fact that Holly's mother and friends think these humorous messages are keeping Holly bound to the past, the truth is that she learns to enjoy life again after the death of her husband.

This is definitely a chick flick that will make you not only cry but also laugh. Gerard was excellent in his part and Hilary did a fine job as well. She makes you feel her pain. Her acting is outstanding. You shold definitely see it!





In my personal opinion it is the best romantic comedy in a very long time because of its originality and the touching story.





Florencia Di Martino

Singapore!!!

I chose an article about Singapore, in which the author explains that this place has a stunning landscape which can take your breath away. Every block has trees and flowers, and the island's entire east coast is a string of parks and beaches.

No litter mars a walk through Singapore's streets, because a litterbug must pay a fine and undergo counselling.

People who live in Singapore believe taht the government loves to make rules. The walls of buildings are plastered with rules, telling people what they can't do and how much they have to pay if they dare to try it. The fines represent considerably more than a slap on the wrist, and they're enforced often enough to make miscreants think twice.

To conclude, the Prime Minister was interviewed about the rules and fines in Singapore and said that he hope to move into a position where people don't need to have all those fines put up.

Sedentary Life!

I looked for an article and it is about the effects of sedentary life on people´s health.
When people are inactive they can get older genetically faster. A recent study has proved that people who were physically active appeared biologically younger than sedentary ones.
Telomeres, that are key pieces of D.N.A., can get reduced more quickly in inactive people causing faster cellular ageing.
Beside, people doing regular exercise have less probabilities of suffering from cardiovascular deseases, diabetes and cancer.
People´s telomeres become shorter while getting older. Cells are more susceptible to damage and death but if a person is active the telomeres last longer in the D.N.A.
It is advisable to do about two hundred minutes a week of physical activities such as running, tennis or aerobics.
Furthemore, active people under high levels of stress can reduce its impact and damage better and faster.

This is a writing prompt

Some direction for those easing back into the blogging world after a long winter break!

Step 1) Comment on one of the two August posts (found directly below this one!).

Respond with a few sentences or a chain of paragraphs—just click on the comment link at the bottom of the post and write whatever floats your boat (that’s whatever you desire or feel like typing).

Step 2) Create your own post! (Seek me out if you need assistance).

Here are a few ideas to inspire you. Pick one and write about it, or come up with a topic of your own. Either way, your published post should include a title and a body of text with a minimum of two paragraphs. See me if you have any questions or if you want me to read over your composition before you click “publish post.”

A few ideas to help get you started:

Write a Review—Have you seen any movies recently? Eaten in any nice (or not so nice) restaurants? Tell me about it. Describe a movie/restaurant/book/music/hotel, describe its positive and negative points, and write whether or not you would recommend it.

Write about the News—Has something interesting happened in Rosario (or anywhere in the world) recently? Do you have a strong opinion on a current event? Write about it!

Tell a Story—Did something funny or exciting happen to you or a friend over the break? Do you have something you’re really looking forward to in the future (for instance, the Argentina-Brazil game?) Tell me all about it, whatever it is.

So there you have it. Still stuck for ideas? Talk through possible options with a friend or seek me out for assistance. Remember, this is a chance to practice your writing, relax, and have fun. No need to stress.

Alsooo! The next time you find yourself browsing the internet, don’t forget to return to this blog! Read some of your classmates’ posts and comment on the ones that move you. I will be reading and commenting on all of your posts, in case that motivates you in any way. So go for it!

Bagels & more

If you weren’t in Language II today, you missed a bagel party. Plain and cinnamon raisin, with cream cheese and all. Here’s a picture of a variety of bagels so you know what you could have had (just rubbing it in—I’ll bring them again. As long as they’re fresh). You can order your own (24 hours in advance) and have them delivered to you in Buenos Aires by checking out http://elbagelazo.blogspot.com/. Sooo close to the real thing without traveling back to the States.

As promised, here’s a link to investigate Fulbright opportunities for Argentines: http://www.fulbright.edu.ar/esp/becas_1_3.asp. That should bring you directly to a page which outlines the language assistant scholarship program (the reverse of mine! Note: you will be a Spanish language assistant). Look around the site to learn about specific requirements, scholarship duration, application requirements and who to contact and when. Let me know what you find out. I’d be happy to help you work on the application when it comes time.

That's all for now, or at least until I receive a sign that someone is reading (hint hint)! In any case, it was so nice to see some of you today! It's good to be back.

Anyone out there??

