It has been about 2 months since I have left Germany and it
still has not sunk in yet that I spent an entire semester abroad. I get brief
moments when that thought kind of sinks in, but I think it will take awhile for
me to fully appreciate how incredible of a semester it was. Man was it an
incredible semester. You think that four months abroad in a new place might
seem like forever but when you are super busy with traveling, school, and
experiencing a new culture you will be surprised how fast time flies. I
remember debating for weeks about whether I should go abroad and all the
concerns, worries, and fears that crossed my mind when trying to make a
decision. Let me tell you now, all of those worries I had beforehand seem silly
and I definitely didn't need to worry about them. And I beyond glad I decided
to go because this was a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish for
years to come. I got to go to 7 different countries (partly thanks to the
Mediterranean cruise a group of us went on during Spring Break), made lifelong
friends, saw many interesting medical facilities/museums along the way, and
gained a better understanding of different cultures in Europe. All of that
happened in one semester...that's just incredible.
Don't get me wrong, the trip wasn't always rainbows and
butterflies. Of course I missed my family, friends, and Texas while I was
abroad. And then there are the little things you miss that you never thought
you would: free bathrooms, Mexican food, free water, having your car (public transit
there is great but I missed being able to come and go whenever I pleased and
not having to plan around the train schedule), etc. I'll admit I was getting
home sick the last couple of weeks of the program and I was very happy to be
back home. But we were so busy with new and exciting things throughout the
semester it took me longer than I expected to get home sick. That's another
thing, you're super busy and there are a lot of distractions. Traveling is
exhausting at times and I suggest you plan your personal trips ahead of time
(especially Spring Break) so you see as much as possible or else you might
wonder around a new city not sure how to get back to your hotel at 2 in the
morning. Back to the topic of distractions, there is so much to do and I say
you go experience the culture and events as much as possible. But you have to
remember you're abroad for school as well. Staying focused and on top of your
work is pretty challenging with all the distractions. And the grades are not
going to be handed to you either. Plus the school schedule varies quite a bit
throughout the semester. We wouldn't have class or work due for a week or so
while we travelled and then had to play catch up the following week. Those catch up weeks were stressful,
but I knew that would be the case going into the semester so I was fine with
it. With all of this in mind, the semester school-wise is definitely doable and
manageable. Even though it was stressful certain weeks and we would have to
cram work in, overall I found it to be one of my better semesters as far as the
amount of work and stress that went into school goes.
Okay, enough of that. Time to focus on the positives which
in my opinion outweigh the negatives. I'll start with some basics. The food is
DELICIOUS. If you go, you'll understand just how yummy it is because I can't
really put it into words. Another thing I can't describe is how beautiful all
the places are. I found myself in awe of the beauty and rich history that
surrounded me on various occasions. Definitely go see as many places as you can
but don't rush your trips either. Trust me, it's worth it. Plus it's an awesome
feeling when you turn on the TV and see a place you've been to (I've said
"Oh, I've been there!" tons of times these past 2 months). Also, I
really enjoyed being in a country that truly appreciated soccer and where I
could find people playing almost everywhere I went. However I gained more from
this program than just yummy food and pretty scenery. I got to experience
multiple cultures first hand and observe the similarities and differences
between them and what I was used to in the United States. Some of the
differences I liked and some I didn't, but it's nice to truly know the
characteristics of different cultures instead of relying on stereotypes. I also
think I grew up and learned more about myself. Throughout the semester I was
put in new situations where I had no idea what to do and the freedom to pick
whatever I felt like I should do. Situations like that tend to bring out your
true personality and force you to make your own, adult decisions. I don't think
I would have gained that much insight if I had stayed in Texas for the semester
simply because I wouldn't have been placed in such new circumstances that were
out of my comfort zone. I'm thankful I was able to gain that insight and
experience before I graduate and have to face the real world for a longer time
than just four months. The final positive I want to mention (because I really
could keep going) is one that some of my classmates have already mentioned: the
great friendships you make over the course of those four months. You will learn
a lot about the people who study abroad with you because you see them almost
everyday, travel with them on several occasions, and are placed in unique
scenarios that you must work together and/or trust each other. And like what
some of the others have said, no one quite understands what you have been
through like your fellow study abroad classmates. I'm happy to say that I have
come back home with many more close, lifelong friends who I can't wait to see
again in the fall!
I honestly don't think this post does the past semester
justice, but hopefully it shows that I truly enjoyed the semester and that my
decision to go on this study abroad program was the right choice. After going
on this program and realizing how much I gained and experienced, I highly
suggest that people study abroad at some point during their college careers (if
possible, of course). So if you're considering going abroad, do it. It'll be an
unforgettable semester filled with a lot of great memories.
Now all that is left to say is thanks for the great semester,
Germany. Auf Wiedersehen (for now)!
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