Week 21 | The end of my Erasmus adventure... summer!

With only one exam left to go & two weeks left on this beautiful island, this week truly did mark the end of my Erasmus experience with exams and university coming to an end. Monday evening consisted of a well-deserved revision break as we had a surprise party and cake arranged for one of our friends (Deanna) from residence alongside her twin sister. With the celebrations underway, I could not wait until Tuesday was over and my last exam was finally complete!

SURPRISE! Happy birthday Deanna & Jess!

Exams are over...its Summer!!

On Tuesday, I woke up bright and early for my exam and went over my revision notes! To think that this was going to be my last exam here in Malta and that my time was coming to an end was just not an option in my head! It seemed strange to say the least. As I reflect back on my Erasmus experience and adventures, photographs look as if they were taking a while back…yet at the same time I feel as though these 5 months have simply flew in! My last and final exam on Tuesday was Teaching Health Related Fitness and after much revision, I couldn’t wait to get into the exam hall, complete the exam and enjoy my last two weeks. With that being said, the exam went well (if I can say that without jinxing myself). The last few minutes of the exam just made me think of High School Musical and deep down in my heart I was singing, “summer…summer…summer…summer.” After the exam, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I had a meeting with Mr. Andrew Decilis from the IPES and said our final goodbyes to the staff members of IPES, thanking them for all their hard work and helpfulness to us on our trip! With exams over, summer officially starting and the sun shining Holly, Gemma and I went for lunch before going back to residence and sunbathing by the pool, before I went to the airport to collect my best friend! What better way to end the day than welcoming your best friend to the island, celebrating in style and enjoying your last 2 weeks in the sun?!

The end of an era!

Day trip to Comino!

See you soon Simon!

As Wednesday approached, it didn’t seem real that Simon would be leaving us and saying his final goodbye the next day! As one final adventure, we decided to venture to Comino for the day where we sunbathed, enjoyed the water and went on the crazy sofa water ride! It was also a great opportunity for me to show my best friend the beautiful and spectacular place I’ve called home for the past 5 months! Later that evening, our Erasmus intercultural family joined in a meal to say goodbye to Simon, Megan & Kayla! It was a gorgeous meal at Tex Mex with a great atmosphere and buzz, despite the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye! After Tex Mex, a group of us walked along the promenade in Sliema to Corks pub…reminiscing on our memories and experiences over the past 5 months!

The fabulous four enjoying Simons last night!

Comino fun with Gemma, we love the water!!

Where them rays at? Golden Bay!!

As Thursday came, I never could have imagined crying as much as I did! Despite knowing that I will see Simon again back home at Stranmillis and in lectures it was the worst saying goodbye with nothing but tears. Over these 5 months, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I have became so close and so when saying goodbye I lost my big brother that I had for the Erasmus trip! With Simon leaving and 3 strannie grannies left, we decided to venture to Golden Bay for the day to get our tan on and enjoy soaking up the last bit of sun while we can! It was great knowing we could just relax and sunbathe on the beach with no worries of revision or exams! Friday consisted of a day to St. Peter’s pool for the day, which was simply breathtaking. With jumping off rocks, backflips, swimming in the sea and the use of our favourite new toy (a go pro) it was a great end to exams with incredible friends from both here in Malta and at home!

St Peter's Pool!

St Peter's Pool with all the girls!

Holly's leaving meal!

Having had a few busy days, we relaxed by the pool on Saturday catching as many rays as possible before going out on Saturday night for dinner and drinks to celebrate Holly’s last night in Malta! In celebrations, the girls and I went to Melita Gardens for dinner before going out to Paceville for one last night with Holly! It was a great evening, however we knew what was coming next as the fabulous four lost two members and became two on Sunday morning. It’s strange as I know I’m going to see these people when I return home but because we have had so many memories together and became so close, we are just like family now and it was hard saying goodbye and so I’m looking forward to reuniting over summer.

See you soon Holly, miss you already!

Swimming with the go pro!

As more people gather their belongings, say their farewells and depart the island it only becomes harder and harder saying goodbye but I know I will see them again one day! The next week will be hard as I prepare to leave Malta after 5 months and is something that will hit me really hard. I’ve had the time of my life in Malta, loved every second and embraced every opportunity. As my last and final week approaches, I’m going to try and make the most of my time here in the hope that when I say goodbye next week its not really a goodbye but rather a see you later…with a cheeky little trip to London on the cards booked!

Best wishes,

Louise.

Friendship, family and fun! The fabulous four!

