Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Time has gone by....


It felt like I never left the USA. When I finally returned to my old job, I walked to my office and gingerly unlocked the door. My computer, white board and bookshelves were waiting for me. I opened a dusty envelope to see my diploma for the first time and read it, “Barbara Fisher, Bachelors of Science.” 

I stood there for a brief moment and reflected about the past 11 months. A few minutes later, I smiled and sat down at my desk, ready to create a 26-character long password that even I could not remember.

You might wonder, what have I done in the past 2 months…. Not much. Just traveling.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Homesick? Missing the CR?

Life is good,  BUT strange.
  
I've been in Chicagoland for 2 weeks now. It feels nice, but I feel strangely at home after such a short period of time.



The decision to move wasn't easy. I had a PhD with a stipend, tuition waiver and fellowship waiting for me (a PhD is my ultimate goal).... However, I realized one thing in the past 10 months; teaching is not as enjoyable for me. I recognized that if I were to get a PhD with teaching as my only job experience, then I would be limiting myself to a life of teaching... Mind you, I would be a college professor, but still, if I did not enjoy it as a high school teacher, then I highly doubt a university setting will be dramatically different.

 I am happy to be back, because it's a good work environment filled with interesting problems and a good sense of humor. I like it a lot and can't wait to start graduate school soon. I'm taking 2 classes this fall; one on fuel cycles and another on safety.




If you are curious my new job is essentially Quality Assurance; I assure quality :)


It may not be the most important job there is, but I like it ... and well that's all that matters, right?!

Monday, June 23, 2014

In Conclusion



The Czech-American Struggle with physics.

STEM is unique like music in the regard that it is rather difficult to become very good in a short period with minimum effort. Globally, students struggle with subjects that we loosely call “the hard sciences.” This is an intriguing topic for many to study and often the pit of some untactfully delivered jokes.


This is not simply about “MURICA” being the "BEST." Quite the opposite; a topic as serious as this matter has perhaps a more profound implication. How could the world possibly ensure that innovation in addition to efficiency does not plateau, when nations capable of funding revolutionary ideas do not have the specialized human capital required?

Imagine for a short period, [the consequences] if only a few people from one location being able to compete academically in STEM. Initially, ideas may flow and many things are created. Yet eventually, this uneven balance will have some upper limit, albeit not a clearly defined one.

Precise Differences

Czechs and Slovaks are seemingly better than their American counterparts. Observing only the mathematics results can give a clearer insight of some fundamental performance differences:

I believe that the average capabilities of a student has little to do with culture or inherent skills. The stereotypical math and physics text-books in English cover the exact same material as the "staple" Czech books. Yet, it appears the presentation of problems is completely different between the two. (I assume Slovakian educational materials will be comparable to Czech.)

This is perhaps more diffuse than the potential upper limit of innovation that was previously mentioned.

Explanation

There is one intriguing topic in linguistics as well as speech pathology, which suggests that language forms the way you perceive, approach and solve problems. The human brain is a complex system capable of many things. Understanding how we process information is still a confounding topic that is commonly researched today.


In Czech the distinction between two completely different, yet similar variables is not the same as in English. This where the way language forms our thoughts come into play. Your ability to solve a problem may initially be defined by your native tongue.

[The following are excerpts from teaching materials which I purchased in Czech Republic.]

 
Something so simple as power is expressed in two separate ways in two different books. This only begins to explain why I have noticed a confusion in differentiating between variables; something that American students tend to struggle less with. For instance, velocity and speed are the same word in Czech; rychlost.

Consequently, a physics problem involving both speed and velocity would be phrased very differently in Czech than in English, despite the fact that it is the same exact problem. This in addition to how language forms thoughts may explain how and why one problem might be "easier" in one language than another.

Numbers Are the Universal Language 

It is often said that numbers are the same in every language. Despite the fact that we commonly use Arabic numerals.

 
As previously stated, STEM is like music. Sounds are abstract things and difficult to distinguish in complex arrays. Often, a person must develop specific skills, in order to become an accomplished musician. Similarly, numbers are also abstract and in smaller quantities, more comprehensible than words or descriptions. However, in larger quantities and in more complex expressions, our brains cannot compute nor comprehend the meaning. A person must develop their abstract thinking skills, in order to become accomplished.

When you add words/phrases to a typical number problem, this removes the universal understanding of numbers. It is now a problem that requires understanding something more than what should be universal. When you decided to translate, one of two things may occur; the problem becomes simplified or more complex.

