Comments | alouette: Complications; and complaints about the university.

alouette

Complications; and complaints about the university.

Feb 02, 2004 18:11

I finally dragged myself into the office of Mme W. who is in charge of the visiting students and their study things. Told her I'm dropping the class and changing into free programme. That was okay. When I asked her how things are with the French Dissertation class (a.k.a. the Bitch's class) and the European Week in March, she said that in fact I ( Read more... )

Comments 5

chatalaine February 2 2004, 10:14:52 UTC

Huh. No Advisor at all? I don't know if you're in a dorm situation, shouldn't there be a Resident Advisor? Or someone, anyone who's been there awhile to explain the ropes? Sounds like Madame W. is completely unhelpful, but could there be someone else in the Visiting Student's office who could at least help you with where to go and who to talk to?

What a bitch of a situation. I spent some time at a big University after my small, caring high school and it was a miserable experience. No one knew what I was supposed to be taking or doing, and no one cared. And the damn computer always seemed to be down. The one thing I Didn't do was make noise and ask insistently for help. so I'm encouraging you to try that. Though it's hard when you feel hopeless, I know. But try.

Re: alouette February 2 2004, 12:04:42 UTC

Oh, don't expect everything be equipped the same way here as they may be in the US. A dorm advisor? Good heavens, I'm lucky to find personnel to give me the key to the music room...

I'm not looking for a counsellor or such thing per se, for reasons that I explained in a post a while back - don't think it'd be a good idea to start that right now. I just basically wish that they'd actually Give A Damn About Us. It'd be nice if somebody at least knew I'm having problems, or at least if somebody bothered to ask when I'm doing stuff like dropping classes and not showing up. Anyway, even if I was looking for one, there's really nobody I'd feel comfortable asking about it, though there probably are people I could theoretically ask it from.

Re: chatalaine February 2 2004, 14:56:16 UTC

God. Feeling like you're all alone & no one cares is Such a Crappy feeling. Anyway, keep your eyes open for sympathetic-looking types, or even just other Visiting students who look overwhelmed. Misery loves company, and at least you'll have someone to bitch with! This is being a really hard school for various reasons, and my co-teacher and I agree that it would be much worse without each other to complain to. A sympathetic ear is what you need!

*offers ear and a BIG grin*

Re: alouette February 2 2004, 15:03:31 UTC

Thanks. :-)

And yeah, I'm thinking about talking to that one nice teacher. Perhaps. And when I get a chance, I'll talk a bit to some of my friends here, maybe. There just aren't a lot I feel comfortable talking with, what with my lack of social skills.

(The comment has been removed)

Re: alouette February 2 2004, 12:48:44 UTC

Yeah, I really regret that the Finnish school system doesn't do anything whatsoever to encourage public speaking and performing skills - no debate, hardly any drama clubs and such. We'd really need that stuff, as Finns are supposedly bad at that stuff. And I'm someone who used to be shy but would be good with the right practice - only I never was encouraged to do that, so I'm only starting to practice now and don't have a lot of chances. It bugs me, oh how it bugs me... But hopefully, I'll still have a chance at learning. At least it's given me a great desire to the the Minister of Education in Finland so I can start some reforms.

After all, there are a lot of people who have had these things who still think communism can work, and who promote nothing but bullshit. ;)

Very true. And yes, I'm also bothered that I didn't start to study much about politics and history until I was about 17 or so. So incredibly much catching up to do. But I'll do it... And at least I've already learned a lot more than some people ever will!