28 September 2007
americans dont know foreign policy or how to write...
So the past couple of days have been pretty lazy. Its been pretty nice. I actually had class today, though :-\ I had one class at ODTU: Turkish Foreign Policy. Probably one third of the class is American, so the professor told the rest of the class not to be intimidated by us (since were native english speakers and they are supposed to be able to speak english well). As he tried to comfort the turkish students, however, he basically insulted us Americans by saying that we probably didn't know anything about Turkish foreign policy (which is most likely true since we are taking the class...). Then he kept going and said we probably didnt know anything about foreign policy in general and probably couldn't write very well either...Its a pretty common thought that American students cant handle the course load at ODTU. When I tried to take Principles of Macroeconomics, the teacher told me it would be better for me to take a lower level intro class. Then he asked where I was from, I said America, and he said, yes, this class is better for you. This was after I told him I had already taken introductory courses.....That guy is apparently mean to everyone though, so whatever. I didn't want to take his class anyways. Being a foreign exchange student means you stick out, and it also means you get a lot of attention. A lot of professors will even point you out saying "this person is from America and thus is the reason we must now speak English." Turkish students dont like having class in English even though thats how ODTU is supposed to roll. Anyways, it is late here so its bedtime for me. Iyi geceler!
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wow, capadokia looks amazing - ad i suppose that traveling is about dispelling prejudice, both ways, yes? we were told last night that because we dont look indonesian "people will hate you here". just in case i wasnt sure. and it was sort of a wierd thing to say, because we have not experienced that sentiment here (though alot of americans told us the same thing before we left. but my neighbor, who is giving me indonesian cookign lessons, hides her hatred of us pretty weel. as does the neighbor on the other side, who helped us repair our water pump this week. as do the guys who run the restaurant down the block and make us vegitarian dishes for dinner.) but havign the experience of being the minority gives a better understanding of how it is for others who are constantly discriminated against. it is frustrating and i dont know that theres a good answer or good way to deal with it other than to talk openly and honestly about it.
im proud of you, good job getting your resident card! we go tours too, they look like fancy indo passports. we love you, write more soon - xo cm & pe
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