emran??
Hi All
Just something quick I’ve found odd about life in the UK (besides all the Queing!! -something on that to come later as soon as I can get a sneaky photo at uni..)
So people in the UK really seem to have a problem with the name Erin – that being my name. I’m not sure if this is because of the accent or the way I say my own name upon introduction, but everyone tends to look at me like its a really odd, new and strange name, often asking me to clarify several times. Erin originates from Ireland… so being pretty close by.. you wouldn’t think it would be that odd. I have people call me emran, ermna, enna, arna, ernie, iner etc…
the most common response seems to be a er…. followed by a trail off into nothing.
the reason I found this particularly strange was because in Australia Erin is not an uncommon name, and having derived much of our culture from the British, I assumed this would also be case over here. Its not 4 letters that are particularly difficult to put together..
Oz Students Abroad 
Hi Erin — it does seem paradoxical that your celtic name has such a hard time in the UK. But then again, these “subtle” surprises are what makes the experience have greater impact.
As a PE/H pre-service teacher — have you found any differences in the secondary school system in the UK? Have you had a chance to visit a school – or even sit in on a lesson?
Look forward to more photos as you get the opportunity to explore what is congruent and unfathomable between the two cultures.
October 13, 2010 at 5:16 am