Okay... So my last post was last Sunday and now it's technically Saturday... Sorry.
Time flies. For how slow my first 10 days here were, time is just moving along contently right now.
"Vengo de la montaña, muy cerquita del cielo.
He cruzado valles y mares eternos.
Vengo con la nostalgia de mi tierra y su arrullo,
y siento que regreso mujer, con cada beso tuyo."
Tommy Torres - Por un Beso Tuyo
That's a pretty song. Youtube it, dirpy.com it, enjoy it.
Ahhh crap. It's 1am, I leave for Zacatecas in 5 hours, and I'm still not packed.... I need to stop doing this. So yeah, Zacatecas, a city of about 120,000 people, founded in 1546, maybe 6 hrs via bus from Tec. I'm headed there with Tecdeportes (Tec Sports, a group that puts together trips and adventures for the students, geared towards international students). If they wanna promote these things to me (same group for Bungee), fine by me! I talked to Collin Graw on one of the first few days I was here and asked him if he had any suggestions about being an international student (he was in Italy last semester). He said to travel as much as possible, even if I go broke over it. I figure I can live on 50 pesos a day, I can get a ride to the airport on my last day, and yeah. Therefore, to live for another 3.5 months it'll cost 5000 pesos, $400 USD. Although I have this much, I don't wanna starve, but I do want to do as many cool things as I can while I'm here! Hence, Zacatecas. Actually, I was planning on going to Cueva de la Tierrosa tomorrow to go cave diving, but that event was postponed due to low interest. Shoot, hopefully later. Yep, 6 hr bus ride tomorrow = 6 hr nap for me. Sounds good! Bring my blanket and pass the heck out. Sounds soo nice right now.
What else has happened in 5 days? Fluids has become better. I am now able to understand 98% of what my teacher says verbally, and maybe 40% of the actual "engineering" stuff. Joy. Matematicas 3 is going well. Design of Machine Elements is fun, its in english and my teacher is cool. Everyday he references at least 2 movies, sometimes 5 movies throughout his lecture. And Espanol Lengua Extranjera 2 is gonna kill me... you know why...
Still meeting new people, still having 1/2 english 1/2 spanish conversations. I think I convinced 3 people to come to MI solely because of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes... 4 including my roomie. sweet! Speaking of those dunes, I miss them dearly, and cannot wait to go back this summer with Megan Arnold and Mitch Walker, and hopefully get Guettler out there as well! Dude, I know you wanna put your money into your truck, cool. I'm still gonna convince you to come out for a weekend.
Sweet, 1:10, still not asleep... Oh, I've been swimming a lot. 3200 meters this week. Swimming friends, I know that is a warm-up plus a little, but for not having swam in months, it was painful the first few times. Tonight it was 1000m in about 25 minutes, including dealing with 3 other people in my lane. Gym, eh, not so much. I'll get back next week. I have been more concerned about not drowning rather than having a weight fall on me.
So I have NO idea who has been reading these. If you can figure out a way to respond, sweet! post that first, then what you wish to comment on later. Or facebook, the universal collegiate communication device. No Myspace, way too high school for me.
Damn... 1:15, okay, I'm done. I promise I'll TRY to post again on Monday night when I get back from Zacatecas. Try. I do have a lot of homework though... darn it. Okay, sweet dreams or good day to everyone (depending on the hour you read this).
PS. I'm no longer as home sick as I was, nor down-on-things. I hope the Brothers had an amazing weekend at Winter Retreat. I'm sorry I was unable to make it, I'll be at the rest of them, rest assured.
Dad, I hope Mel, Fluffy, and Kan-dee are doing well. And that some progress has been made on the kitchen. I'll talk to you soon. Love you.
Mom, just keep Mike sane. Please. And keep up your running!!! You have no idea how proud I am of your for doing this!!! For all the times that you could be proud of your son, I also get to be proud of you, and everything you have accomplished. A year ago, didn't think you could run 5 miles without stopping, did ya?! Love you too. XOXO TTFN
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Communication
Buenas tardes,
Today I figured I would write about my weekend and how to communicate with people.