Week 20 | If you believe, you can achieve!

This week proved extremely tedious with most of the week consisting of revision for our two exams on Tuesday and Friday. With Tuesday almost upon me, I was panicking and worrying slightly considering this was my first ever exam here in Malta! I had no idea what to expect. With no indication of revision topics to learn or much guidance in preparation for the exam, it was simply a matter of learning everything! Although revision was quite tedious and is never fun (especially when the sun is shining and splitting the trees) it helped remembering a quote that my principle from secondary school always told me, which is a quote that has always stuck with me. That is: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. With this quote in mind, I was determined to do well and so kept thinking back to my days in secondary school when I was always told that I could be and do anything I wanted if I believed and was determined to put the hard work, dedication and effort in.

Since this was my first exam here in Malta and one of the hardest as it was Advanced Exercise Physiology, I was worried about the exam despite my revision and preparation. Typically, I am familiar with the structure of essay style answers and exams taking place in the main college hall at Stranmillis. Having heard that the exam would take place in a standard customary lecture room, I was oblivious to the set up and structure of the exam. However, upon arrival to the lecture room it was quite similar to the set up and structure of exams back at Stranmillis with each individual having an allocated seat and their own individual desk. Usually, during the exam period at Stranmillis no bags are allowed inside the hall and by the time I get seated I franticly write all my details on the front of the paper in a struggle as time has started. In comparison to this, I was able to leave my bag at the back of the lecture room prior to the exam before writing down all my details and ensuring they were correct. This reminded me of when I sat my GCSEs and A-levels as the exam officer would always give you time to write the details before starting. Having written all my details on the paper, I was then informed of how we would get 5 minutes of reading time in which you are not allowed to write down any notes but rather read over the questions and the paper. This was something that I was not used to from back at Stranmillis and was very useful in calming me down slightly as I was able to read over the questions more than twice and consider what I would write in preparation for answering the questions.

Ireland vs. South Africa game at the Hockey World League

With Tuesdays exam done and dusted, I felt as though I could breathe again as this was one of the more difficult exams in Malta. With only two exams left to go, it was back to the studying with my next exam of Teaching Implement Games: Hockey and Softball coming up on Friday. In preparation for this exam, I needed to have an understanding of the rules of both hockey and softball and was required to be able to apply these rules within game situations. Additionally, I was required to know specific teaching points and teaching cues for my exam. Having played hockey before at secondary school, I had a basic knowledge of the rules, not to mention through playing the sport here in class at Malta. Furthermore, I had a good understanding of softball having taken part in it throughout the semester. Therefore, it was a matter of reading over the rules ensuring I knew them and could apply them to game situations. In preparation for the hockey exam, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I had a revision session together testing one another on rules, signals and so forth before watching the Valencia Hockey World League 2015. With Ireland vs. South Africa coming up later in the day what a better way to test ourselves and apply our knowledge on the rules in a game situation than supporting Ireland. Needless to say it was worth it when Ireland secured a victory of 4-1.

Revision break with the best bunch of friends

With the continuation of revision on Wednesday and Thursday; not to mention the beneficial distraction of watching the Hockey World League, this lead to our next exam taking place on Friday. Without jinxing myself, I’ll just say the exam went well and I hope I have done well. With multiple choice questions, short answer questions and slightly longer questions I was delighted with the exam paper and was happy to see the weekend with the completion of two exams and one to go on Tuesday. To celebrate, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I joined our 4^th year classmates later that evening for a night out as they had finished exams and so had finished 4 years at university. With that being said, without a doubt we had to celebrate with them and have one final class night out before we begin to depart this beautiful island and say our final goodbyes in the next few weeks.

Celebratory drinks with our fellow 4th year classmates!

With only one final exam to go on Tuesday and the arrival of my best friend later that night I am looking forward to the week ahead. Although, it does mean I only have two more weeks on this beautiful island and so that makes me feel bitter sweet. I suppose all good things do eventually come to an end, but this experience will be one thing I hope never ends. Not to mention, the friendships I’ve made here in Malta. No matter how far away I am, distance doesn’t matter and I know that I’ll remain friends with some of the most special people I’ve had the privilege of getting to know and call my family. With the talk of people departing and knowing that wherever I go in the world I’ll always have a place to stay is quite remarkable! The people, friendships and memories I’ve made will never leave me!

Next stop: SUMMER!

Don't miss out on all the action...until next week!

Love, Louise.

Week 19 | Presidential Palace visit to meet the President!

