Last year I had the pleasure of participating in a university program which hosted about 20 students from all over Western Europe to take classes for five weeks. I’m doing it again this year.
The students—24 in all, from 9 different countries—just arrived this weekend; today is their first day of classes. I’ve not spoken with all of them one-on-one yet, but the few that I have I’ve already made a great connection with. I’m looking forward to this.
I agreed to do it again this summer at the behest of the program coordinator, who said that they could use someone with veterancy on this year. Last year I didn’t have classes to take, as I do now, so I initially declined, then was persuaded at the promise of money and meeting new friends—though not necessarily in that order.
The group last year was largely inconsequential to me, but I met one guy with whom I’ve kept in very close contact, and consider him a true friend of mine. I don’t think I’ll be lucky enough to have that experience two years running, but I’ll try to keep an open mind.
And as repayment to that friend I met, Cihan, I shall blog incessantly about how racist and curmugdeonly all these news kids are, just like I did last year. 
More to come.
LOL…Lil Bastards…Is there anybody from Germany?
ohhhh I forgot sweden charms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;) right?
Unfortunately Germany backed out of the program this year for some reason, so I won’t meet any of them. I’m actually getting along extremely well with a Frenchman (tell no one), who speaks German fluently and will be living in Ingolstadt for two years starting this fall.
There’s only one Swede. He doesn’t listen to metal, but he’s so strong he can grip a pole with both hands, then raise his body to be completely horizontal. I find that impressive.
impressive e e e e like the counterstrike sound.
hey…my bestfriend is there!! Monika!! say hi to her from me… she’s crazy. (so be carefull).
That’s true! I kind of didn’t believe her at first when she told me she not only knew you, but was best friends with you!
I guess it was incredible to me that anyone would be able to stand you for long periods of time. <3
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