So, went to a club called Privatt on Friday night. 200 peso cover charge ($16), not doing that ever again. Talked with Israel Lopez and his friends, Juan and Guillermo, about the differences between clubs in America and Mexico. Having never been to a club with alcohol in the US, it was an interesting discussion. They said that Mexican clubs are way more social than in the US, I can see that happening. Aside from the US being way more expensive, it was no where near as fun. I have been to White Star in MI though, which was eh. Overall, fun night. Dancing was great, and had fun with other groups of people that wanted pictures taken. Don't worry, nothing bad.
So Saturday morning! I had previously paid 150 pesos for a 9am bus ride and entrance fee to Cascada Cola de Caballo (Horsetail Waterfalls) put on by Tec for the international students, but woke up at 10:30... go me... So, 300 peso cab ride later ($23USD OUCH!). Got to the falls, which is a 25 minute ride south of campus, got help from an older gentleman who I learned spent 16 years in Chicago. Fun bilingual conversation while walking. To get to the bungee jump we had to go through a small hotel campus. Beautiful hotel! I would totally stay there! I was extremely happy to see my international friends there (I went there on a limb, not having a working cell phone to call people in Mexico). So, got in line, watched one person jump, signed my waiver of "You could die, FYI", and had 2 friends sign as witnesses. You wear a waist harness then wraps around your ankles. The ankle straps allow you about 12" of separation between your feet so you feel like a shackled prisoner while walking down the boom.
Location.... right. So, south of Monterrey, on a mountain side. The entire area, and most of Mexico is mountainous. Not as big as the Rockies, but still very hilly. The hotel was just above a steep cliff that dropped about 140 ft. So to jump I just had to walk 30 feet out on a metal bridge, waddle up to the edge, get my 2 cords attached to my feet, and "3! 2! 1! Bungee!!!". *fall* *bounce back up* *really cool weightlessness feeling* Looking at the video my friend Joanne took, I think I fell about 55 feet before turning around. I fell face-forwards, which was probably a mistake. A year ago, I said that bungee jumping was the one "extreme" thing I would never try. Well, when in [Mexico], do as the [Mexicans]. It was incredible, plain and simple. Such a freeing feeling of just bouncing and swinging at the end of a rubber band. If you have any feeling that you *might* be able to do it, GO FOR IT! Even if it requires your friends to give you 2 drinks and push you off (ok not literally, but still), go.
Cola de Caballo is a waterfall that, go figure, looks like a horses tail. I will try to figure out a way to upload several photos. Or you can facebook me. Go! stalk! it'll be fun!! kidding.
After going to the falls, I got on a bus and went to the town of Santiago (about halfway between Cola de Caballo and Tec). Santiago is a town of 30,000? people spread over a very large area in the mountains. It's a beautiful small town that I coincidentally visited when I came to Monterrey 10 months ago. After that adventure, I went and napped for a good solid 3 hours, then complained to myself some more, then, I don't remember what. I think I just laid low for the night. Sunday was boring. Went grocery shopping, talked to friends all day. Blah.
Soo, about communication. I started learning how to speak Spanish 7 years ago, when I was in 9th grade. I took 4 years in high school, then 4 semesters at LTU (Communication, Business Spanish, Business in Latin America, and Spanish Masterpieces). I never really had to speak until 12th grade. Also, most listening activities were done at a slow pace. This is important because understanding conversation with someone when it's not your native language can be really hard. If you can imagine a graph of an exponential function,2^x perhaps, for every little bit faster that someone speaks, the harder it is for me to understand. So slowing down 10% might mean I understand 30% more, which is everything. Think about it, every time you have spoken with someone who speaks English not as their primary language, and as a learned language in school, if you speak a little slower, they understand a lot more. I know it was this was when I roomed with Taojie. But now, a year and a half later, nahh, I speak normally with him. Remember this is week 3 for me. So, if you are ever conversing with someone that is ESL, just keep that in mind. Some of my friends can understand perfectly and some in housing have a little bit harder of a time. Many thanks go to Alejandro on this one (he doesn't speak english very well, but he speaks slower when talking to me in spanish).
This is just some food for thought.