Chicos! How’s it goin? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you (well, most of you)! I hope that your hard work is paying off and that you’re able to strike a healthy balance between studying hard and relaxing during such an intense exam period. I’d love to hear how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to over the past month. You can wait until we return to classes… or you can write to me here! (Which would obviously thrill me, as you can guess). Also, let me know if you need help or just want to get back into the swing of things by practicing English. Avisame!

I thought I’d leave you with a picture from my July journey to the north. I took advantage of the school closings and winter break to explore Tucuman, Salta, Jujuy and Iguazu. This picture shows my friend Fareed and me running through the salt fields of Salinas Grandes. We rented a car (along with my boyfriend, Andrew, and Fareed’s sister, Sheeva) to drive through Salta and Jujuy and stop at the towns of Humahuaca, Tilcara and Pumamarca. Quite a dangerous drive full of twists and turns along the curves of the mountains (and of course the occasional horse and cow blocking the way), but the view was—to say the least—incredible. The rest of the trip involved bike rides to wineries and cheese factories, wine ice cream, humita en plato AND chala, folklore dancing, a hike to cave drawings, 3 different gargantas del diablo, and, well, you’ll have to wait to hear more.

In the meantime, write to me! Tell me what’s new. Can’t wait to see you again!

A few ladies from Language I (as promised...)

Che, Bart & More

http://www.cartoonbank.com/


Follow the above link to access The New Yorker Cartoon Bank. There you'll find political humor and other amusing images & captions.

For Language I students, please post your captions for the "Che wearing a t-shirt of Bart Simpson" cartoon (see the picture above...).

Language II & III (and hey, why not IV if you read this!), let's see what you can do, too.

Susan Boyle...

(For Language I)

Check her out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-FBtoMHmjY

On Conversation... otra vez

A little while back... pre-Obama posting that is... I wrote about the possibility of starting up a conversation group (see the May 7th entry entitled "Comments vs. Posting... & Conversation"). Anyway, I didn't receive any answers. So, I ask again. What do you think about meeting in a park or in a bar every once in awhile to practice English? Or Spanish? Or just to talk? Let me know! Talk to you soon! Besos, Andi

Obama[ the first black president of USA

At some point during the political campaign of the last election in the U.S.A. Obama was clearly beating Hillary within his party and then the polls also showed that he was ahead the opponent party. But some people close to me kept saying that he was not going to win the election, that it was impossible for a black man to become the president of the USA, that somehow Americans were not going to allow that. Fortunately my friends were wrong. Evidently the election´s results showed that the voters didn´t take account of the colour of his skin. I think that fact was really a great step in the struggle against racial discrimination in American´s society.

Displacement: Darfur and Advocacy

Links for Language I:

On Darfur
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): Voices from Darfur
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/events/opendoc.htm?tbl=EVENTS&id=433943dc4

On Advocacy & Celebrity Ambassadors
Angelina Jolie Visits Chad Province in 2004
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no_yViscKWc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideosearch%3Fsource%3Dig%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D%26%3D%26q%3Dangelina%2520jolie%2520africa%2520movie%26um&feature=player_embedded

...Obama...

Well, I'll better continue my post.
In my point of view it would be important to mention some of the situations Obama had to struggle with since he was a child.
'Coon' and 'Nigger' are some phrases that were said (and that might be still said) to refer to black people, but in an offensive way. These were words Obama listened most of the time. Maybe, people who mentioned this sort of words don't know the reason for calling black ones like this. This might be a social problem, and they may become familiar with them since their childhood.
Obama, and most black people, had to be careful with the words he used while taljing with white people and those he used while talking with black ones, too.
This is what made him feel confused with himself. He didn't find the differences between black abd white people, but the society was showing him these differences between them all the time.
In my opinion, our country has at least this advantage of not having to handle with this big differences between people. I wish this sort of ploblems come to an end as soon as possible, not only in U.S.A. but also around the world; due to the fact that discriminated people suffer a lot because of it, and this situations are remenbered by them every minute of their life.

Andi!

Hi Andi! and hi everybody! I´m Soledad from 4th year and I just wanted to make a short contribution to the blog by letting you know that I think this blog was a great idea of you Andi!
Well, you already know some stuff about myself, but anyway, in case you don´t remember I will introduce myself again. As I already mentioned I´m Soledad, but eveybody call me "Sol", that´s my nickname! I´ve been living in Rosario for 9 years now but I´m not from this city, my hometown is 120 km from Rosario and my family in living there, I´m 26 years old and I´m really fond of studying English, I love this subject and I also like this oportunity that the Institute is giving us, to have you here helping us studying, learning and brushing up our English every single day. Thank you very much for that Andi!
I think you are a really nice and sweet person that is always willing to help us eventhough you don´t know us! Besides, I think you really know a lot, not only about English Language and Literature but also a little bit about everything! that´s great! Congrats!
Well Andi, this is all for now, hope you are feeling well here in Argentina, and everybody treats you with the greatest respect, like you deserve to be treated.
love, xxx

Barack Obama - President of the United States.

