Home Away From Home

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Having a host family in Germany was something that before I arrived made me both very excited and nervous. Would they like me? Would I like them? Would they be friendly? Would they want to spend time with me?

However, after spending a little over a month with them so far, I can happily say that having a host family was one of the best decisions of my study abroad experience. As soon as I arrived I was greeted by my host mother, who gave me a hug and welcomed me into her home. Soon enough, I found myself settling in and spending time with them at meals and when I was at their house.

Their flat/apartment is in a well kept building about 25 minutes from the city center by train. I often enjoy taking that train to the city center and walking around, not to a specific place but just because I can. I still find it hard to believe when I round the corner coming out of the underground train station and see the Brandenburg Gate right there in front of me. At my host family’s house, I also have my own room and bathroom which is really nice. Pictured above is my room. Having that space to myself has been really awesome, and is something that I definitely would not have gotten if I had done a dorm type living arrangement.

Another thing that I think is awesome is breakfast and dinner. Both of those are covered by my host family, and not having that extra stress of having to find meals has been very useful and beneficial. (And they make really good food too!)

On a somewhat related note, something I’ve taken away from these experiences, especially around meals, is the way they have dinner. Having that time and really intentionally slowing down has been really nice for me. My host family makes a big point to be present in the moment during these times and everyone genuinely shares how their day was. At first, I was nervous for when I’d have to share my day (partially because I’d be saying it in German) but they those moments have quickly become some of my favorite and are a great way to practice my German in what is a very safe space.

Overall, I really enjoy my living arrangements and host family. There are many aspects of their life that I admire. Dinner has quickly become a highlight of my day because I get to sit and talk with my host family. It’s really nice that they are very invested in how my day was and are willing to help me with any questions I have. Having that family feel is another thing I really appreciate.

I have a host brother (18) and a host sister (22) who are both close in age to me, so talking with them feels very natural and I have really enjoyed getting to know them. I hope to continue spending time with them and getting to know them.

First Impressions…

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I made it across the ocean!

Now, as I write this, I’ve spent some time here in Germany and can confidently say that if I did have any fears, they are gone now. My host family is very nice and I enjoy my classes.

When I first arrived, I got off the plane and had to find the train that would take me to my host family’s house. The public transportation is amazing here in Berlin, and in Germany.

When I first pulled around the corner to my host family’s house, I was a little nervous, only because I wanted to make a good first impression. These are the people that I’ll be spending the next months with. However, those nerves quickly went away as I approached their house, and my host mom was waiting to help me with my bags. However, something happened that caught me completely off guard. The first thing my host mom did was give me a hug! I feel like we are always told that Germans are a colder culture, and so getting a hug was not something I expected. Yet, I haven’t felt like Germans or cold or unwelcoming at all during my time here so far. I’m really thankful for my host family, and am so glad that I chose to get a host family. If you’re going back and forth between having a host family and not having one, I would definitely recommend it! My favorite part is getting to have dinner with them. For dinner, they usually sit together and talk about their day, and I look forward to sharing my day with them every day (auf Deutsch!).

As for classes, I’m happy that I’m enjoying them, but I’m finding the 3 hour long class periods to be hard to adjust to. The longest class period I had before this was an hour and a half and now each of mine are double that. I think I am slowly getting used to them. It’ll just take time.

I’ve also gotten to try a lot of food so far, another thing I was really looking forward to. Currywurst is still my favorite, but I will say that Döner is getting up there in my list of favorites. I’m finding that one of my favorite things to do after my morning class is find a new currywurst place to try. There are so many of them! Eis is also really good. It’s gelato, but the Germans call it Eis. So, if you’re a sugar lover like me, there’s plenty of Eis to try in the city.

I hope we keep the current weather for as long as possible. I know that soon the rainy side of Berlin will start to show, but right now I am very content with the warm sunny days. I’ve heard it doesn’t really snow a lot, but it does get cold and rainy.

Lastly, another big thing that happened for me over here just recently was my 21st birthday, and I got to spend it in Paris. I found it hard to be so far away from my family, but thankfully we have phones, so that made it much easier.

I can’t wait to experience the rest of study abroad and see what adventures await me!

Berlin Bound

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In just a few days, I’ll be boarding a plane to Berlin, and it still doesn’t feel real. This is something I’ve looked forward to for so long, and now it’s just a few days away…

Right now, floor space in my room is nonexistent. Piles of clothes, a suitcase, and way too many things I think I need to bring take up all of the space in my room and my brain. What does one pack for a semester abroad?

I’ve wanted to study abroad for a while, and Berlin always stood out to me. It’s a city with so much history and culture, but also a place that feels alive and creative. From the food to the art and music scene, it’s the kind of place that seems like it has something new to discover around every corner. That’s what makes me so excited to spend a semester there.

At the same time, I know it won’t all be easy. Here at home, I know my routines. I set the same alarm every morning, know how to get to class without even thinking, and who to text when I need to hang out. In Berlin, all of that will be different. I’ll have to figure out the train system, order food in German, and adjust to living in a place I’ve never been before. That’s a little scary, but I think that’s also the point.

One of the biggest reasons I chose to study abroad is to challenge myself. I want to step out of what’s comfortable and see how I grow. I want to explore new places, try new foods, and experience as much as possible. I want to meet as many new people as I can and gain some new friends. I know I’ll miss home sometimes, and I know there will be moments where I feel out of place. But I’m hoping those moments will teach me just as much as the fun ones.

I’ve been thinking about some goals for myself while I’m abroad. I’d love to improve my German, and become a better communicator. I want to meet new people and build friendships that I couldn’t have had if I stayed here. And I want to take time to slow down and notice little things like how a street feels in the morning, or what makes Berlin different from anywhere else I’ve been.

Right now, though, I’m still writing this from my room, excited, ready, and happy. I’m still packing, still saying my goodbyes, and still imagining what it will all be like. I hope that as I write my last blog for this study abroad experience that I’ll be able to look back on this post and see how far I’ve come. Soon enough, I’ll actually be there, writing from Berlin instead of about it. But for now, I’m just grateful for the chance to go and excited to see what’s waiting for me on the other side of the flight.

Tschüss!