Patricia Cano 2021
COURSE: LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT FOR TEACHERS
ARRIVAL DAY
Cyprus, officially called the Republic of Cyprus, is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean.
Its chief cities, Nicosia, Limassol, Famagusta, and Paphos, have absorbed the influences of generations of conquerors, pilgrims, and travelers. Today Cyprus is a popular and cosmopolitan country.
My destination was in Limassol (Lemesos in Greek) is a city on the southern coast of Cyprus and capital of the district with the same name. Limassol is the second largest urban area in Cyprus.
16th August- First day OF THE course: meeting new people
The course started with the presentation as much as the participants and the teacher trainer. It was very interesting to meet and exchange views with people from different countries. English for Educators was designed for and dedicated for teachers:
who wish to refresh and update their English language skills.
who are looking to revitalize and energize their approach to teaching.
who are looking for meaningful ways of reflecting on their professional practice.
Then we continued with the Introductory task: Getting to know each other. We had to write four sentences about ourselves; 3 should be true and 1 false. then we had to read the 4 sentences and the rest of the class should decide which one was false.
Next, we were talking about how to create a positive learning atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we decided to visit one of the most magical places of the island: Petra tou Romiou (also known as Aphrodite's Rock) According to one legend, this rock was the site of the birth of the goddess Aphrodite. Other popular myths tell that swimming around the rock three times will bring various blessings, including eternal youth and beauty, good luck, fertility and true love.
17th August
The second day started with a review of the day before. Them, we were talking about what we usually do and say at the beginning of each lesson. Afterward, we looked at the language of instruction: reading, writing and understanding.
Breaks also served to get to know a very important part of any country: its gastronomy. Our very kindly teacher brought us different types of Cypriot food to try. The Cypriot cuisine is an exotic blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, sprinkled with remnants of ancient civilisations such as indigenous Roman root vegetables or old Phoenician delicacies.
Halloumi (Cheese made from goat’s and/or sheep’s milk)
Pastizzi
18th August
Today we had a visit to the city, so we met at the gate of the Limassol castle.
In the heart of the historic center of Limassol, west of the Medieval Castle and just a few meters from the Old Port, one will encounter a complex of warehouses once used to store carobs. Today, these warehouses house the Lanitis Carob Mill. The stone-built warehouses, a characteristic sample of the warehouses that were uses for the trady industry in the city’s harbor, have been restored in their original form. The Museum room displays all the tools and machinery once used for this commercial activity. The carob trade was the living of the people in a large part of the Limassol countryside and villages. The produce was referred to as “black gold”, because of the great value of carobs.
The medieval castle is located right in the heart of Limassol's historic center which today houses the Medieval Collection of the Cyprus Museum.
Mosques are a very important part of Cyprus history. Limassol’s population was a mixture of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The Kepir Mosque is considered to be the most important Muslim monument of Limassol. It was built based on an early Christian church, which was discovered during work on the sewer system of the city.
19th August
Another day in sunny Limassol. Today the course started with a general review of expressions and commands in order to maintain classroom discipline. The teacher proposed to us a role play to be able to use these expressions and commands in order to maintain classroom discipline.
A significant part of a teacher’s role is to motivate and build students’ self-esteem. Tutoring, instructing and teaching students through preparation and practice will have maximum effect when accompanied by positive support. So, we were checking different motivational techniques in the classroom and positive feedback and encouragement.
Finally, we had a debate on Education in the different countries of Europe. It was especially interesting to discover the differences and similarities of the various types of education.
As in previous days, we continue to discover the delicious Cypriot gastronomy through its food.
20th August
Today I woke up thinking that it was the last day of the course and time flies! First, we wrote a letter with our impressions of the experience. It was very difficult for me to write in a single letter all the impressions and learnings that I have made during this intense week.
Afterward, we read aloud and discussed with each other.
Finally, we write a few words on the star cards of our colleagues.
To end the course we had a farewell party where we could taste the latest delicacies of the varied Cypriot cuisine. I can really say that the gastronomy of a country helps you to fully understand its culture, and Cyprus' culture is very multicultural.
21st August
On the last day I decided to visit the capital of the country: Nicosia. Nicosia is the last capital in the world to still be divided militarily, and the Green Line at Ledra will intrigue visitors who want to know what it’s like to cross a city checkpoint in the 21st century. On both sides of the divide there’s a lot to see, like the Selimiye Mosque, a hybrid of Christian and Islamic architecture, or the Cyprus Museum, the premier collection of ancient artefacts on the island.
This experience has been very enriching and I can only thank Erasmus.