Remember, English is a royal pain in the butt to speak. I chose engineering partly because I can't remember was an adjective is and what other parts of speech are. Hell, I have an easier time with them in Spanish, then I work back.
Well I do believe I am done for the day. I need to go study for Design of Machine elements, get food, and something to drink. Umm, if you can figure out how to comment on this, be my guest. I have a hard enough time getting back to this page to write something, let alone comment on it.
Until next time, I bid you adieu
POGS
Today I figured I would write about my weekend and how to communicate with people.
So, went to a club called Privatt on Friday night. 200 peso cover charge ($16), not doing that ever again. Talked with Israel Lopez and his friends, Juan and Guillermo, about the differences between clubs in America and Mexico. Having never been to a club with alcohol in the US, it was an interesting discussion. They said that Mexican clubs are way more social than in the US, I can see that happening. Aside from the US being way more expensive, it was no where near as fun. I have been to White Star in MI though, which was eh. Overall, fun night. Dancing was great, and had fun with other groups of people that wanted pictures taken. Don't worry, nothing bad.
So Saturday morning! I had previously paid 150 pesos for a 9am bus ride and entrance fee to Cascada Cola de Caballo (Horsetail Waterfalls) put on by Tec for the international students, but woke up at 10:30... go me... So, 300 peso cab ride later ($23USD OUCH!). Got to the falls, which is a 25 minute ride south of campus, got help from an older gentleman who I learned spent 16 years in Chicago. Fun bilingual conversation while walking. To get to the bungee jump we had to go through a small hotel campus. Beautiful hotel! I would totally stay there! I was extremely happy to see my international friends there (I went there on a limb, not having a working cell phone to call people in Mexico). So, got in line, watched one person jump, signed my waiver of "You could die, FYI", and had 2 friends sign as witnesses. You wear a waist harness then wraps around your ankles. The ankle straps allow you about 12" of separation between your feet so you feel like a shackled prisoner while walking down the boom.
Location.... right. So, south of Monterrey, on a mountain side. The entire area, and most of Mexico is mountainous. Not as big as the Rockies, but still very hilly. The hotel was just above a steep cliff that dropped about 140 ft. So to jump I just had to walk 30 feet out on a metal bridge, waddle up to the edge, get my 2 cords attached to my feet, and "3! 2! 1! Bungee!!!". *fall* *bounce back up* *really cool weightlessness feeling* Looking at the video my friend Joanne took, I think I fell about 55 feet before turning around. I fell face-forwards, which was probably a mistake. A year ago, I said that bungee jumping was the one "extreme" thing I would never try. Well, when in [Mexico], do as the [Mexicans]. It was incredible, plain and simple. Such a freeing feeling of just bouncing and swinging at the end of a rubber band. If you have any feeling that you *might* be able to do it, GO FOR IT! Even if it requires your friends to give you 2 drinks and push you off (ok not literally, but still), go.
Cola de Caballo is a waterfall that, go figure, looks like a horses tail. I will try to figure out a way to upload several photos. Or you can facebook me. Go! stalk! it'll be fun!! kidding.
After going to the falls, I got on a bus and went to the town of Santiago (about halfway between Cola de Caballo and Tec). Santiago is a town of 30,000? people spread over a very large area in the mountains. It's a beautiful small town that I coincidentally visited when I came to Monterrey 10 months ago. After that adventure, I went and napped for a good solid 3 hours, then complained to myself some more, then, I don't remember what. I think I just laid low for the night. Sunday was boring. Went grocery shopping, talked to friends all day. Blah.
Soo, about communication. I started learning how to speak Spanish 7 years ago, when I was in 9th grade. I took 4 years in high school, then 4 semesters at LTU (Communication, Business Spanish, Business in Latin America, and Spanish Masterpieces). I never really had to speak until 12th grade. Also, most listening activities were done at a slow pace. This is important because understanding conversation with someone when it's not your native language can be really hard. If you can imagine a graph of an exponential function,2^x perhaps, for every little bit faster that someone speaks, the harder it is for me to understand. So slowing down 10% might mean I understand 30% more, which is everything. Think about it, every time you have spoken with someone who speaks English not as their primary language, and as a learned language in school, if you speak a little slower, they understand a lot more. I know it was this was when I roomed with Taojie. But now, a year and a half later, nahh, I speak normally with him. Remember this is week 3 for me. So, if you are ever conversing with someone that is ESL, just keep that in mind. Some of my friends can understand perfectly and some in housing have a little bit harder of a time. Many thanks go to Alejandro on this one (he doesn't speak english very well, but he speaks slower when talking to me in spanish).
