A Life Changing Experience

I can’t believe this experience is over! Throughout this whole experience, I feel like I have learned so much about the world and about myself. I can’t even begin to explain how thankful I am to have had this experience. It was truly incredible.

I’m really proud of how I learned to adapt to different cultures, and even more so, how I grew to enjoy everything that came with that. During study abroad, I got to visit and see so many new places, in and outside of Germany. Germany, my host country, I grew to miss when I was not there and feel comfort with when I returned. Perhaps the most different culture I experienced was Morocco! I loved Morocco. Not only did it challenge me to grow more in my independence, but it also really showed me how inviting people can be. Throughout all these moments in all these countries, I learned more deeply what my limits where and what I was comfortable with, and I’m really proud of that. That’s something I would not have learned if I hadn’t exposed myself to those cultures and experiences.

I really don’t have anything I would have done differently with my time during study abroad; however, I do think it would have been wiser if I had watched my money more closely and tried to save money where I could. I realized towards the end of my time in Germany that I could have budgeted better. That being said, I wouldn’t trade any of the experiences I had during study abroad, and, despite the cost, there are so many experiences that go so far beyond the monetary value.

I hope to continue and keep the mindfulness I gained while in study abroad, especially mindful of people and the value of the relationships you have with people. My host mom really made an effort to make everyone feel welcome and loved that walked into her home, and, let me tell you, it made all the difference. As soon as you walked in the door, you could feel that you were in a safe place where love was present. I hope to carry that with me for the rest of my life, and hopefully have people think of that when they think of me.

There were many times during study abroad that I saw God working in my life. Whenever, I was stressed there was always an answer. Especially, in a place like Europe, where religion has been quietly dissappearing, it’s an interesting experience talking with people and gaining new perspectives. It’s all the little things that I tend to notice. Whether it’s a morning that I’m really stressed and all the buses make it on time, or impossible scenario that ends up getting resolved, God was so evidently working and taking four steps ahead of me, watching out for me in unkown places. I think back to Morocco, and how I was stranded there because my flight was cancelled. It was probably the most chaotic place I’ve ever been; however, there was always an answer and God gave me the calmness that I needed to get through the situation.

To all the future study abroad students:

Really take this time to experience and learn more about yourself. Even if you think that you already have yourself figured out, trust me, there is still so much that you will learn about yourself.

Go out and take advantage of every opportunity that you get! Living in Berlin, the city is so alive no matter what types of interests you have. Go out and have fun! You are young and have the capability in your life right now to go and live out this experience to the fullest. Go do that and come back with so many stories and memories.

Spend time in your host culture and really learn the ins and outs of it. You might find a specific aspect of that culture that you really enjoy and take that back to America with you! I learned to really love the trains and transportation in Germany, as well as the spa/sauna culture in Germany, which is something I would never have thought I would’ve taken such an interest in, but when I gave it the chance it became one of my favorite things to do in Berlin.

Finally, study abroad will change you. Cherish and enjoy it all. Take pictures. Journal your thoughts.

So that one day, when you’re older, you can look back and see what an awesome time you had in that time of your life.

This is Caleb, signing out.

Tschüss!