I believe that theses slight differences in translations between problems can have a significant affect. However, it is undeniable that OECD results imply that the "typical" American student is weaker in Mathematics, than Czech or Slovak students. This should not be ignored as Mathematics testing normally does not require lengthy translations as physics, chemistry or biology might.


*** More detailed information regard OECD results can be found here: http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/pisa-2012-results-overview.pdf


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The last weeks



Ten months came and went. Only 3 weeks until my commitment is over :(



I suppose it’s time to tell the world my plans? Originally, I intended on starting my PhD in Nuclear Chemistry and eventually become a university professor. However, I have decided to move to Chicago and pursue a career there.


My advice for future accepted Czech ETA’s.
(1) Not everyone’s experience will be the same.
(2) Brace yourself for an unpredictable year.
(3) Take advantage of the situation and learn Czech.

“He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Pack only the essentials. Bring a camera and basic supplies. Everything you need is here and what is not can fit comfortably in one suitcase. Remember: you carry memories in your mind, not your bag.

            The hardest parts of being an ETA: Never seeing your old friends again.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

My 10 seconds of FAME!

So, let's face it. When you live in a different country, you will most certainly do things you wouldn't normally do in your homeland. For example, going to a recording of a reality show.... then ending up on Czech National Television.

I have to say, that this experience was pretty cool. I wasn't really expecting the guy I was rooting for to win (Jiri), but he did! Well, I have to admit that I don't really know Jiri, he's a friend of a friend ... and well... I kinda went because at the time it seemed like a fun idea.... and now I know the cleverest of Czechs! 

If you are curious about the show, you can look at the website... it's pretty legitimate!

http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/10654598060-nejchytrejsi-cech/

Sunday, May 11, 2014


Fulbright facts. *Due to the questions*


How many hours do you work a week?

14 or 16 (on average 15) plus my extra English club.

How many students do you teach?

Per class, no more than 12, no less than 4. Usually, 6-10 students.

Do you need to speak Czech?

In school, no. In the capital, no. In my town, yes, but I manage with ease.

Did you learn Czech?

Yes and no. Some background: I did have a Czech tutor for a year in the USA before I applied for a Fulbright. When I came here, I did not take lessons for 6 months, then I started taking lessons at a language school. So, yes, I speak enough Czech to talk to people, make some friends, make arrangements… but honestly, I usually speak English…. I do not think I would have made friends in this country, if I didn’t at least attempt to speak the language.

What are some shocking things you’ve experienced?

There are good shocks and bad shocks.

Bad shock:

Knowing German and French is as good as knowing English in this country.
Living alone gets pretty lonely.

Good shock:

How easy it is to make close friends. When you move to a new country, people understand that you’re alone and they want to help!
How great this country is!

 What are you recommendations for applying?

Make sure you don't apply to a random country... Apply to a country that you (1) been to, (2) learned about and (3) genuinely want to live in. It will be obvious in your application, if you are not very interested in the country that you are applying. Also, if you do not want to genuinely live in this country, you will not be very happy in the coming year.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

20 Reasons why I love Czech Republic. 

What do you know about Czech culture and life? Is Prague really the only thing you think of when you hear Czech Republic? There are so many things this place has to offer and I must admit that Prague is a bad example of Czech day-to-day life. Prague is a city that is flooded with foreigners and isn't a great reflection of the country as a whole. 

Over the past 8 months, I have developed a love for this country.  So, this blog post is dedicated to things that I absolutely love about this country. 

1.   Saying "Ahoj" to my inner circle of friends and consequently unleashing my inner pirate. 
2.   Walking into a classroom full of students, only to have them stand in my honor.
3.   The ever so addicting Pribinacek.

4.  The ever so addicting knedliky.
5.  The ever so alcoholic beer that goes from 11% to 14% without a 13%, because it is an unlucky number.
6.  Svejk.
7. Pan Ucitel


8. Tmavomodry svet 
9.  Balada pro Banditu

10. Czech Humor....

11. Milos Zeman... how there is is picture of this president in every classroom despite his antics.

12. The landscape.
13. The traditions.
14. The National Symbol

15. The history.
16. The location.... its the heart of Europe :)
17. Ceske Televize and how they always talk about the USA (and makes me feel like my country is important).
18. How the word "na" is used for almost everything.
19. How it's totally ok to have a double negative in a sentence.
20. Prague (when its not flooded by tourists)



Sunday, March 30, 2014

month number 7... well kinda

Today, I have been living in the Czech Republic for 7 months. I have certainly learned a lot about everything. From time to time though, I think to myself, "Why must I live here for another 3 months?!" or "Why can't I live here forever?"

There are definitely days, when I just want to cry. However, I tell myself everything will be ok!