This is just some food for thought.
Remember, English is a royal pain in the butt to speak. I chose engineering partly because I can't remember was an adjective is and what other parts of speech are. Hell, I have an easier time with them in Spanish, then I work back.
Well I do believe I am done for the day. I need to go study for Design of Machine elements, get food, and something to drink. Umm, if you can figure out how to comment on this, be my guest. I have a hard enough time getting back to this page to write something, let alone comment on it.
Until next time, I bid you adieu
POGS
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Day 11
Dang it... Have you ever read one of those "Cat Diary of Captivity" things? If not, Google it my friend. If so, I tried to make this post start like that, but failed to find how I am "captive" in Monterrey. Oh well, it's still a funny read. So when was the last time I wrote here? Got me. Wow, day 11... and to think, those first few days seemed to take FOREVER, and now time is moving along okay.
For everyone who hasn't known me previously, I was ridiculously busy before coming down here. Not Dr. Fletcher busy, but still busy. Working 10-15+ hours a week, training for my athletic events, SigEp, and other stuff, and class, kept me very well occupied to the wee hours of the morning. But here, there is less of that other stuff... No work, I'm still helping out my Chapter as much as possible (from 2000 miles away), and I'm still training. Tec de Monterrey (remember, T-e-c, not "tech". Tech is the English abbreviation, Tec is short for "tecnologico"), or Tec, has 2 pools on campus. There is the indoor Domo Acuatico (Acuatic Dome (don't you love cognates??)), and the outdoor pool in the middle of all the Residencias. I've been to the indoor place once, it's nice. I plan on going there 3 or 4 times a week to prepare for another summer of triathlons, plus conditioning my injured shoulder. Given this greater amount of free time, I plan to use it to go on several Adventures put on by a University group that does those things. These adventures should include: Bungee y cola de caballo (Horsetail Falls), Cerro de la Silla (Saddleback Mountains, climb to the top of it), and some cave diving, and maybe mountain climbing. I'm not really afraid of heights, but bungee jumping kinda worries me, so we'll see how that goes.
Over the past 11 days, I've had the opportunity to meet other international students from across the world. These countries include: Australia, Sweden, Norway, France (there are over 150 students here this semester from France), Germany, China, Japan, Canada, multiple countries within Central America, and the US. Everyone speaks a different amount of different languages. The best situation of communication thus was was on Friday night when the iTeam ( student organization set-up to help the international students) had their semesterly party in Barrio (Barrio Antiguo, literally old buildings, it's some of the oldest buildings in the city that were converted into the central night life) at the club called ART. At the end of the night, I was outside with the guy from Australia (speaks English and a little Spanish), a guy from France (French, English, and Spanish), a girl from Sweden (English and some Spanish), a guy from Texas-raised in Mexico (English and Spanish), the French guys friend (French and some Spanish, no English), and myself (English and Spanish). The conversation went in circles and that every 2 or 3 sentences it would switch languages with the fellow from France and his friend exchanging sentences every so often. So I finally realize that we keep switching languages like this and start laughing at the humor in near all of us just flip-flopping like that.
The best group of students living with a family is this: Australia (real name is Sam, so English and a little spanish), a French-Canadian girl (Canadian-French, a little English and a little Spanish), a guy from Mexico (Spanish and hardly any English), and a girl from France (France-French, some Spanish, and hardly any English). According to Sam, it's the funniest thing because everyone has a hard time talking to everyone else. After hearing that I'm kinda sad I'm in the dorms.
