HI YA!

Here I am again! It has been my second week in Flagstaff now, and boy, time goes so fast! First week of school was both exciting and overwhelming as there were so many new courses, upcoming assignments and activities to take part in.

One part of the culture shock for me is definitely the fact that the work load in NAU is literally ten times bigger than in Finland! It is super interesting to see that the studying culture in here is a lot more intensive and goal orientated. In some twisted way more motivating too!

Above all, the main thing is that I REALLY DO LOVE TO STUDY HERE! I’m 100% sure I’ll benefit from these courses the rest of my life (keeping the eye on my master’s thesis)! Let’s have a look at the courses I’m taking this semester:

ENGLISH COMP: WRITING CENTER
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Group Fitness Training) <-my favourite <3
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Group Fitness Training/ Mind&Body)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (Bootcamp) <-for masochists
EFFECTIVE TEACHING IN PE
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

more studying = more coffee (note the names)

 
Even though I feel I’m really into my studies, luckily there is still time to do also some other cool activities like; shopping, training, meeting friends, travelling, sightseeing and just chilling out! Here is my week captured in the next few pictures!

more studying = more shopping

new PINK stuff from VS

At the Flagstaff County Fair last Sunday

Cute amusement rides at the County Fair

Candy apples!

The most beautiful view I see everyday

Labour Day shopping in Phoenix! Where else 😉

First time at the Cheesecake Factory!

Do you have some questions, suggestions or ideas for the next posts? If there is something you would like to here more about I am more than happy to share my experiences! Just let me know then 😉

Good night and

ThinkPink

💖: Siiri

Hey, what’s up?

That’s what I hear quite often in here. Which is funny, because in Finland nobody (random person) actually cares ”how you are doing”. But here it is part of the Hello or Good Morning etc. Kinda culture shock for me at first.

Sooo it has been my first week here in Flagstaff and, I can tell you, I REALLY enjoy my time in here! Travelling to U.S. (all the flights, buses etc) was a little exhausting (my first flight to London was 3 hours late and second flight to Phoenix was 1 hour late), but now that I’m here it is TOTALLY worth it.

The whole campus area has surprised me with its beautiful nature, great services, cosy buildings and the best part comes now: THE GYM!!!!

Our (me and my Austrian roomie’s) apartment is really nice and cosy, including one big living room and kitchen, shared bedroom with two bunk beds, writing tables and a bathroom. I’m super happy to live in the International House AKA Campus Heights, because it’s close to everything (our nearest grocery store is Target, which is just across the street) and provides us the chance to get to know other internationals better.

If I had to describe my first week in NAU with only one word, it would be HECTIC. We have had so many info sessions about living on campus, American class culture, student services, working on campus, travelling in the U.S.,volunteering, VISA issues etc. that I literally feel my head is exploding. But in a good way though 😀

However, probably the most amazing thing this week was that I got a JOB! Wohoo! As soon as I get my social security card and other working licenses organized I can start instructing Group Fitness Classes! I can’t even describe how thankful I am for this unique opportunity, because Group Fitness is definitely one of the things that I miss the most from Finland (I miss you too friends and family <3). And what would be a better way to get inside American culture than sweating and doing badass workouts together, right!? I’m really looking forward to it.

One thing, which also makes me really happy, is that all the people here (including other exchange students, U.S. students, teachers, coordinators, staff…) are so lovely and helpful. I’m so lucky that I’ve already met wonderful people from different countries all around the world so I bet my exchange semester will be anything but boring!

This week the real game starts. School schedule and the first lectures. New people. New adventures. Exciting!

Till next time,

Think pink 💖: Siiri