Now, I go to Prague every Monday and Wednesday for my Czech Lessons. This is difficult, because there are days, when I think, "I don't want to learn today. I'm feeling really bad. Why do I need to take that bus for an hour? Then learn only for 90 minutes? On the other hand, I want to sleep and then go up the mountain to look at my town."

 Also, today I told my Spanish Teacher, "Why is Spanish easier than Czech? In Spanish, there are words that I know, but never learned."


She said back to me, "Why are you learning Czech? You're young! You have such a long time. You will not know what it is to live, unless if you have a good time!"

So, over the weekend, I'm going to Nacho, because I want to be with some new friends. Why not?! I'm young! I want to be happy, when I can.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW: I didn't go to Nachod, I did something much better. In a few months, I will write about it, but for now, I want to keep you guessing... but it does involve Ceske Televise....

Thursday, March 27, 2014

month number 7... well kinda

Dneska, bydlim v Ceske Republice 7 mesicu. Naucila jsem se moc hodne. Cas od casu, myslim se ze, "Proc musim bydlet tady dalsi 3 mesice?!"nebo "Proc nemusim bydlet tady navzdy?"

Mam mnoho dny, kdyz chces plakat. Ale, rikam si ze vsechno bude dobre.

Ted', kazdy pondeli a streda pojdu do Prahi na moje cestina lekce. To je obtizne, protoze jsou dny, kdyz myslim ze, "Ne, nechci ucit dneska. Mam se moc spatne. Proc musim pojedu autobusem za jednou hodin? Potom naucim pouze 90 minuty? Na druha, muze spat ted' a potom jit na horou a se videt muj mesto."

Taky, dneska rikala jsem na moje spanelsky ucitelka, "Proc spanelstina je snadny nez cestina? V spanelstina tam jsou slovy ze ja vim, kdyz nenaucim to."

Ona je rikala me, "Proc chces naucit cesky? Jsi mlady. Mas dlouhy cas. Nebudes vedet jak je zivot, kdyz nebudes mit vyborne."

Tak, o vikendu, pojedu do nachod protoze chci byt s novy komarady. Proc nic? Jsem mlada a chci mit se dobre, kdyz muze.

Na dole je fotka za minuly vikendu. Tam bylo dobre cas v Rychnovi nad Kneznou.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Myslela jsem, ze dnes o zivot.

Co budu delat pristi rok? Neziji bez Tvaroh. To je nemozne!!!


I just bought 5 products with Tvaroh. I love it. It is my favorite treat, my favorite breakfast meal, my favorite snack, my favorite etc!

Muzete mit otazku.... Co to je Tvaroh?  
You might have a question.... What is Tvaroh?

Mame odpoved! Tvaroh je nejlepsi syr, ale neni to "cream cheese" nebo "cottage cheese. To je lepsi nez "Philadelphia Cream Cheese."Jist na chleba, s ovoce, s zelenina nebo sam. To je dobre vzdy.

I have the answer! Tvaroh is the best cheese around (really!), but it's not cream cheese or cottage cheese, like some translators will tell you. It's completely differen and absolutely the best cheese product I have ever had! Eat it on bread, with fruits, with vegetables or alone. It doesn't matter, it's always good.

If you ever have the opportunity to try Tvaroh (or in German, Quark)... then DO IT! At first, it will taste weird, you probably won't like it, but it's like kettle corn... the more you eat it, the more addicted you become. 

I will definitely miss Tvaroh, when I leave this country :'(

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Learning how to speak a new language is a lot like being a teenager....

....a really awkward teenager.


Remember in High School, how you would always think of the perfect things to say right after the conversation ended? You would always feel so dumb or want to kick yourself for not thinking of those things sooner. Sometimes, you even would let it eat at you for hours.

Better yet, do you remember in High School, how you would be "beasted" by your classmates in one of those debates that your history teacher ALWAYS insisted upon? You were absolutely helpless at times and stood there in front of everyone, while they made you look stupid. Sometimes, you would just ignore everything they said and act like nothing happened, because maybe your ENTIRE class would simply "forget".... but we all know that they never forgot.

Yeah... those feelings are a lot like what learning a new language feels like....

There comes a point, when you finally understand the "Present," "Past" and "Future" tenses. You are finally able to say complex things like, "I lost my gym membership card and have no idea what I did with it! How much does a new one cost?" , "Do you understand what you have to do? Answer this question in English. What will you watch on tv tonight?" or "Please excuse me, but I must go to the toilet. I will be back in 5 minutes."



So how does this relate to being an awkward teen?