With exams just around the corner and the stress and anxiety brewing each day I don’t know how I’ve managed to stay sane without pulling my hair out (quite literally). This week proved extremely tedious with the continuation of revision in preparation for my three exams taking place over the next two weeks. It makes it a little easier knowing that I am not alone and there are other people in the same position as me. One thing that I must admit is, I do not know how people who live in hot countries study! Between the temptation to relax and sunbathe and the constant sweating as temperatures rise...the struggle is real. Usually, I am prepared for specific topics to appear in exams back home, however the format, length and structure of exams in Malta are very different to Stranmillis. With most exams only lasting around an hour and little guidance as to which topics may arise: studying here in Malta has took me back to my GCSE and A-level days studying everything. The thought of the unknown scares me, however knowing that I have to answer short compulsory questions in addition to one longer question thrills me, as I usually feel at a disadvantage writing essays due to my small petite and extremely slow hand writing!

Study period in Malta

A sneak peak of the President herself!

There is only so much time I can look at the four walls in my room in despair and so any opportunity that has allowed me to escape the small confinement of my room has been a pleasure! With revision commencing I was only glad to escape the reality of exams for a few hours with a courtesy visit to the President of Malta on Tuesday. The visit took place in San Anton Palace alongside the B.Ed. Physical Education students and staff members to present a donation to Her Excellency for the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF). This was a day not to be missed, but with some frustration and panic in deciding what to wear, Monday night brought about a fashion show on Skype with our parents. With that said, I eventually decided on a dress and was looking forward to meeting the President of Malta. As Tuesday morning arrived, I didn’t really know what to expect…until the day of course! When I arrived I had no idea just how lucky and privileged I was to be meeting the President of Malta. Despite Malta being quite a small country, our fellow classmates informed us of just how few people have visited and met the President at the Presidential Palace. Having been informed that this visit only occurs every 4 years, I feel honored to have been given this opportunity. It was a real pleasure to represent and act as ambassadors for the University of Malta and additionally for Stranmillis!

Presidential Visit with our fellow classmates!

Enjoying the beautiful gardens of San Anton Palace

Enjoying lunch with the President!

University of Malta and Stranmillis Ambassadors!

Happy 21st birthday Andrew!!

Through the stress of exams, I also had the opportunity to celebrate a friends 21^st birthday this week! With a surprise dinner planned and steak on the menu I was thrilled to celebrate Andrew’s 21^st birthday with my fellow Erasmus family at Fortizza in Sliema and enjoy a study break! In addition to this, inevitably this week also brought more goodbyes. As more people begin to pack up and leave, emotions are soaring high as each week draws to an end and another face is gone from residence. Having said goodbye to my friend Stephanie from America and the Irish boys, I don’t ever want this experience to end! Even though I know we will be reunited soon enough I just can’t come to terms with the whole situation. The hardest part is the unknown and not knowing when or how you will ever meet these people again, but with it also comes some excitement in planning to reunite with these faces and the people you now associate not only as your friends but also as your family. Each day, I get another glimpse and different perspective on life, one that I have not known and that is something that excites me. Although the future is unknown, one thing I do know is that through every encounter, experience, routine, friendship and relationship I have grown as a person taking a little piece of everyone I’ve met with me! Each day and each person we meet is a gift that we acknowledge and learn something from and sometimes it really is the small things in life that make a huge impact. Malta has changed my life forever and I have no words to express or gratitude to show just how special this adventure and chapter in my life has been!

Malta its been a pleasure!

Best wishes,


Louise.

Week 18 | Revision, roller coasters and relaxation!

With deadline day fast approaching for assignments, this week was mainly spent finalising assignments and consisted of the continuation of revision. Without a doubt, I’ve been reminded that I need to work hard over the next few weeks despite the weather and knuckle down to get good grades. In addition, its also important to have a little break away from revision and so this week has been balancing and juggling revision but also giving myself some time to have fun with friends and enjoy this beautiful island while I can! With very few weeks left and only another 16 days of my head in the books, I’m looking forward to the relaxation and stress free days that will follow…and with my best friend arriving on the day of my last exam I know it’ll be worth it all!

