Entry #2: My first impression

What did I notice on the first day? : 

Well, I was place in an environmental environment that is called Eco-Quartier. This establishment is localize in Notre-Dame-De-Grâce. I was not really sure on my first day when I saw the place. I thought it was a petty place, but when I entered in the place, I felt immediately comfortable and I felt less shy. Everybody was really kind and hearty with me. They knew I wanted to improve my English and improve my fluency in my talking, so even if they can talk in French, they only speak English with me. 

Linguistic observation : 

I did not learn new vocabularies and I did not observe any strategies that they use when they talk with each other. All I did in my first day was translation and the text was really easy to me. Also, I did not learn any new words from them because they were doing tasks on their computer so it was a quiet day. Even thought, I already know that I have an accent when I am talking in English, but now that I worked with them once, I see a huge difference between them and I. I really need to practice my talking to improve that. 

Culture observation: 

I saw that English people use a much complex vocabulary when they are talking together then us when we talk in French. Even thought, it's easier to understand them. Also, I think that Anglophones are more outgoing than Francophone when they are speaking in their language. I found that our two cultures are really different one another. Also, when I met everyone, they only greet me with their hands like we say "hello" usually, but the Quebec culture, we usually greet people with the hand shake when we saw them for the first time. 

Mistakes or Misunderstandings ? 

I don't have any mistakes that I did in mind, but I remember that on my first day I had to ask Nikki, my host, to repeat some times because she was talking to fast and I did not understand anything  I didn't want to do the wrong thing. I misunderstand the task sometimes because she speak to quickly, but it's fine and with practice I know I will improve myself and become better. However, I had use the "Guessing" strategy with what I already know to understand what they are saying and what they want me to do. 

Entry 1 : Intership Goals & my 1st impression !! :)

During this internship, I need to have certain goals to help me to improve my English. I think I will enjoy it and have more fun for this experience if I fix myself some goals. Finally, I think I will really like this experience and I can't wait for it!

Languages learning strategies

I think this internship will be a great opportunity for me to improve my English. During this experience, I would like to improve my grammar in speaking and to learn new vocabulary, to have more fluency when I am talking with Anglophone. I don't think I will improve my writing because in my top 3 internship I did not ask for any writing task. I am happy with it because my speaking is more important to me. After this, I think I will express myself easily than I do at this moment.

To help me to achieve those goals, I have thought of languages learning style that could really help me. One of these strategies is Immersion. I want to improve myself in English and really want to become bilingual. Because of this, I really need to be in an immersion environment to really practice my English and see how it goes. I think I could possibly become fluent in English.

       Another goal that could really help me is probably Communicates in whichever way possible. Although, I find it difficult to make myself understood, I still have to try with the best way that I can. I can also use some gestures, synonyms or even ask for help if they really don't understand what I am trying to say.

      Finally, I will use Accepts ambiguity in the foreign language. During this internship I really need to try even if I know that sometimes my sentences will not makes any sense or that I will think that what I hear will not make any sense. I need to learn from this and not discourage myself.

        My first meeting

       For this internship, I had three meeting, but I didn't start any of them yet. I will talk and describe each of them and I will tell you about my impressions.

     

      My first meeting was in Concordia with Poppy. I wanted this internship so much because I could have the chance to work with disability person. Unfortunately, I didn't have this chance, but Poppy seems so be a person really interested by this opportunity.  She was great with me and she was trying to find a way, so this could work for me.

      My second meeting was with Mikaella. This internship consist to talk and to help teenagers during an after school program. She was very friendly with me and I felt safe and secure in that environment that was new for me. After, I visited the school and the entire local for each activity that was offered.

    

     My third meeting was with Nikki. She was truly pleasant with me and she introduces me to everyone. She explained me what was Eco-Quartier about and what they were doing for the environment. She also gave me a sample of an "All purpose cleaner" as a welcome gift.

     

      I finally decided to start my internship with Nikki at Eco-Quartier. I am glad that my scheduled work with her's because it seems to be a great opportunity for me to learn more about the environment and all the tips to preserve our environment. I wish I will also improve my English during this beautiful experience.