Study Abroad Blog: Heidelberg Library Goers

It's the middle of the examination period at Heidelberg University, and students in ritualistic fashion have descended on the library; stalking through the halls in search of their own corner of quiet to cram for exams, write term papers and finish a plethora of uni related work. 

Unfortunately, I'm not exempt from this metamorphoses and for the past few weeks the Bibliothek has become my home away from home. Students at Heidelberg are in charge of their own timetables, and the relaxed atmosphere means you have to be super disciplined in order to independently plan, execute and submit assignments. 

The library has become a regular haunt for me, and from my David Attenborough like observation post I've come to recognise the many types of students that frequent its doors.

The Gamer

Most likely to be: Hunched over their laptop playing the millionth level of a repetitive game, or scoring high on the latest mobile app craze.

Never: Surrounded by papers or work of any sort. 

The Specter

Most likely to be: Invisible. Their presence is marked by their coats, papers and bags that seem to swamp the study spaces and computers that you would otherwise use.

Never: At their desk, or in the library.

The Inadvertent Studier 

Most Likely: On Facebook, YouTube or checking the news to avoid study.

Never: Has an open document, and probably any deadlines either. 

The Zombie

Most Likely: Carrying a large Starbucks cup and dragging their feet. This student is in the midst of a week of insane study and no sleep. Often trying not to fall asleep.

Never: Walking faster than the speed of a tortoise. 

The Computer Whisperer

Most Likely: Responsible for an outburst of swearing directed at their computer after it unexpectedly shut down in the middle of writing their essay.

Never: Has luck with technology. 

"Arnie"

Most Likely: Wearing ear plugs and directing menacing eyes to any student that dares to talk, cough, rustle papers or breathe.

Never: Takes a break. 

The Familiar Face

Most likely: Outside the library. You always run into this person on your way to the library, but can't quite remember how you became acquainted.

Never: Seems to travel beyond the perimeter of the library entrance.

The 99% 

Most Likely: You. Trudging in and out of the library daily in order to meet those endless deadlines.

Never: Without an assignment to complete.

So it's over and out from Heidelberg Library Goers.

If you recognise any of these library-goers, or would like to add ones not mentioned above comment below.

Bis dann!

Study Abroad Blog: Chinese New Year in Heidelberg

Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Chinese New Year Festival in Heidelberg, hosted in the city's ornate Kongresshaus building in the old town the event was a rare insight into East Asian culture. 

This year Chinese New Year falls on Friday. The age old festivity usually lasts for fifteen days and celebrates the triumph of a village over the mythical beast Nian; the townspeople realising the creature was frightened of red proceeded hang bright red lanterns and ornaments outside their homes to repel the monster. During the festival red is often used to commemorate the tradition. 

The Chinese New Year Festival in Heidelberg was an eclectic mix of German and Eastern culture. The presenters, German and Chinese students from the University of Heidelberg, effortlessly switched between the German and Chinese language. 

The talent on display was of a high standard and the performances ranged from high energy rock ballads and comedy sketches, to mesmerising classical music pieces. It was also great to see martial arts acts accompanied by authentic Chinese musical instruments. 

As the event reached its second half the mood drifted into suspense, as a lone Taekwondo performer prepared to break a solid block of wood with his bare heel. Held breaths were quickly released as the crowd erupted into applause. The performer celebrated with spinning kicks as the broken blocks of wood fled with the relieved volunteer backstage. 

2014 is the year of the Horse which symbolises prosperity and friendship. The event was a great chance to experience a little of Chinese culture and it's left me feeling optimistic for the year ahead in Heidelberg. 

Happy Chinese New Year – may the horse be with you!

Study Abroad Blog: Block Seminars - a good option?

When the times comes to select courses for the next semester many students in Germany have the option of taking part in a 'block seminar'. Courses that follow this system take the reading of an entire semester and structure them into several intensive seminars. These seminars usually run over the course of two consecutive weekends, and once completed students are free to carry on with their individual research, handing in their papers at the end of term. 

Block seminars are a great way to study a subject in more detail and free up time in your schedule, however completing the reading is essential in order to keep up with the fast moving and lengthy discussion. 

For the past two weekends I took part in a block seminar on Romanticism. Although I shuddered at the thought of having class from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, having never previously studied Romanticism, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to fill in a few gaps in my knowledge of English literature, as well as give me an insight to the Romanticism module students are required to study in their final year at Leicester. 

The English course at the University of Leicester is structured chronologically, starting with Old English in the first year, and finishing with a module in Postmodernism in the final year giving students a broad sweep of English Literature. 

On the first day, any fears I had of being stuck listening to a monotonous day long lecture quickly vanished. The weekend was structured into presentations, group activities and discussions on topics as wide ranging as the French Revolution and 'The Gothic'. As a class of thirty we effectively taught each other, and our instructor helped to facilitate discussion by highlight interesting ideas. There were ample coffee breaks throughout the day to keep everyone motivated, and the day long seminars allowed a range of perspectives and opinions to be voiced. By the final day of the seminar we were actively conversing about Romanticism, a topic a few weeks prior we knew little of. 

Pros

- Gives you an in depth understanding of a subject

- Classes takes up a small part of semester, giving you more free time

- You get greater flexibility when it comes to choosing a research topic. 

Cons

– The fast moving discussion can leave you feeling a bit out of your depth.

- Requires a lot of concentration to actively participate throughout the day

- You have to be super-organised, and read the texts on time to understand the discussion. 

Verdict: Overall I would thoroughly recommend at least trying out a block seminar. I found it an enjoyable experience, and good practice in forming and sustaining a verbal argument. The flexibility of the course also appeals to me. Just make sure you read the texts so the weekend isn't lost in a haze of bewilderment!