Sometimes it Takes Getting “Lost” to Find Myself

The Rathaus- City Hall, near where I went shopping

Today I woke up feeling somewhat unmotivated and just wanted to stay in bed all day. Those days happen, right? Well, when studying abroad time is limited- whether you’re there for a semester or a year- so I wasn’t about to let a bad mood get in the way of an adventure. I eventually got myself out of bed, showered (which felt like an accomplishment in its own), and decided to take the tram into the city to get some shopping done. After shopping, I walked down a side street to a park. Looking out from where I was standing literally brought tears to my eyes. The view was beautiful, the air fresh, and the sound of fall leaves crushing under my feet just added to the atmosphere. I realized that there are so many people who haven’t gotten this opportunity and may never get it, so it wasn’t fair of me to be in such a bad mood.

The View from the Park

 I decided to continue my adventure by going back into the city a bit and discovering new. After winding my way through some streets, I came across the St. Martin church in Kassel. Construction for the church started in 1365. 1365. Bach played the organ there in 1753. There are services still being held there, so I decided that I’m going to go tomorrow. It’s an Ordination Service, so I’m really excited to experience this. 

1365.

Throughout my walk, I realized that there are so many opportunities out there; it’s just up to me to take advantage of them. In taking the couple of hours to walk around and experience the environment around me, I felt as though my mind settled, stress melted away, and I had a much better attitude and outlook for the rest of my day.

Pictures Don't Do the Beauty of it Justice

Amazing.

News from Neuss!

Hannah, Dan, and I in Neuss at the Reception

Over the weekend we had another meeting of the group of Americans that have the same scholarship (VDAC) as I do. It was a great chance for us to see each other again and to have another great experience! We went to an award ceremony honoring our American Ambassador in Dusseldorf where he was awarded the General-Lucius-D.- Clay medal. Some of the past recipients include members of Congress, the Bundestag, an astronaut, even the Chancellor of Germany (Angela Merkel).  The students who returned from the United States from the school year 2011-2012 were also given awards for their accomplishments!

For more information on General Lucius D. Clay, look here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/airlift/peopleevents/p_clay.html

After the ceremony we were treated to an amazing dinner and some drinks! The food, as always, was delicious and I overate. (No surprise!)

Fire Up Chips! CMU Students & German Students from '11 - '12

We took advantage of being Dusseldorf being in the area, so after the reception we got changed and went into the city to check out the night life. Staying with the group, we found a place we could all fit (which is difficult when we were about 20 people on a busy night!) and had a couple of drinks together. Because we all had to get up early that day to get to Neuss, we were tired “early” in the night and went back to our hostel to get some sleep. 

Dan - Myself - Sarah in Dusseldorf

Sunday started with breakfast and then we all met up for a meeting with one of the Foreign Service Officers that is currently working in Dusseldorf. He explained the process of becoming an officer- of the 20 000 that apply, only 2% will receive a job in the service, as well as his experiences being an FSO. He’s lived in several countries all over the world, helped hundreds (if not thousands) of people, and has had a great career! It really got me thinking about what it would be like to be an FSO, but I’m not sure it’s the job for me! Was great to hear about the opportunities within the government for those who are interested in foreign affairs! 

The International School Where We Met with the FSO

What a Complement!

“…but you just sound so German! And your name… what a typical German name!”

“Class- if you had to guess where she’s from, would you have said the United States?!”

“Wow… almost no accent! Maybe on some words..SOMETIMES, but no one would ever hear it unless they were trying to!”

If I got $20 for every time I heard a variation of those, I would be able to fund a really great tropical vacation in some faraway land already! I guess I need to give myself some more credit when it comes to my language skills! I often explain that I learned the most of my German, when it comes to speaking, while I was an exchange student. This sometimes gets confused as to why I have the "littlest of accents," but I follow up with the explanation that I don't come from (near) Flensburg, but that I was there for almost a year. I have even asked to show my driver's license to prove I was in fact from Michigan!

The thing is- I know there is so much that I’ve forgotten! I’m so excited to have the opportunity to deepen my knowledge (even if it’s at the expense of my English grammar/word usage!) of German, from vocabulary to grammar over the next 10 months. 

When It All Comes Together...

 

From: We Bought a Zoo, Cameron Crowe, 2011

When studying abroad in a country that has a different native language than your own, often times the most intimidating thing is talking to those you don't know. But as in the clip, all you need is those 20 seconds of courage, and great things can come from it.

Yesterday was my "Breakthrough Day," which is something a lot of students abroad experience- it's the day when you feel comfortable getting from Point A to Point B, you've gotten over your jet lag, you've established yourself in your living situation, made some friends, are getting along with school well, and suddenly it feels like opportunities are opening up for you left and right.

