Wednesday, July 23, 2014

TEFI Conference


I just recently returned from the University of Guelph near Toronto Canada and thought I would share some of my experience and the local landmarks with you. Because I am still a cheapy college graduate, I stayed in Grangarry Hall, one of the dorm buildings at the East Residence. Here's the building and room I stayed in:



The campus was a beautiful mix of old and new. I tried to snap shots of some of the more stunning architecture. 
I presented my thesis research in a lecture hall much like this one (and any other lecture hall):
 
I think what I enjoyed most about this experience was the opportunity to rub shoulders with individuals from all over the world (Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, the U.S., etc.). It was a fun and eclectic group of people. 

I was excited to get outside of my social and cultural comfort zone again and was quickly reminded of how different the Provo student culture is from the culture elsewhere. Anytime there was a break or someone wanted to increase participation in a particular workshop or activity you'd hear, "there's wine..." and of course the attendance would sky rocket. I was also surprised by how much time was invested in just talking and getting to know one another (usually over a drink--don't worry I was a good boy and practiced abstinence). I think we sometimes hide behind games, activities, food etc. and don't spend enough time just talking to each other. It was nice to see that.

I'll add more to this later, but just know that the setting was beautiful, the discussion lively, and the people charming.







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