Sometimes we can’t believe what we are living…
I can say how it feels.
Three months ago I applied for an exchange
program to improve my English in USA… and now, I am in Austin for six week to
study in the University of Texas at Austin!
A new experience has started!
Live in another country is an
excellent way to meet people, taste food you had never eaten before, know new
cultures and different ways to make things… and if people speak in a language
which is not your native one… your trip can be a challenge!!!
I really love meeting people from different
parts of the world and to be able to communicate with them, I must speak in
English.
I had studied English a lot of
years, but when arrived to the United States I felt I couldn’t say any word in
English!!! My mind seemed to be blank and my tongue to be sleeping. In
Houston’s Airport I was so nervous as the secretary who checked my passport had
to said to me that I must not be worried about the new country, that everything
will be ok and I will have a really nice time at Austin… She was right!
I have to accept that the first couple of days
I stayed here it was not easy to understand what people wanted to say to me. I
felt lost. I wanted to listen people speaking in Spanish. The first time I
entered to the UT’s classroom and the professor started to speak… I looked at
the faces of my Argentinian classmates and I realized that maybe they were
feeling the same as me. We had to pay double attention to the instructor:
understand what he was saying in English and understand the topic and graphics
he was explaining.
Luckily, people in Austin is very kind!!! So
they don’t have any problem if I ask them to speak slower and clearer. Also, in
the city live people from all over the world so a lot of student are trying to
improve their English too.
One of the best things that really helps me in this trip is that I am not alone... I have an excellent group of Argentinian partners! It's very important for me being part of "Friends of Fulbright", an excellent group with people who always help me if I need, make me laugh and share good moments.
Fortunately, day by day, my listening is better,
my mind is remembering some things I had learnt in Argentina and my tongue wants
to pronounce in a better way.
I agree: people is very kind here and help you! Anyway...in a couple of weeks we´ll be speaking perfectly! haha
ResponderBorrarIt´s true, I felt the same way as you! But I think now we are all improving our english skills. See ya
ResponderBorrarAnto, I completely agree! Is to hard to understand someone speaking to you in a foreign language. As you say it is a challenge... but what is life without challenges??? I am sure about one thing, this challenge will definitely help us to improve our english.
ResponderBorrarAnto! I agree that it's very difficult trying to understand english, and americans speak very fast also haha. Hopefully we'll get used to living here soon enough, and we'll have the rest of the time to enjoy the trip.
ResponderBorrarAlso, thank you for being so kind and so funny. I REALLY enjoy your company all the time!
I couldn't agree more ! But, as you said, we aren't alone: we support each other. Luckely people are very kind. So, it's a matter of time. By the end of February we will speak twice better than now! I bet you ;)
ResponderBorrarYou make us laugh more, Anto! Nice post!
ResponderBorrarGlad to be a friend of fulbright too! Nice blog
ResponderBorrarRoomate!!!! Life is a challenge my friend!! But like you said we are in a city with so nice people that communication is not going to be a problem!! Enjoy this opportunity!!! Love you Anto!! Keep being so funny!!
ResponderBorrarNice blog Anto! Had a good time reading it!
ResponderBorrarHow important it is to have others to face new challenges! We are so fortunate to be living in Austin in a group of friends who can support each other.
ResponderBorrarI never had any worries about you Anto. Your English might not be perfect (neither is mine, ha!), but the important quality you possess is you are not afraid to try! When learning a new language - and in this case, living it, you have to be willing to make mistakes and keep on going. Nobody is going to laugh at you. Well, your Friends of Fulbright colleagues might laugh at you since you are funny by nature, but not because of anything to do with your English. People will be impressed by your willingness to communicate and socialize. Keep it up and like Carla said, you'll feel like a native by the end of February. ;)
ResponderBorrarI would have never guessed that you were nervous to speak English in the US. From Day 1, you have come across as being very confident in your English. Although you might not have been feeling confident on the inside, your motivation to to speak and listen is evident in your post and our interactions. I'm glad people have been kind to you in Austin. I hope you continue having great conversations with Austinites!
ResponderBorrarCHALLENGES! Anto, you are always looking for new challenges to face! I love your attitude...
ResponderBorrarAnto! I agree with everyone. You are a fighter and make your best! We all just have to keep on trying and learning to improve our english. And we have each oher to help us. Keep on being as funny as you are!
ResponderBorrarNice post Anto!! Thanks for being my cosmetic assistant hahaha
ResponderBorrar