Off to Frankfurt!

Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Federation (the program through my scholarship is through) will have various meetings throughout the year, giving us the opportunity to see each other, learn important information, and work towards a better relationship between the German and American clubs, universities, and overall relations.

Our first meeting was an orientation and "get together" in Frankfurt.
(Further meetings include going to Neuss for a German-American Day celebration, Erfurt for a Cultural Seminar, Lambrecht/Pfalz for a Political Seminar, Stuttgart for a convention, and another meeting with the outbound German students.)

Me with 2 Others from the Federation Program

 We had a great time getting to know each other, talking about our respective home and host universities, going to the Paulskirche, and finally the German-American Friendship Day celebration with the Consulate General in Frankfurt, which turned out to be a very important event!

For example, the invitation read, "The City of Frankfurt am Main and the Consulate General of the United States of America request the pleasure of your company for the presentation of this year's UnderstandiG project. The ceremony will be held in the Emperor's Hall of the Frankfurt "Roemer" followed by a German-American reception."

Turns out the Consulate General and his wife have secret service protection. This I found out by talking to one of the Foreign Service Officers (whom I got a business card..networking at its finest!). This, however, didn't stop myself and a couple of the others in pulling Mr. Milas and his wife out on the dance floor with us to dance to the Blues Band they had playing! All in good fun, right?

After great discussions and lunch we all set off to head back to our Unis on Sunday afternoon.

This week is the Owoche, or Orientierungswoche (Orientation Week) here in Kassel. The group I was with for the campus scavenger hunt placed 4th! Later this week I will be attending a Welcome Party being hosted in my honor from the International Women's Club, the club which works with the Federation scholarship on the local level. Much to do, but having a great time in Kassel!

Part of the HoPla Campus: Uni Kassel, Germany