For the past two weeks I have certainly had a less structured daily routine compared to my earlier months in Jordan. Currently I am engaged in the Independent Study Project stage of my study abroad program. This entails doing a lot of independent research for a 30-40 page paper that is due the last week of my program.
My research is required to be more field-based. Rather than reading books in the library, my program wants me out getting my information from primary instead [of] secondary sources. In some ways, I feel a little more stressed in this period, and in other ways I certainly feel less stressed. The average time I usually wake up now is around 10:30am. This is definitely a nice change compared to when I had classes as I would have to get up around 7:45am.
My days are centered around the interviews I have scheduled. Usually they occur between 11 and 1. The fact that the majority of my research and information comes from interviews can make this time a little stressful as the onus to get these interviews is all on me.
Recently, I have been spending much time on my cell as I try to make contacts and setup interviews. Once I have setup the interview, I then have to make sure to confirm it the day before. In addition, I also have to worry about coordinating and finding a translator for many of my interviews; however, I have definitely picked up many important skills throughout these past two weeks with the most important being that I now I am quite comfortable interviewing people. The difference between my first and most recent interview is amazing as I now find myself not needing to look at my list of questions and easily coming up with many pertinent interview questions.
When I do not have interviews, I find plenty of stuff to occupy my free time. Sometimes, I do some extra reading to supplement my research. Other times I will review my vocab flashcards for Arabic. In addition, I like to just lounge in my family’s living and watch the TV. Usually I will watch the English language stations; however, other times I like to watch the Arabic stations to practice my understanding of the language. I am certainly enjoying the change of pace the ISP period has brought, as I am productive without being stressed at the same time.
