Erlangen, Germany

Why I chose to go to Germany: I chose to go to Germany because as soon as I began studying the German language I fell in love with everything German. I became enthralled with the rich history and culture of the country and developed a strong desire to experience it for myself. I have not traveled outside of North America, and the idea of spending six months abroad improving my blossoming language skills and surrounding myself with an entirely new culture is both exciting and frightening. Germany is an ideal combination of security and adventure in that it is all new and enticing but not all that far removed from the modern society that I know here in North America. I hope to return with a much greater handle on the German language, with a new perspective on another part of the world, and, especially, with new insights about my own culture and its practices.

How this class helped me prepare for study abroad: I think that the Intercultural Understanding class was immensely helpful in preparing me for my time abroad. The thought of leaving my comfort zone and immersing myself in an entirely new country was incredibly intimidating before this class. Now after learning to recognize my own preconceived notions about others, and coming to be more culturally aware of the expectations of different groups of people, I feel more at ease about traveling abroad. Through this class I have learned a lot about the way I perceive people and about the values and morals that I hold dear. With the acquisition of this new knowledge, I am already feeling reassured about my ability to adapt to the culture of Germany and to the challenge of studying abroad.

What I identified as the greatest challenges facing me as I began my study abroad program: Looking ahead, I can see many challenges. I have never been outside of the continental United States and have truly never been further than a few hours from my family for an extended period of time. I am sure that I will feel homesick, probably to a large degree. What is more, in Germany I will not only have the barrier of a different culture but also of a completely different language — a language I am not entirely comfortable speaking. In each of these weaknesses I can see great potential for growth. The challenges I will face abroad will be sources of strength. Being away from family and friends will give me a great opportunity to strengthen my independence and branch out. The language immersion experience will be the best classroom possible, giving me an extraordinary opportunity to truly learn German.

I think my experience abroad will be a very important period in my life. I have always been an independent person but it is a lot easier to be independent when you know that a familiar safety net is there to catch you. When I’m abroad, that safety net will still exist, but its form will be very different. I have learned to adjust to new situations, but I rely heavily on the support of my friends and family to get me through the transition. Being removed from their closeness will truly test my self-reliance. As I have come to see recently, I am, like many college students, self-centered. I haven't had to assume a lot of responsibility, but things will be different abroad, where even the smallest tasks will require patience and self-confidence. Selfishness will only complicate my efforts. It truly will be a learning experience, one that I could never get here at home.

Looking back at study abroad as if I were someone else: For the first few weeks Kim was overwhelmed by many emotions. Upon her arrival, her excitement took center stage as a new world was opened to her. After the initial excitement began to wear off and she began to settle in, Kim started to try to acquaint herself with the city and the people. Her limited language skills proved frustrating at first, but as time went on, German seemed much less foreign. Kim began her journey mostly tagging along with the group for security. Within a month she was more confident and began to make many friends and branch out. When she began her ICRP, Kim began to truly integrate herself into the culture and really felt that she belonged in Germany. When December rolled around, homesickness crept in again, but frequent e-mail and phone contact kept her grounded and focused on the great time she was having in Germany. At the end of her six months, Kim found herself almost dreading going home: her time in Germany had been such an amazing experience.

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Read excerpts from my letters home.