The last class we talked about Barack Obama. As regards the article, Barack Obama had a difficult and a hard childhood. He was unfairly discriminated by white people. I don't understand why people do that. I think that Obama is a great and honest person. We cannot judge him by his appearance or by his skin. We need to gain trust to change. In my opinion it is a fundamentally change to the United States and I am sure that he is able to manage the country with his policy.

Julia

Obama

I didn´tknow that Obama was raised only by his mother and, as some people say, as a "white man". i think is great that he could have access to a good education and a good life, but that doesn´t mean he did not suffer discrimination for having dark skin.
He seems to have a strong personality wic helped him to get where he is now.
He has the power, for better or worst, to change some things. What he does from now on, we will see it with time.

My dream

Regarding the last conversation in the classroom about Obama, I would like to say that in my opinion it's unfair that some people feel that they are better than others. Every individual being has the same rigths, and we have to respect each other so in this way we can live in peace.
I hope that everyone understands that we are in this world to be happy so we should help one and other.

Barack Obama

We think that Obama is a controvertial figure, due to the USA is one of the most discriminating countries of the world.

The fact that a "nigger" had come into power is a kind of revolution for America and the world. because we know that in the 1920's, Americans had created the Ku Klux Klan wich was known for persecuting black people. Years after, the most discriminating part was situated on the southern part of the country. We are sure that this question of discriminating blacks still in people's mind, and that most of the amercans are against Obama's presidency.

We consider that this is an opportunity for black people to be integrated and less discriminated all around the world.

We hope this staff of discrimination ends and the human rights of everybody be the same for white, black, yellow and all the people.

A comment about Obama´s writting

When we first read the text, what most surprised us were those many slights. We didn´t think he could use those kinds of words because it´s really difficult to imagine a country´s leader making insults in such a way. Anyway, this is not that bad: He is a person like all of us.
Obama seems to be a commited and honest man who can lead a country. He is the first afro-american president of the United States but is this that shocking? Is the colour of skin so important? In our opinion it doesn´t really matter. It´s a matter of trust and commitment.

Luciana and Guillermina.

The real value of a person

Well about the others day's conversation about Obama, I think that one of the main problems in the USA and Argentina too is that everyone has their minds so closed that it's not possible for them to understand different people. That's why I suppose the black people are discriminated against all over the world, as are asian people, aborigens, or latinos at times...The topic is really complicated, but I think that until people open their minds the change is not going to be possible. But I would like for people who consider themselves to be superior to think about whether or not it is really true that they are really superior because of the colour of their skin, eyes or hair...I think not.
"The magnificence of a person is measured by his actions not by his physical appearance."
This is one of the phrases that I live by.
I would like that you consider this idea.

A comment about Obama when he was a teenager

Last class we read a fragment from Obama's book (Dream from my father) which shows other face about this important character.
His life not always was as successful as it is now. In his childhood and teenage Obama had to pass through a lot of discriminative experiences for being black or, as white folks used to call him, "nigger". Moreover, because of personals problems, he started taking drugs like marihuana. (to be continued)

My comment about an extract about Obama (but now it's finished)

We were told to write a comment about an extract about Obama's chilhood. First of all, I want to say that I don't know much about him.
In my opinion, he would be a good president for U.S.A.; he seems to be responsible and enough brave to deal with the problems a country could have.
It is unbelievable that in a country as U.S.A. people find such a difference between black ones and white ones. In Argentina, in spite of not being accostumed to see black people, I think we don't discrimitate them when they are here. Sometimes, in my point of view, people use to see them as 'odd', but just because there aren't many black people living here. Maybe, they feel a bit discriminated in cases like this, but I think this isn't people's intention.
Well, I'll better continue my post. In my point of view it would be important to mention some of the situations Obama had to struggle with since he was a child. 'Coon' and 'Nigger' are some phrases that were said (and that might be still said) to refer to black people, but in an offensive way. These were words Obama listened most of the time. Maybe, people who mentioned this sort of words don't know the reason for calling black ones like this. This might be a social problem, and they may become familiar with them since their childhood. Obama, and most black people, had to be careful with the words he used while taljing with white people and those he used while talking with black ones, too. This is what made him feel confused with himself. He didn't find the differences between black abd white people, but the society was showing him these differences between them all the time. In my opinion, our country has at least this advantage of not having to handle with this big differences between people. I wish this sort of ploblems come to an end as soon as possible, not only in U.S.A. but also around the world; due to the fact that discriminated people suffer a lot because of it, and this situations are remenbered by them every minute of their life.