My courage came in the form of asking the Sprachzentrum (The Language-Learning Center) some questions at an event that's much like Mainstage at CMU. I was interested in some of the courses but unsure of which I should/could take and how I had to register. In talking to the very nice lady, she asked why I wanted to learn more German- what a compliment!, but then she asked how long I'd be here in Kassel, when I told her until the end of the Summer Semester (which is April to July) her eyes lit up and asked me if I'd be interested in an internship. I immediately said yes after I found out it would be me being the liaison between the incoming international students from native English speaking countries here in Germany to learn German over the Winter Break in the beginning of January. Could I ask for a better internship!? I thanked her about 10 000 times for the opportunity and she thanked me for talking to her! They've been searching for someone that could help them and she's relieved to have found me! She also told me she wanted to approach me as well (but didn't) because I look just like a Swiss friend of hers- just about 20 years younger.  All it took was me opening the conversation to get the ball rolling!

Then- after floating through the rest of the venues and tables on Cloud 9 with the excitement of the internship offer and knowing which classes I could register for and how, I decided that I really did want to partake in a Lutheran/Catholic student welcoming service/mass here in Kassel. I was walking to the church which hosted the service behind a group of people that looked nearly as confused as I felt. I walked a few paces behind them hoping that the group mentality of "they must know the way" would prove helpful until I decided to kick it up a step, open my mouth, and ask them if they were looking for the same church. Turns out- they were.

After the service, I was invited to get a coffee/ tea with 2 of the girls.

After we actually got to introducing ourselves and them scratching their heads over how well I speak German, I told them I was an exchange student in '06 in a small village near Flensburg. One of the girls asked which one.. turns out- she went to the same Gymnasium! Such a small world! I also found out one of them had been in New Zealand for 10 months, the other in Scotland for a year, so naturally we had part of our conversation in English as well! It's only fair!! We chatted far longer than the half an hour we said we'd take, exchanged numbers, and made plans to hang out again today.

It was such a great day- one that was hard to wind down from. I had to really try to relax and fall asleep! Thank goodness for meditation and my ambient noise maker on my iPod!

Today I started with more success- I am going to be partaking in an English/German course covering Shakespeare! I went to the class, made some small talk, took as good of notes as I could over what we'll be doing throughout the next semester, and ended with talking to the professor who was very helpful! I'm excited to see what this class will bring!

And this is what it feels like when it all starts to come together!

Our Perceptions of the World and Each Other

Being one of only 2 Americans (that I know of) to be starting this semester here in Kassel, I've really gotten the chance to meet a lot of people from all over the world! It's been such a great and rewarding experience!

Since the ERASMUS program is still going on here in Europe, the students from European countries are given the opportunity to study at other universities throughout Europe, which essentially is promoting a lot of exchange between the countries. Makes sense, right?

I myself have been benefiting from this as well, getting to know people from Spain, Italy, the UK, and France (in particular), as well as others from around the world.

The most amazing thing to me is all of the things that are cross-cultural and completely universal. Finding someone that speaks the same native language as you is always exciting. Trying to figure out things in a foreign language is always complicating. Looking for a room in a building that you've never been in will always put the confused look on your face. Seeing someone you don't know their name but do know they were in the same orientation meeting with you makes you feel more comfortable to try to talk to them, regardless.

I also think the perceptions of what the United States is, where Michigan is, and "who" Americans are is also very interesting. I've had such responses:

Q: Where are you from?
Me: Michigan.
Response: Oh, that's close to Texas, right?

Makes me realize that no matter how much we try to promote our state through our hand-shaped map or we think we're awesome because of our amazing lakes and views, people don't really know where Michigan is!

In that same conversation, I apologized for not knowing the Spanish Providences, which they said they didn't really know either.

As much as we're all different, we all are the same! It's one of the most important things to experience while on exchange, proving more than ever, that communication isn't only what you say, but how you say it! Widening our understanding of not only ourselves, but of those from other cultures will only help to strengthen international relations!

England - USA - Italy

Home Sweet Home

The view from the back door to the garages and garden

As I've mentioned in my "Who Am I?" and if you know me you'd know- I was an exchange student during high school, giving me a sense of having a 2nd home here in Germany. This weekend I got the opportunity to visit one of my host families and it's such a great feeling to regain the sense of home and being with people that I've known for 6+ years. I got to see my "extended" family- host aunts, uncles, and cousins while I was there as well.

Helping with English homework!

Studying abroad, whether it's in high school or in college, is such an amazing experience and it helps to build relationships on a personal level- most of which will be lifelong if maintained. Living with a host family is an amazing opportunity, so if you ever get the chance, take advantage of it! It also goes full circle, if you ever get the chance to host a student- do it! (My family has as well!)

The church next door (Catholic)

It's always great to feel at home- especially when it's 4 000+ miles from home. <3

Haha.. Our Silly Dog!

*New Posts In "Did That JUST Happen?!*

Some random stories of random events!

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

First Week In

 What I’ve Done

The first week in Germany has been amazing! It all started with a great flight- probably the best international flight experience I could ask for. The flight was only about half full, so we were able to spread out a bit, which gave me a whole row to myself! I was able to have the dinner, watch some movies and tv shows (since we all had individual screens, I was able to choose what I wanted to watch, which was nice, even though  I didn’t get to watch all of the things I wanted to) and then I fell asleep for 6 hours! (This was the biggest blessing; it helped with the jet lag more than anything!)