Well...to put it gently.... You look like an adult. There are total of 700 expats in your town who have coincidentally made every effort to learn the language in approximately a year, except for a Canadian who was crying at the Post-Office and threatened to move to Prague....ANYWAYS, for the most-part people expect a mature vocabulary, complex sentences and not to mention a relatively quick response. However, when your still in that "learning the language" phase, then you make simple sentences with obvious grammatical errors and you speak rather slowly. So, the person who you're speaking to gives you a really awkward look. Then maybe 30 seconds to a minute later, you realize what you should have said. BAM! You now feel like that awkward teen.... and understand exactly how it only took the other expats a year to learn the language.

For a solid 3 months (November-January), I was so overwhelmed by everything...gave up on Czech... stayed and my house and always asked myself, "WHEN WILL THIS END?!"



Saturday, February 15, 2014


I was just thinking today about how I never got my diploma. I think I would like to call my college to get it, because I think it’s well over due now.

Anyways, this week was awfully SHOCKING!

It started with a language class (took an exam in Czech, placed into the cusp of A2 and B1... T) In the class, I noticed that all of my classmates are Spanish (reoccurring theme with expats here btw), but fortunately, I have been taking Spanish for the past 6 months.

Then during my most advanced class, I asked them how to do we communicate non-verbally. This quickly resulted in one of my students giving me the middle finger...I think I spent about 4 minutes in utter shock in front of the class (unable to speak), while they cried from laughter for about 5 minutes... The next day, during my physics class, I was talking about sustainable energy and asked, "Do you have any questions?" One student quickly raised their hand and said, "Did you know Canada is playing the USA in hockey now?" So... of course I ended up watching Hockey with my students.

 Just now, I was just grading some papers. The assignment was to write a story using "linking words" about a memorable event. So, one of my students wrote about how he pooped in the woods and it looked like an elephant.... I think I cried/laughed for about 30minutes at my desk.

... I think this week had the most culture shock of the entire year.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

11 Unor 2014

 

Dnes je 11 Unor 2014. Ja jsem byla lizovam v Ceske Repulice. Byla v Prahi vcera pro moje lekce ceske. Tamhle zjistil jsem, ze mluvim cesky pomalu, ale dobre.

 I was very happy to go skiing over my spring holidays. I also was very happy to start my Czech Lessons last night. You see, I enrolled in a private course with 4 other students. At first, I was nervous because I have never taken a "Cestina pro Cizinece"(Czech for Foreigners) class before; however, it is something I wanted to do for a long time. Now that I'm finally getting accustomed to living here, I really think it's time for me to start taking advantage of the opportunities I have :)

 When I first came here, I made a list of things I want to accomplish. The first thing was to go skiing the second was to get to a B1 or B2 level of Czech. Right now, I am very close to accomplishing both. I went skiing.... and I found out that I'm at A2 (close to B1) level in Czech. For those of you who may not know, A1 level Czech is required by law to live here permanently. B1 is required to attend the Universities.... HOLY COW! If I decide to stay here a second year, I would not only be eligible for permanent residency, but also to attend a University free of charge.

 When I first came here, I was excited for the year and didn't really anticipate being so alone for the first bit. Then during the end of November throughout December, culture shock hit me. I wanted nothing more to go back to the USA and never turn back... I did go back for Christmas; however, I came back to the Czech Republic. I realized something in the past 5 weeks.... I really like it here. I am accomplishing a lot and I am finally able to watch TV and movies in Czech without subtitles anymore. The only issue I face now is that I am so so so sooooo nervous to speak. This is why I enrolled in a language course. I am tired of wanting to say something, but being too afraid to speak.


 

 

Sunday, January 26, 2014


I arrived here on August 25, 2013.
It is now January 26, 2013.


It's been 5 months, already?!

For those of you who don't know, a Fulbright ETA lasts for 10 months. I am officially half-way through my contract and cannot believe it. My last post was about being lonely. I will not lie, being a Fulbrighter is incredibly lonely, but it is not anything that will mentally cripple you!

Eventually, there comes a point, when you realize that it's "ok" to go to a restaurant and eat a meal completely alone. It's also "ok" to go to the movie theater alone and this is actually quite normal. So, the things that made you rather sad in the beginning become a part of your everyday life.... That's how it feels 5 months into an ETA... although, you are by no means be completely alone!

I was thinking that you may be curious about my Christmas, New Year and January in general. Well... I went back to the USA for Christmas and New Year's. For February, I have decided to invest half of my income in a Czech Language course. I decided that I am happy, but tired of watching movies in Czech; reading children's books; and studying the language alone.