ndmckinney|net

I can’t believe I’ve only been in Rotterdam for a week now. If feels like so much longer. Things have significantly improved for me since I came here last week. I am comfortable working my way around the city now. I know where to get good groceries. I have people with whom I can talk and explore the city.

What is disappointing is that my classes don’t start for another two weeks. In fact, one of my courses, History of International Law, does not start for three weeks. There are a few courses in the law school that will start next week, but mine do not. I’m not alone in this; most of my classmates don’t have class until 12 February. We’re trying to work out what to do…

Yesterday, I started my orientation program at Erasmus University. I met the other people in my program, most of whom are not native English speakers; there are 4 Americans (including me), 3 Czechs, 2 Italians, a girl from France, another girl from Finland, a guy from Slovakia, a girl from Turkey, a girl from Lithuania, a guy from Scotland, and a girl from Portugal. If I’ve left someone out, I apologize. I’ll edit the post later if I have.

I’ve become quite aware that my way of speaking is somewhat unique. My counterparts from other nations use different expressions. Often times, these expressions are literal translations from their native expressions. Similarly, I’ve noticed that I use colloquialisms and expressions in English that do not make sense if you did not grow up in the U.S. I wonder if my expressions will change once I come home. I’m sure they will; I’m just uncertain to what degree.

I received email confirmation today that my application to Erasmus University Rotterdam has been accepted (save for a minor glitch in my request for accommodations, which has been corrected). Once I receive my insurance application, I should have everything ready to go for my journey.

Next step: my flight there. I’m looking at British Airways flights 216/434 to Amsterdam and then the train from there. If anyone has a better (or cheaper) suggestion, I’m all about it.