I arrived in Hamburg on Wednesday, which gave me the rest of the week to spend with a friend of mine that I’ve known now for 6 years. I was able to meet some of her friends and joined her in her “everyday life” as much as I could. One of the many fun things we did was to participate in a peaceful demonstration that occurs in Hamburg on the last Friday of every month called “Critical Mass.” The intention of the demonstration is to support a healthy biking culture in Hamburg. There is a German law that if 15 or more bike riders are in a group, they are allowed to travel on the street and follow the same laws as someone driving a car. Using this, hundreds, if not thousands, of people gather at a meeting point that is spread about through social media and word of mouth an hour before the start time, will ride together throughout the city. It was such a positive experience- the other riders were very nice and polite, there were even children riders! Some people brought fun lights and music, which added to the atmosphere. The police actually “helped” with the demonstration in a few different ways. They were at the meeting point asking for a representative to let them know the intended route so that they could block the traffic to make it safer for the riders. While no one wanted to talk to the police (as the demonstration is against the city authorities), everyone was really happy they were showing their support, even if it was more of an attempt for them to have some control over the situation as well.  It was overall a great experience, one that I don’t think I’d be able to find back home.

I also got the chance to take a quick trip to Berlin, going by car- which isn’t something that typically happens, as gas is now at $5.88 a gallon (in Hamburg, at one of the cheapest gas stations in town).  While we were there, we stayed near the Sonnenallee, which is known because it is the street that the Berlin Wall once separated. We were invited to an “Apartment Warming Party,” where another American was there! We joked how it always seems to happen, saying “where there’s one of “us,” there is almost always another!” In the bigger cities, especially the multi-cultural Berlin, this is fairly true.  On our trip home we were able to spend some time at the Alexanderplatz, which is where the infamous Berlin TV tower is located. It was such a nice and sunny day, so it was great to have the opportunity to just relax and enjoy one of my favorite parts of the city.

After getting back to Hamburg, I got the chance to meet up with my cousin, a former exchange student my aunt hosted. It was great to see her, catch up, and just spend time together. It’s a great feeling knowing that it’s not just a short visit, but that I can see her throughout my experience her in Germany.

All of this brings me to Monday, when I moved into my apartment. I was able to take an ICE train, which is the Inter City Express train, which at one point was travelling at 239 km/hr. or 148 mi/hr.!  At the train station I was met by one of the members of the club that is participating in the scholarship program here in Kassel. She took me to my apartment, leaving me with the cutest “Welcome Basket” filled with some foods, chocolates, and a little cake.  I was able to unpack all of my things and get settled in my room. I took the night to myself, to get some sleep and settle in.

On Tuesday I got to meet my Local Chairperson here in Kassel and we took care of the official business “stuff.” I got my bank account, health insurance, registration with the city, and some information about registration at school and with the Immigration Office. We also took some time out of the day while running errands to get some coffee (and if you know me, I got a Chai Latte with soy milk ;-). This is one thing, of many, that I really do admire about the Germans is their desire to just take a break in the middle of the day, so that you don’t feel so stressed. J We also went to the grocery store and got a couple of things to get me through the rest of the week before I go to the orientation with the other Federation students in Frankfurt.

Running the errands around town really let me see that although it feels a bit overwhelming, I’m actually really close to the middle of the city and where all of the shops and such are. It’s only a 15 minute walk or so before I’m near 2 of the main shopping centers and on the street where most of the little shops are. (H&M is there too, of course I would scope that out!)

First Week In:  How I Feel

I think it’s also important to reflect on how I’m feeling while I’m here-especially if you’re reading this with the intention to know what it’s like to Study Abroad.

During this week I have had many different emotions. I’ve felt the jet lag, which can often make me feel various emotions all at once. I haven’t felt too overwhelmed in any given situation, as I am comfortable with my language abilities and I’ve been with someone that  could help me if I’m in a situation where I need to know things that I’m not too comfortable with (such as at the bank when I opened my account).

I think it’s really important to feel comfortable in my living conditions, which I have taken extra measures to do so. The apartment is 204 sq. ft., which may seem small, but I think you can see in the pictures, that it’s just a perfect size for a single person. I took the time to move the furniture around and make up the room in the way that makes me feel the most comfortable.  I was able to find the laundry room and all of the amenities around the building today, so it’s already feeling like home. 

I’m getting really excited to starting classes in 2 weeks. I have found out that Kassel, like many other German universities, has a Hochschulsport program, which offers a variety of different sport classes- everything from yoga and meditation to tango dancing and Zumba to American football and baseball! I’m really looking forward to playing basketball, which is something I had hoped to be able to do while here in Kassel. I’m looking forward to the routine that the university life will offer. J

Lastly- I’m already realizing that I’m starting to switch over to thinking in German, even talking to myself in German! I think it’s really exciting that it’s all coming back so quickly, but I know it will come in waves. Having studied abroad before, I feel a little more prepared for it, but I know too, realistically, that it will be difficult as well.

Now it’s off to get my laundry and going out to explore around the city on my own!