Good news are rare these days. So here are some good news: despite the pandemic, I secured (almost too) many courses to teach! I love teaching university courses. But I'd never thought that I would teach five different courses (at two universities) this semester. After I initially thought I might have only two courses at … Continue reading Teaching, Teaching, Teaching
Tag: University Life
Back to School.
These are crazy times. Who would have thought that a virus—just the flu, basically—would change the entire world for who knows how long. Most freelancers in education and research probably struggle with this: less work or, for at least some, no work at all. I lost my main source of income, but luckily not all … Continue reading Back to School.
The Elite.
A few months ago, I started teaching culture, cross-cultural comparison, and intercultural communication to privileged (mainly white, mainly male) management students. Before I had my first day, I had expected excited, motivated students eager to learn about cultures and how to communicate with business partners around the globe. I'm not sure why I had these … Continue reading The Elite.
Love Letters From My Students
A few days ago, I came across an old course evaluation. Every time, I'm afraid of these evaluations. For no particular reason. There are always one or two students who complain and/or criticize. But most of them are satisfied or even happy. (And I cannot make everyone happy--one or two critical responses are perfectly fine, … Continue reading Love Letters From My Students
Making Coffee: My First Few Days
I thought I'd share a few impressions about my first few days at the coffee house. I'm a first-class barista now. Not. Okay, so: my first two days were quite good. I have great colleagues (mostly), most of them are patient. The customers are similarly nice and patient. My third day, a Saturday, quickly turned … Continue reading Making Coffee: My First Few Days
Stop Being Such Assholes
Before getting to my main argument, I want to highlight two things: The term ‘asshole,’ as I understand it, is gender-neutral. To make sure it is, I googled it and found this convincing post by redw6452. FYI: it’s quite difficult to google ‘asshole for women.’ Most hits explain how to be a perfect asshole to … Continue reading Stop Being Such Assholes
A Love Letter To My Students
My dear students, I'm in love with you. I enjoy teaching you. Every week, I'm looking forward to discussing with you again. In my classroom, you seem to be engaged. We always have lively discussions. I often have to cut you short, because we have reached the end of our period. As in every classroom, … Continue reading A Love Letter To My Students
And the Good News Is …
Money, money, moneyMust be funnyIn the rich man’s worldMoney, money, moneyAlways sunnyIn the rich man’s worldAha ahaAll the things I could doIf I had a little moneyIt's a rich man’s worldIt's a rich man’s worldABBA (1976) In 1976, ABBA nailed it. Money makes life so much easier. I’m okay with not being part of ‘the … Continue reading And the Good News Is …
The Precariat
The Precariat. I did not know we have a term for this socioeconomic state. But apparently, we have had a name for it for quite a while—since the 1980s, according to Macmillan. A combination of ‘precarious’ and ‘proletariat,’ the precariat originally described temporary workers without a social safety net or employment protection. Since 2011, the … Continue reading The Precariat
Youthful Enthusiasm vs. Reality Sets In
I started thinking about my (academic) future during my last one or two years of high school. Or, rather: I started seriously thinking about it, after I realized that 'I can not do anything I set my mind to.' I got a list with possible degree courses from my chosen university (by post! printed on … Continue reading Youthful Enthusiasm vs. Reality Sets In