Residencias! Here we go. Most of the housing units are clumped together. There are maybe 3 or 4 buildings for the men, and an equal amount for the women. And the newest building, 3 (I'm in that one), is co-ed. But it's completely separated by sex! Boys aren't allowed to go near the girls dorms, and vice versa. In 3, there are 2 elevators, 2 stairways (you know why). The boys elevators and stairs can't even access the girl's floors because the doors are locked or the elevators are programmed to not go there. Because of this, no one of the opposite sex is allowed in your room at all. Also, no smoking in dorms (okay, like LTU). AND, no alcohol in your room, period. here is the part of the student guide for you...
"Articulo 44: Queda prohibido a los residentes y a sus visitas tener en sus cuartos, conservar consigo, hacer circular o consumir dentro de las instalaciones o viajes de Residencias bebidas alcoholicas. En el caso de eventos de Residencias, se debera presentar una autorizacion por escrito previo registro del evento con Desarrollo Estudiantil, la Direccion de Area correspondiente y el Director General, donde se especificara el lugar, la hora, el motivo y la cantidad de bebidas que se podran consumir durante dicho evento. "
Okay, end result, immediate expulsion could happen if you are found to bring alcohol into the Residencias areas. Not like LTU, eh? That was a little interesting for me to find out when I got here. But, if you like off campus or in some random apartment complex, go nuts! They may have their own rules about noise levels and times, but not on the possession of it. So, go across the street to Oxxo (similar to 7-11), buy a Tecate, drink it as you walk back across the street to the front of Res 3, place the empty bottle or can into one of the hundren blue recycling bins, and walk inside, now full of 1 drink of alcohol. I haven't met anyone to do this though. Everyone goes to the clubs, or the bars, or some good restaurant and gets what they want, then comes back on their own 2 feet, walking *nearly* straight, and has no problems. Slightly different from the US. Theres another thing, I can use this as a time to talk about the US's laws on alcohol. Back in the 1920's, there was Prohibition. The attempt of the government to stop the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol. This was a horrible horrible failure, but did show the US that people are going to drink regardless. Remember, the ancient Greeks would pour libations to the Gods every time they drank, a show of thanks. Those Greeks drank a mixture that was less-potent than todays drinks because they considered it a bad thing to be intoxicated. Like most of Europe and the rest of the world, the consumption of alcohol is seen as a casual, social activity. In Mexico, and when dealing with Mexican companies (takes notes here), to not drink is seen as a very odd action. If you go to dinner with representatives from a Mexican or Latin American company, you should know what to order. Okay, not all Mexican late teens and 20 year olds follow this exactly, but going out and having fun sans the consumption of a stupid amount of alcohol is normal. Hell, clubs don't check your ID for your age, they check you for weapons (fine by me!). You go in, ask for a Dos Equis, pay your 20 or 25 pesos, and go back to yelling at your friends because the music is so damn loud. Although I must say, that michelada at Sierra Madre was quite tasty. It's responsibility and this thing that the culture grows you up with. Go ahead and live, but don't drink til your beligerent and inable to function.
Hm, this has been a lot more fun to write than the first post (thanks Allie). Dr. Fletcher, you know that I respect you and everything you do! We all just know you're busy. Okay, I'll try to write again in a few days. Until then, if you're my friend, you'll be able to see the photos I've posted of the campus here, and the surrounding backgrounds. I have one friend from Ortonville who is trying to come here in mid March, and if anyone else has the money for a plane ticket, you can stay in housing for really cheap!!! As is said, Monterrey es una ciudad chido. Nos vemos.
Best regards,
Ian Williams
For everyone who hasn't known me previously, I was ridiculously busy before coming down here. Not Dr. Fletcher busy, but still busy. Working 10-15+ hours a week, training for my athletic events, SigEp, and other stuff, and class, kept me very well occupied to the wee hours of the morning. But here, there is less of that other stuff... No work, I'm still helping out my Chapter as much as possible (from 2000 miles away), and I'm still training. Tec de Monterrey (remember, T-e-c, not "tech". Tech is the English abbreviation, Tec is short for "tecnologico"), or Tec, has 2 pools on campus. There is the indoor Domo Acuatico (Acuatic Dome (don't you love cognates??)), and the outdoor pool in the middle of all the Residencias. I've been to the indoor place once, it's nice. I plan on going there 3 or 4 times a week to prepare for another summer of triathlons, plus conditioning my injured shoulder. Given this greater amount of free time, I plan to use it to go on several Adventures put on by a University group that does those things. These adventures should include: Bungee y cola de caballo (Horsetail Falls), Cerro de la Silla (Saddleback Mountains, climb to the top of it), and some cave diving, and maybe mountain climbing. I'm not really afraid of heights, but bungee jumping kinda worries me, so we'll see how that goes.
