Impressive Impressions
To everybody who is scared to study abroad, whether that’s because it’s too far, or you’ve never left America, or you don’t know the language, DO IT! As someone who had never left America before three weeks ago, I did not know how much this opportunity would affect me.
My flight here was beautiful. I had a layover in Iceland and got to see part of that beautiful country. It was the last time I’ll be driving a car for the next three months.
Arriving in Germany was a bit tough on the first day. I was very tired and had about five hours of sleep after being up for 48 hours. However, I don’t think I’ll forget walking into my Host Family‘s house for the first time and thinking; okay, so this is home now.
Host families are awesome because they make delicious dinners for you and talk to you about so many world experiences you didn’t even know existed in America. I have yet to share much about myself, but it’s funny to hear some of their opinions because, of course, they’re different than mine.
Different doesn’t mean wrong. One big difference I have learned is that Germany is very green. And that has taken some getting used to. My house doesn’t have a dryer because the air can dry my clothes without using energy. Plastic is a no-go in my Family‘s house. Natural light is always best, and it’s great when you remember to unplug things from the wall.
By no means or any of these things bad. In fact, their focus is to make the world better! It just takes some getting used to!
One of the biggest differences in my day-to-day life is public transport. It takes me roughly 50 minutes to get to school from my house. I first hop on the S1 Train before changing to a bus to get to school. That’s much different than my 4 minute walk to class from Augustana.
When this public transport works, I love it! All the architecture out the window is breathtaking. AND, the train is quickly becoming my decompression time from my German classes I take. It’s especially good for people watching, which is great when you’re trying to learn more about people.
When the public transportation system does not work, it is terrible. Twice so far I missed a bus or train that has added a good hour to my journeys. And I’m sure that these mess ups will continue to happen, but to anyone considering going, the trains and buses run exactly as they should 99% of the time.
One of the things that I absolutely love is that most days I get out of school around noon. Berlin has lots to do. I’ve gone down to the Brandenburg Tor, eaten my share of curry wurst and döner kebab, met friends for beers, which I don’t usually do, and, most importantly, talked to native German speakers.
The first week I arrived, my host family’s apartment building had a backyard grill out. I got to sit and have a picnic with eight people I would have never had the opportunity to meet. They were so kind to let me try speaking German, and, in return they got to practice some English too.
Before I left for study abroad, I was so nervous. But now that I’ve been here, Berlin is quickly becoming a second home. I went away for the weekend to see a new town and when Sunday night came rolling around I just wanted to see Berlin.
I’m sure there are many more things for me to explore and many more people for me to meet before this adventure is done.
Till next time,
Reba