What I've read about Obama's memoirs was very shocking. I think his testimony shows how cruel people (in this case teenagers) can be and how racism is shown every day in every single situation.
The most powerful part of the text is, where his assistant basketball coach said: "There are black people, and there are niggers. Those guys were niggers." This statement surprised me because it's true that there are these kinds of verbal fights between peoplewhich are not easily resolved. Here ( in Argentina) the same things happen. You can see it with different groups of people.
I think that the text makes me change my point of view of how USA lifestyle is and I'd like to see a little bit more about it.

Barack Obama

After reading this passage about Obama, I think he’s not a “common president”, more than that, it seems to me that he's a "common person", I mean, he doesn't seem interested only in politics or in himself; he cares about people and their interests, what they need, what they what, etc.
I don't know very much about this character but he looks different: he's a very humble, simple person and doesn't want fame, in comparison to other presidents. It's a fact if I had to choose a candidate like him, I'd do it.
Even he's a black person, it doesn't mean he weren't a good person...



-Noelia

Obama and his political career

From my point of view it was really interesting to read somenthing about Obama before he started his political career. I've realised that he always was an open-minded person and very committed to his work and thoughts. He suffered from discrimination when he was young as well as his friends and the black people around him, so he always tried to improve the treatment that black people receive. The article also shows that he was a common person who did common things like everybody else. Those experiences are useful when you are leading a country because you know how people think and what people need.
I do believe he will be a great president, of course he will have many obstacles since US society is a complex society with many prejudices. However, I'm sure he will succeed and he and his goverement will change some of those prejudices. Also, they will make a better country and a better world, because racism is everywhere.

Comments vs. Posting... & Conversation

I must say, first, that I was thrilled to read each one of your contributions. Thanks for sharing! Keep it coming. I think this blog will be a great way for us to continue learning from one another.

Now for some feedback:

(Don’t worry, I’m not going to mention anything having to do with grammar). I’m just going to throw out a point to consider regarding format. Notice that when you post a comment below one of my entries, there’s no way for me to write back. I can’t comment on another person’s comment. On the other hand, if you decide to create a new post, then I (and the rest of the readers) can respond to your writing by posting a comment. It’s up to you to decide which option you prefer.

How do you create a new post? There are a few ways, but here’s what I find to be the easiest. Log into your account by entering your username and password at https://www.blogger.com/start. After you click “Acceder,” you’ll be taken to a page called your Dashboard. There you will find a blue button that reads “New Post.” Click it, type your entry, then click the orange button that says “Publish Post.” That’s all. Let me know if you run into any problems.

And now on the topic of conversation:

During the language classes at Bernardo Houssay, I’m used to answering questions about my life in the states, my thoughts on Argentine culture, and of course—English vocabulary. The conversation rarely strays beyond these terms. The other day, however, a student took me off guard by asking me if I could lead a workshop on relaxation. He wanted a way to help ease the nervousness that flares up when asked to speak in front of the class. At the time, I couldn’t think of anything other than yoga. And even though I love it, I don’t see how the practice of poses and breathing can (directly, anyway) help someone feel comfortable speaking another language.

I still don’t have any ideas for a relaxation workshop, but I have thought of a way to reduce the stress that may build up during classroom discussions. Why don’t we meet outside of class? Perhaps in smaller groups so more people get a chance to speak? The only way to feel more comfortable and confident, or so I’ve found, is through practice.

So let me know what you think (here on this blog if you feel like it). Are you interested in starting a conversation group to meet every once an awhile in a park or at a bar? Do you have time? How would it work (would we choose certain topics to discuss or just show up and chat?)? Would you want to have a different group for each year of students? Keep in mind that we don’t have to do it— so feel free to voice your opinion either way.

Hi!

