Orientation began at 8:30 and after a very short introduction, they passed out the Spanish "pre-test" to the 26 students. The written test and the oral test helped them determine our class level. Oh my goodness, it seemed like I couldn't remember anything! There were five pages and I would say that I didn't complete more than 2 of them. Some people were flying through the pages and some turned it in right away. Later I found out that one of the people who turned it in almost immediately was a total beginner! We had 20 minutes for the written test and then came the individual conversation "test" with one of the teachers. She started with several questions and for the most part I could understand what she was asking . . . . it didn't last too long so that was good.
The orientation continued after the test--we finished at 11:40. The group is varied: young (I think 20 is the youngest) and old (we might be the oldest.) We have met several people from Canada; there are many denominations represented among the group. I'm sure we will find out more about our classmates as the weeks progress.
We rushed home (luckily it's only about a 2 minute walk) to have lunch. I can hardly relate to walking in the door and having our lunch on the table in just a couple of minutes. I may have a hard time going back to cooking for myself. Ruth, the grandmother in the house, does almost all of the cooking because Flor teaches music at a Christian school. We had rice, pan fried yuca, beans and mixed vegetables. Everything has been very good. We have a large breakfast, large lunch and then a light dinner.
We were back at the Institute by 12:25 to find our class assignments posted on the bulletin board. Stephen and I are not in the same class--I believe they may split up spouses on purpose as I don't think any of the couples ended up in the same classes. There are four in Stephen's class and five in my class. We have grammar class and then conversation. Stephen and I share a teacher--he has her for grammar and I have her for conversation. I believe I understand why they call this an intensive! They moved soooooooo fast yesterday and there was homework in both classes.
Right now we are trying to figure out the best way to study . . . . . flashcards, notebooks, both, etc. We will need to get our system down because the time will fly by.
Well, speaking of homework, I've got to get back to it. This blog will have to be continued later.
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