Over the past 11 days, I've had the opportunity to meet other international students from across the world. These countries include: Australia, Sweden, Norway, France (there are over 150 students here this semester from France), Germany, China, Japan, Canada, multiple countries within Central America, and the US. Everyone speaks a different amount of different languages. The best situation of communication thus was was on Friday night when the iTeam ( student organization set-up to help the international students) had their semesterly party in Barrio (Barrio Antiguo, literally old buildings, it's some of the oldest buildings in the city that were converted into the central night life) at the club called ART. At the end of the night, I was outside with the guy from Australia (speaks English and a little Spanish), a guy from France (French, English, and Spanish), a girl from Sweden (English and some Spanish), a guy from Texas-raised in Mexico (English and Spanish), the French guys friend (French and some Spanish, no English), and myself (English and Spanish). The conversation went in circles and that every 2 or 3 sentences it would switch languages with the fellow from France and his friend exchanging sentences every so often. So I finally realize that we keep switching languages like this and start laughing at the humor in near all of us just flip-flopping like that.
The best group of students living with a family is this: Australia (real name is Sam, so English and a little spanish), a French-Canadian girl (Canadian-French, a little English and a little Spanish), a guy from Mexico (Spanish and hardly any English), and a girl from France (France-French, some Spanish, and hardly any English). According to Sam, it's the funniest thing because everyone has a hard time talking to everyone else. After hearing that I'm kinda sad I'm in the dorms.
Residencias! Here we go. Most of the housing units are clumped together. There are maybe 3 or 4 buildings for the men, and an equal amount for the women. And the newest building, 3 (I'm in that one), is co-ed. But it's completely separated by sex! Boys aren't allowed to go near the girls dorms, and vice versa. In 3, there are 2 elevators, 2 stairways (you know why). The boys elevators and stairs can't even access the girl's floors because the doors are locked or the elevators are programmed to not go there. Because of this, no one of the opposite sex is allowed in your room at all. Also, no smoking in dorms (okay, like LTU). AND, no alcohol in your room, period. here is the part of the student guide for you...
"Articulo 44: Queda prohibido a los residentes y a sus visitas tener en sus cuartos, conservar consigo, hacer circular o consumir dentro de las instalaciones o viajes de Residencias bebidas alcoholicas. En el caso de eventos de Residencias, se debera presentar una autorizacion por escrito previo registro del evento con Desarrollo Estudiantil, la Direccion de Area correspondiente y el Director General, donde se especificara el lugar, la hora, el motivo y la cantidad de bebidas que se podran consumir durante dicho evento. "
Okay, end result, immediate expulsion could happen if you are found to bring alcohol into the Residencias areas. Not like LTU, eh? That was a little interesting for me to find out when I got here. But, if you like off campus or in some random apartment complex, go nuts! They may have their own rules about noise levels and times, but not on the possession of it. So, go across the street to Oxxo (similar to 7-11), buy a Tecate, drink it as you walk back across the street to the front of Res 3, place the empty bottle or can into one of the hundren blue recycling bins, and walk inside, now full of 1 drink of alcohol. I haven't met anyone to do this though. Everyone goes to the clubs, or the bars, or some good restaurant and gets what they want, then comes back on their own 2 feet, walking *nearly* straight, and has no problems. Slightly different from the US. Theres another thing, I can use this as a time to talk about the US's laws on alcohol. Back in the 1920's, there was Prohibition. The attempt of the government to stop the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol. This was a horrible horrible failure, but did show the US that people are going to drink regardless. Remember, the ancient Greeks would pour libations to the Gods every time they drank, a show of thanks. Those Greeks drank a mixture that was less-potent than todays drinks because they considered it a bad thing to be intoxicated. Like most of Europe and the rest of the world, the consumption of alcohol is seen as a casual, social activity. In Mexico, and when dealing with Mexican companies (takes notes here), to not drink is seen as a very odd action. If you go to dinner with representatives from a Mexican or Latin American company, you should know what to order. Okay, not all Mexican late teens and 20 year olds follow this exactly, but going out and having fun sans the consumption of a stupid amount of alcohol is normal. Hell, clubs don't check your ID for your age, they check you for weapons (fine by me!). You go in, ask for a Dos Equis, pay your 20 or 25 pesos, and go back to yelling at your friends because the music is so damn loud. Although I must say, that michelada at Sierra Madre was quite tasty. It's responsibility and this thing that the culture grows you up with. Go ahead and live, but don't drink til your beligerent and inable to function.
