First Day of Classes!

After a whirlwind first couple of days, the students were finally able to settle down into the first day of classes! 

Our Group A began the first day of classes in their World Governance class with their instructor, Bruno, in which they learned more about the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), which the students visited on Tuesday. Special attention was given to the mechanisms of international cooperation between member countries of these international institutions. Students enjoyed lively debates about the legality vs morality of these insitutions regarding the crimes they prosecute, the United States' interaction with the institutions, and the enforceability of the rulings of the ICC and the ICJ. Very proud of our students for keeping all the discussions calm and respectful despite differing opinions and strong political views! 

Group B began the day with their first Dutch class lesson with instructor Marianne! Students learned common phrases in Dutch, including common greetings ("Hallo" and "Goedemiddag), how to ask how someone is ("Hoe gaat het?"), and more! If you really want to challenge students, ask them how old they are ("Hoe oud ben je?") or what their name is ("Hoe heet je?"). 

After a filling lunch at the University of Amsterdam canteen, Group A and B switched courses to complete their first day of classes. 

After classes ended around 4PM, students were allowed free time between classes and their evening activity. Group A was brought to the famous Bloemenmarkt in the center of Amsterdam and allowed to explore in groups. A couple even bought trinkets to bring back to family - so keep an eye out when they return :) 

After their small break, Group A participated in a Stamppot cooking class, a traditional Dutch hearty meal, which is basically mashed potatos with fun add-ins. Leading the cooking class was a local Dutch caterer, Caro, with whom CIEE frequently collaborates. She hosted all 21 students of Group A in her kitchen, set them up with cutting boards, knives and peelers, and had the students prepare the ingredients for their own dinner! Students peeled and cut up potatoes, carrots, apples, onions, and endives, which Caro then cooked to then serve up three different types of Stamppot - one with apples and saurkraut, one with lots of carrots, and then one with endives. Meatballs, also created by volunteers among the students, were then placed on top of the plated hot plate for a hearty, filling dinner. Caro ended the dinner session with students having to choose a mango or pear ice pop. Lots of fun and some very full students. :) 

While Group A was busy chopping, Group B took a ride on a boat to experience a traditional Amsterdam canal tour. For more information on Group B's canal tour, please head over to my fellow program leader's blog, linked here. 

For more information about their recent trip to the ICC and the ICJ in Den Haag, please visit my fellow program leader's blog about the trip, linked here.