No te preocupes

For any of you that have had the chance - or headache-  to travel, work or study abroad, especially in Spain, will understand the concept of this post.
A Spanish phrase that I hear more frequently than "vale" is "no te preocupes". In English terms, "Don't worry about it". Don't let these words deceive you, they may appear to be reassuring, but instead, they are quite the opposite. The Spanish way of living is very laid back.  It appears to be an enticing way of living for us Canadians, who are used to the fast paced life style of multi-tasking and juggling work, social life, school and the cute boy from our Lit class. But, it is quite the opposite. Their  DGAF attitude leads to poor structure and sheer disaster for anything worth accomplishing.
I thought dealing with the Spanish Consulate for my Student Visa was a run around and the epitome of poor planning and communication - well, that my friends, was a walk in the park.
Take registering for my classes for example. In Canada, the list of available courses is available whenever a student may desire. Time tables are constructed well in advance, and it is necessary to start course selection months before the term begins. This, allows for security in mandatory courses, ample time to switch classes, and the simple reassurance of being registered in something. In Spain? There isn't a course offerings list until shortly before the semester begins. Courses clash due to chaotic class time tables, and it is nearly impossible to fit 5 courses into a semester without major headaches and overlaps. Add in the factor that you are an International Student, you'll get kicked out of at least 2 classes because you're not a "native speaker". Which will then resume the frantic search for classes that will count as a credit for your home University, that won't be mind - numbingly boring and that fit in your schedule. Finally, a perfect schedule. But wait, not so fast, 3/5 of the courses are all at capacity now because you've had to change your time table so many times and you're already going into your 3rd week of classes with the deadline on Monday and tomorrow as a holiday. But....No te preocupes.
One thing that I will never understand is the Spanish Education System. This. Is. Beyond. Ridiculous. And there is no help, and no solution. For some of us, this semester isn't a free ride to spend our parents money and explore the culture of the many different flavours of vodka. For some of us, this semester counts and these courses are important toward graduating. However, only the best of us can juggle both...

And so I shall, it's Thirsty Thursday afterall, why not ring in the big holiday tomorrow with my amazing amigas con tequila, or to-kill-yah. 

TTFN xo
-KT