Monday morning was occupied with one last and final class of our Teaching the Fundamentals through Mini Games module. However, this wasn’t just any lecture…instead it was our micro teaching assessment (something which I have never done before). As you can imagine, I was quite nervous in the days leading up to the assessment! As part of this micro teaching assessment each individual in the class was assigned a specific activity that they had to conduct on the day of the assessment. I was assigned the activity of team building and had to create a lesson plan prior to the lesson. The micro teaching assessment involved me working with pupils mixed in gender and culture in year 5 (aged 9-10) from Msida primary school. Each individual had to take approximately 10-15 students for a 10-minute lesson on their designated activity, whilst being marked and assessed by a lecturer. Prior to the lesson, I felt nervous and anxious and wasn’t sure how the lesson was going to go, despite the planning and preparation beforehand. Having never done anything like a micro teaching assessment before at Stranmillis, nerves began to kick in. However, my lecturer gave me praise and encouragement in my feedback afterwards and so I can only hope that I have done well! Nonetheless, the learning experience itself was an amazing opportunity to work with the children, plan and conduct a lesson and obtain positive feedback and criticism that I can take on board and improve upon.

Holly and I officiating at the swim gala!

Additionally, our penultimate experience of our 20 hours voluntary work with various sporting federations occupied Wednesday morning at a swimming gala. My last and final experience took me into St. Dorothy’s Convent school to help out at a swim gala. As a swimmer, I could not wait for this opportunity to help out! Despite being a competitive swimmer and a fully qualified swimming instructor in Northern Ireland, I was still hopeful and optimistic that assisting out at the swimming gala would provide me with great experience and knowledge. During the gala, I was given the position of turn-judge, which is a role I am familiar with and have participated in back home in Northern Ireland. However, I have always officiated at Swim Ulster and Swim Ireland meets and so this experience was very different as it was a school-based gala. Usually, the turn-judge is in charge of any disqualifications that may take place during the event due to a fault in the turn. For example, during the breaststroke and butterfly events swimmers must touch the wall with two hands and only one dolphin kick is allowed on the execution of the turn and push off phase. Similarly, swimmers are only allowed one stroke on their front during the backstroke tumble turn. It was interesting to note how the official turn judge rules are adapted for obvious reasons, however schools still implement specific rules that apply competitively. In my opinion, this is a great opportunity for the students to learn and become more aware of the rules within swimming, whilst still enjoying their experience as an amateur being given the benefit of the doubt on certain occasions.

In my element at St. Dorothy's Convent School swim pool!

Trophies and medals galore!!

Furthermore, my expertise was required and so I was taken out of my role as turn-judge to act as an official timekeeper for lane 2. This enabled me to have an active role with the students in wishing them luck, providing feedback on their races and giving them praise and encouragement after each race. One thing I took note of was the organisation and preparation that goes into such events, for example the recording of times and positions manually and technically and also the medal ceremony. Not to mention the equipment required i.e. stopwatches and the use of flags for the backstroke events. All in all, it was a great day that I thoroughly enjoyed and the students all seemed pleased with their events as they chanted, got pictures, smiled and wore their medals around the pool.

Submission of assignments...check ✓

Tuesday and Thursday consisted of non-stop revision days and so when Friday arrived I had never been so glad to see the weekend! With the submission of assignments finally here, one last practical exam and a trip to Sliema to celebrate…it was the day that had simply gotten me through the week! I woke up fresh as a daisy on Friday morning raring to go for my softball practical exam. During the practical exam, we took part in various tasks such as throwing, throwing and catching, batting, pitching and fieldwork. I was a little nervous considering softball is not a sport I am familiar with, however I done my best and I can only hope that I’ve done enough! Knowing that this was my last and final lecture here in Malta was rather bittersweet and so we had to end the lesson with one final class picture on our very own selfie-stick! After the practical exam, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I submitted our assignments and the relief to hand them in was incredible. Later that evening, Holly, Gemma, Simon and I ventured to Sliema to our favourite restaurant “Tex Mex” for dinner before going to a funfair. It was the perfect end to a somewhat stressful week and finished our week pleasantly before another week of revision and studying.

Softball practical exam with the 1st years... check ✓

Revision break at the funfair with the "Strannie Grannies"

Holly and I ready for "shivers"

Sunday was another relaxing day before going back to the books with a trip to church in the morning before going to Café Del Mar later that evening! A beautiful evening with incredible friends, watching the sunset, relaxing and enjoying one final night out before the exam period officially starts. With another week gone and my flight booked, it is beginning to sink in just how little time I have left here in Malta. With exams just around the corner and the end in sight, it also brings forth the day I say goodbye to this wonderful country, my new friends and family…something that I am not looking forward to. However, for now I can only take each day as it comes embracing each and every opportunity I encounter!

Speak soon,


Louise.

Cafe Del Mar with my best friends and my family!

Cafe Del Mar Sundays!

The perfect end to a stressful week!