Hi Andy! I'm Ornela from the Houssay Institute. Well first of all, I'd like to tell you that it's a great experience having you helping us improve our English. This is an opportunity to both learn from a native- nothing could be best than this!, and to contact other culture, other language.
About me, for those who don't know me, I'm 22 and I live in Rosario. Maybe I could tell you what my goals are, sometimes, they describe better a person than writting a few lines. Having graduated both as a translator and English teacher, I'm planning to keep on improving my level so as to obtain as many degrees as possible and eventually I'll move to Europe - or even further- and teach this wonderful language there. What I want most is to never quit studying and meeting new people, which may lead into travelling all around the world! By doing so, all my dreams will come true. The rest is up to my own fate.
By the way, the idea of having a place where we can express our thoughts and ideas is brilliant! i've enjoyed doing this so much! See you!

Hi, my mane is Sebastian, 30 years old...
I´m a lawyer and I´m very happy to study English with all of you. I wish we had a great year and it´s wonderful to have a native speaker with us, so we have to take advantage of this situation. Well, if you want to know somenthing else about me, please ask me.
Kisses for everybody...

hi andi! I'm daniela, I'm in first year! well, as you know we are a lot in the classroom and that is very important. I'm studying to become(hope in the near future) an English translator and also to become a English teacher. I decided to study English because first of all I love languages, I studied 3 years Italian and I'd like to study French but I have a very complicated timetable. Secondly I like teaching and I feel this as a difficult challenge, I mean... I feel teaching (and also translating) as a difficult task but I love challenges. the differences between languages had been the most important reason for me to decide what to study and I'm very happy with what I decided.
well, I'll write about my family and my hometown... I'm not from Rosario, I'm from Punta Alta(bs.as) near Bahia Blanca. Punta Alta is a beautiful city where people know each other like in a town. I studied in Instituto Canossiano, where I met the majority of my best friends. we are like 10 in the group,we are very close and we are not full of ourselves.we try to get in touch every weekend by the Internet but always is one missing. My family is normal, I mean we are my parents, my older sister, me and my little brother. My dad works in the navy, my mum has her own shop (shoe shop), my older sister studies phonoaudiology at UNR, and my little brother is still at school. I get on well with both! I like talking with my mum and that is what I miss the most from Punta alta.
My expectations for this year are a lot but the most important one is to find the way to create a relationship between English and my fluency to speak it. (sorry if I made mistakes) my email is pittu31@hotmail.com you can contact me there! and also I have facebook .
xxx hope you are ok! ;)

Greetings

Hey there students of Bernardo Houssay! My name is Andi (or Andrea, my preference changes with my mood. But you can call me by either…it’s all good). For those of you who I have yet to meet, let me tell you a little bit about myself and what brings me to Rosario to serve as an English Teaching Assistant.

During my senior year at the University of Scranton (a university in Pennsylvania where I studied English Literature, biochemistry and Women’s Studies) I applied for—and won!—a Fulbright grant to Argentina. The international scholarship program, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the Argentine Ministry of Education, was created by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright to foster, in his words, “leadership, learning and empathy between cultures.” While I am a participant of the English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) program, there are currently Argentine students teaching Spanish in the United States as members of the Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship (FLTA) program. If you want to know more about the application process for such a scholarship, you can find all of the information at http://flta.fulbrightonline.org/home.html. You can also talk to me and I will do my best to connect you with staff members of the Fulbright Commission in Buenos Aires.

The Fulbright grant in my case translates into 8 months of living in Rosario, practicing Spanish, dancing tango, traveling, learning about Argentine culture and—most importantly—working with all of you at Bernardo Houssay. My role as a language assistant is flexible and dynamic. Of course I will attend classes, but I am also open to meeting with you outside of the classroom to answer questions, brainstorm ideas for projects, help to edit papers or whatever else you may need. Just ask! You can send me an email at andi.frankenburger@gmail.com or you can (and I expect you to) contact me here through your posts.

Which brings me to my final point: this blog. One of my goals here at Bernardo Houssay is to encourage you all to write. While I will certainly lend my assistance with academic essays and compositions, I want to offer a forum that will allow you to incorporate writing into your everyday life. To experiment. To share ideas. To continue conversations which begin in the classroom but are cut short. I will suggest topics and recommend prompts, but I also want you to make this blog your own. There are no rules. Get creative or stick to the traditional 8-sentence paragraph. I can give you feedback on your posts if you would like, but as none of your work here will be graded, there’s no need to worry about the occasional grammatical oddity. The most important thing is that you write! Bottom line.

For your first post, I ask that you introduce yourself. That’s all! You can share information about your family, your hobbies or what inspired you to become a teacher of English in the first place. Anything goes. Also, feel free to post any questions you have for me. I look forward to working with you all!

Besos,
Andi