Hm, this has been a lot more fun to write than the first post (thanks Allie). Dr. Fletcher, you know that I respect you and everything you do! We all just know you're busy. Okay, I'll try to write again in a few days. Until then, if you're my friend, you'll be able to see the photos I've posted of the campus here, and the surrounding backgrounds. I have one friend from Ortonville who is trying to come here in mid March, and if anyone else has the money for a plane ticket, you can stay in housing for really cheap!!! As is said, Monterrey es una ciudad chido. Nos vemos.
Best regards,
Ian Williams
Monday, January 11, 2010
First Post
I am studying Mechanical Engineering at LTU. I have completed the requirements for a Minor in Spanish as well. I am a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and the Alternative Energy Student Group. I decided to study in Mexico on the suggestions of my Spanish teacher Mrs. Monica Stevens and my academic advisor Dr. Rob Fletcher. The university in Monterrey, Mexico that I am studying at has many names with is formal name being Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estuidos Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). Other names are Tecnologico de Monterrey, Tec de Monterrey or simply Tec. Here at Tec de Monterrey I am continuing my study of Mechanical Engineering. This semester will be my 6th semester in college studying mechanical engineering. Here at Tec, I am taking four courses, three in engineering and 1 in language studies. My three engineering courses are: Mathematics for Engineers III (in Spanish), Fluid Mechanics (in Spanish), and Design and Simulation of Machine Elements (in English). And my fourth course is titled Communication Skills II (in Spanish).
The education model at Tec de Monterrey focuses much more upon group work and problem solving than individual assignments. Cooperation and collaboration amongst students is vital to success in the classes here.
When asked what about Mexico is interesting or informative, I must first warn that it could be a long answer. As Mexico is the 2nd largest trading partner with the US, Mexico is critical to the success and growth of businesses from the US and the rest of the world. Because of this strong bond to the US, Mexico has adopted many American ways. One example, most TV shows are broadcast in English from US stations. Clubs play a lot of American songs; mostly before the main performance arrives then it becomes some of the most well played Mexican songs I’ve ever heard. Yes, tacos are a staple of most people’s diets, but we’re not talking about the kind of tacos from the popular US food chain here. Small taco stands and restaurants are very easy to find. I have one right across the street from my housing unit.
My living accommodations are similar to North Housing, except for no kitchen. My room is a 4 person room.
Well, I'll try to post every few days. Thank you.
The education model at Tec de Monterrey focuses much more upon group work and problem solving than individual assignments. Cooperation and collaboration amongst students is vital to success in the classes here.
When asked what about Mexico is interesting or informative, I must first warn that it could be a long answer. As Mexico is the 2nd largest trading partner with the US, Mexico is critical to the success and growth of businesses from the US and the rest of the world. Because of this strong bond to the US, Mexico has adopted many American ways. One example, most TV shows are broadcast in English from US stations. Clubs play a lot of American songs; mostly before the main performance arrives then it becomes some of the most well played Mexican songs I’ve ever heard. Yes, tacos are a staple of most people’s diets, but we’re not talking about the kind of tacos from the popular US food chain here. Small taco stands and restaurants are very easy to find. I have one right across the street from my housing unit.
My living accommodations are similar to North Housing, except for no kitchen. My room is a 4 person room.
Well, I'll try to post every few days. Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
