Looking Back on Germany (Post-Study Abroad Reflection)

Three months after the fact and it's still difficult for me to realize that I spent nearly four months in Germany. Summer has flown by so quickly; I can hardly believe school will begin again in less than one month! I just got back from Italy a few days ago, so that's why I'm late in posting this blog entry. I still find it weird that I've spent more time in Europe than I have in the US this year.

I have to say that last semester was a unique experience. I had the opportunity to live and learn in a country outside of the US and although I didn't learn the language, it didn't make the past semester any less of a success. Even though the field trips went to places I already visited for the most part, it was a different experience to see the sights and museums a second time. You manage to find new things and create fresh experiences out of what may seem redundant or repetitive. I mean, how many people can say they've seen something twice? Living with a host family was one highlight of my semester abroad. I can honestly say that I miss them and I know that I developed a bond with them, as I plan to stay in touch with them. From the delicious home-cooked meals, to sitting in the living room with the company of others, I had an enjoyable experience living with the Gehring family. In my opinion, living with a host family was probably one of the strongest components of this particular study abroad program. Because the students are other fellow Texas A&M students, it can be difficult to experience German culture without other Americans being present. It's not a bad thing; people tend to stick to what is comfortable and known. My impressions of Germany are much like from my last study abroad there. The food is delicious and the people tend to be polite and courteous.

Those months in Germany were some of my favorite, although taking Physiology, Biochemistry II, and Pharmacology abroad was a challenge. Despite the stress of school, I had a great time traveling Europe and getting to know my fellow Aggies. Going on a Spring Break cruise in the Western Mediterranean, taking a train to the top of the Zugspitze, biking around Berlin, seeing the sights of Paris. These are the moments that I will always remember and fondly look back on. As a person, I know this experience has helped me grow as an individual, as respect and open-mindedness are always traits that one can improve upon. I'm hoping that I will be able to keep in touch with everyone from this study abroad, as we are all back in College Station for the upcoming school year. Until then, tschüss!

Austin Wang


 

Not a Dream

Wow. That's really all I can say about my study abroad in Germany. It was absolutely amazing to discover a whole new world out there that I had never seen before and to realize that I can survive in the real world by my self. Although the classes were a little difficult and there were times filled with drama (what 18 person group constantly forced together wouldn't have some drama?) overall I had a great time getting to know my fellow travelers. Going to so many different places was amazing and I find myself constantly telling a story about that one time in Paris, or a funny story about Berlin. Frankly, some of my friends have told me that they're fed up with so many stories, but it's all so cool I just can't stop.

But I didn't only learn about the world and my classes. I also learned about myself. I've noticed that I'm much more confident and loose where before I was hesitant and stuffy. It was surprising to come back to my friends and have them realize that there's so much more to me than what they've previously seen, and unfortunately I feel like I'm stuffed in a too tight box when I talk to some of my old high school friends who don't realize that I've grown as a person. Beyond that, I've discovered that I don't need to rely on anyone to do what I like and other's opinions shouldn't matter because there will always be other people who will accept me for who I am. On the other hand, a lot of my friends are excited with my transformations and we plan to have a lot of fun this upcoming year.

Going abroad has been an amazing experience and I've discovered so many new things (I mean, I wrote a 300 page blog about it on www.erinzstravels.blogspot.com throughout my time here. If that doesn't say something about the trip, nothing does) I would do it again in a heartbeat and encourage others to do the same. I've grown so much and gotten close to so many people, that it just makes sense. When else will you ever get a chance like this? And true friends will be right there when you get back ready to listen to all your stories. The whole trip seems like a dream, and at times I would look at my surroundings and wonder "Is this my life right now?" But what I've gained has stuck around long past when I would wake up and I know that it happened, and I couldn't be more happy.

Signing off,
Erin Z