Global Labour University in Germany
I have now been here for just over a week and all I can say is WOW — the program has surpassed any expectations I have had. I have been thoroughly impressed by how it is organized but more so by who has been invited to participate in the Global Labour University’s fifth group of students in their now internationally recognized Labour Policies and Globalisation Programme. We are a vastly diverse group with 15 students, representing all the major regions of the world with students from all across the globe everywhere from Indonesia, South Korea and Hong Kong to Nigeria, Ghana & Tanzania to a few countries in Europe (Albania, England, Germany) to Latin America and the Caribbean (Brazil & Puerto Rico).
We all come from varying backgrounds and previous studies however the desire to build a stronger alternative to the current form of economic globalization is a tie that binds us all. We are all united as activists through our work in either the Trade Union or NGO sector, and I believe that is what helps us to form a common understanding and what creates a strong connection between a group of very diverse individuals. As you can imagine it’s great to be among friends especially when it comes to these important topics like politics, social justice and globalization—all themes that I hold quite dear to my sense of purpose and being. I am certain discussions about how to form these alternatives, in terms of strategies and collaborative work will continuously be themes we find ourselves busy discussing and debating over the next year.
The first week has a bit of a blur--- when I arrived I was extremely tired having not slept much the days leading up to my departure. Nonetheless I arrived and was swept into the thick of it we were taken all over the place to get all the proper documents and paperwork done. We got our residence permits, we registered with the local authorities, we set up German bank accounts, applied for German health insurance, and attained our library cards, etc. It was really great as they literally held our hands and walked us through it all.
Contrary to how I thought the housing would be set up; we are not all living in one large house, so instead of any sort of Big Brother type of setup, instead we are all living in small clusters of students in very nicely set up apartments within walking distance of campus. I share my apartment with Elaine, a classmate from Hong Kong. Similar to my previous intercultural learning experiences with Canada World Youth – this experience has been like having a counterpart, in that we share a lot of time together and have already begun to learn about each other’s culture and customs through our interactions.
Apart from all the administrative stuff we had to get done during our first week, we had a lot of fun together both formally and informally- as we had a workshop to get to know each other organized by the programme. As well, as a group we organized a little party our first Friday night together- where we listened and danced to a variety of international music in one of our shared apartments. As well on the weekend we did a little group excursion to visit a historical landmark and museum.
I must comment how over the past week it has been a little strange to suddenly become the “participant”. It has been a bit of an adjustment for me since I have been the facilitator /project supervisor for the past few years with my previous work and now have had to step down into the position of student. At times I have found that quite nice and relaxing as I seem to have more time to reflect on my surroundings and experience and much more time to socialize; while at other times I find myself wanting to jump in, and assist with organizing or facilitating. It is only the first week and I am sure I will learn to adjust and most likely find a happy medium- where I can still be the participant but also find opportunities to take on leadership roles within the group.
A few in the group have commented that I have had my mothering moments and that I will make a good mother one day! These comments came after making meals for others, when I made pitas for the whole group, or when today I felt it necessary to bring scarves and sweaters for the African participants of our group. I guess it’s just in me to have this motherly instinct, but I also think taking care of several Canada World Youth teams is also part of the equation. Nonetheless I enjoy doing it and it is so nice when it’s appreciated. In fact just now got a text from Benard thanking me for the sweater I brought him today!
What else can I tell you… other that I think this will be an amazing rich learning experience full of incredibly fun and challenges times! Like always I am thankful for having this opportunity and wonder how or why I can be so darn lucky!?!
We all come from varying backgrounds and previous studies however the desire to build a stronger alternative to the current form of economic globalization is a tie that binds us all. We are all united as activists through our work in either the Trade Union or NGO sector, and I believe that is what helps us to form a common understanding and what creates a strong connection between a group of very diverse individuals. As you can imagine it’s great to be among friends especially when it comes to these important topics like politics, social justice and globalization—all themes that I hold quite dear to my sense of purpose and being. I am certain discussions about how to form these alternatives, in terms of strategies and collaborative work will continuously be themes we find ourselves busy discussing and debating over the next year.
The first week has a bit of a blur--- when I arrived I was extremely tired having not slept much the days leading up to my departure. Nonetheless I arrived and was swept into the thick of it we were taken all over the place to get all the proper documents and paperwork done. We got our residence permits, we registered with the local authorities, we set up German bank accounts, applied for German health insurance, and attained our library cards, etc. It was really great as they literally held our hands and walked us through it all.
Contrary to how I thought the housing would be set up; we are not all living in one large house, so instead of any sort of Big Brother type of setup, instead we are all living in small clusters of students in very nicely set up apartments within walking distance of campus. I share my apartment with Elaine, a classmate from Hong Kong. Similar to my previous intercultural learning experiences with Canada World Youth – this experience has been like having a counterpart, in that we share a lot of time together and have already begun to learn about each other’s culture and customs through our interactions.
Apart from all the administrative stuff we had to get done during our first week, we had a lot of fun together both formally and informally- as we had a workshop to get to know each other organized by the programme. As well, as a group we organized a little party our first Friday night together- where we listened and danced to a variety of international music in one of our shared apartments. As well on the weekend we did a little group excursion to visit a historical landmark and museum.
I must comment how over the past week it has been a little strange to suddenly become the “participant”. It has been a bit of an adjustment for me since I have been the facilitator /project supervisor for the past few years with my previous work and now have had to step down into the position of student. At times I have found that quite nice and relaxing as I seem to have more time to reflect on my surroundings and experience and much more time to socialize; while at other times I find myself wanting to jump in, and assist with organizing or facilitating. It is only the first week and I am sure I will learn to adjust and most likely find a happy medium- where I can still be the participant but also find opportunities to take on leadership roles within the group.
A few in the group have commented that I have had my mothering moments and that I will make a good mother one day! These comments came after making meals for others, when I made pitas for the whole group, or when today I felt it necessary to bring scarves and sweaters for the African participants of our group. I guess it’s just in me to have this motherly instinct, but I also think taking care of several Canada World Youth teams is also part of the equation. Nonetheless I enjoy doing it and it is so nice when it’s appreciated. In fact just now got a text from Benard thanking me for the sweater I brought him today!
What else can I tell you… other that I think this will be an amazing rich learning experience full of incredibly fun and challenges times! Like always I am thankful for having this opportunity and wonder how or why I can be so darn lucky!?!
posted by Laura | 7:12 AM
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