An American in Germany

Going to another country for an extended period of time, regardless of how similar the culture is home, is difficult. While Germany may have some similar aspects, there are still a lot of differences. Since I have traveled before, I know that I can adapt and adjust to different cultures. Last class I learned that Germany and the USA are both Low-Context cultures. When taking the inventory, I discovered I am more on the low side than the high side. Which will be a strength while in Germany because that won't be nearly as much as a change.

From taking self-audits, surveys, inventories, and just knowing about myself, I know that I am very independent and open. It is easy for me to adjust to new people and places. Because I am independent and outgoing, I hope that I will be able to make friends easily. I have also recently discovered that I am comfortable traveling alone and can always find something to do. Being open is a major strength when traveling. Because I am open to new things, I wont be afraid to go out of my comfort zone to learn and try new things. 

I am interested to learn more about German culture as the semester goes on and then to be immersed in the culture. I really want to learn more about their language and hopefully be able to converse at least a basic level by the time I leave. Being an American abroad does create some challenges though. During my previous travels, I have heard things such as "Americans are dumb." I want to prove to people that not all stereotypes about Americans are correct, although some are. I hope to be able to share my culture with my friends while abroad while I learn more about theirs. 

Willkommen to Study Abroad

            Deciding to study abroad may have been one of the most difficult decisions of my life. I went back and forth all spring semester trying to decide because I knew I would be missing the last semester with my friends and graduation. Finally, after traveling Europe and stopping at TU-Dortmund in Germany, the university where I will be placed, I decided to apply. I waited until the last minute to apply (literally the day it was due), but I found out Saturday that I was completely accepted through the university and I am so excited for this opportunity. I am still a little sad that I’ll miss graduation and my last semester, but I wont get this chance again, so I’m obviously just going to have to live up my last semester at MC, so I can also live it up while abroad. 

            As for my goals while abroad, I hope to learn enough German to get around since I don’t really know any right now, but I’m working on it. Currently, I know only a few phrases like "Es ist gut" meaning "It is good" and "Ich bin eine Frau" meaning "I am a woman". On another note, I would really like to make great friends that will last. My friends that have already been abroad made lifelong friends during their semester, and I want to do the same. I think it may be a little difficult because I won’t be in classes with peers, but that means I’ll just have to work harder to put myself out there. I hope that by doing my student teaching abroad, I will make connections with other teachers to possibly get a teaching job there. I am excited to see the different teaching styles and add them to my “toolbox” as well.

            I am so excited to live in another country. When I was in high school, I caught the travel bug, and it has been a goal of mine to live in another country. I am also excited to have my own adventure. I have traveled a lot with family, friends, and school, but I haven’t really had my own experience. I want to see how this experience changes my perspective and attitudes.

            While in Germany, I want to travel to new places I haven’t seen as well as go back to the places I fell in love with.  I plan to keep a either a blog or a journal to record the things that happen, so I don’t forget even the minor details. Finally, I plan to be involved and engaged at the university and school where I will student teach in order to maximize my experience abroad. Hopefully all of these things will help me make the most out of my experience and make me love the country and living on my own.

            Throughout the semester, I’ll continue to post blogs about my preparation to go abroad, so stay tuned! :)