As a student, I never
took German. In school I only learned about German history and culture through
the regular curriculum. Most of this education involved the topic of World War
II and the Holocaust though. I knew that there was so much more to Germany, but never had the chance to experience the country first hand. The closest I
have ever come to experiencing Germany was probably visiting the Germany Pavilion
in Epcot at Walt Disney World or maybe even visiting German Fest in Milwaukee.
So
why choose to study abroad in Germany? I have never left the country before,
but I have always wanted to travel to Europe. My heritage is completely
European, a mix from six different counties. And even though I am only 25%
German, it is a part of my heritage that has always fascinated me. I remember
my Grandfather telling my siblings and me stories about our German heritage
when we were younger. More recently my Grandparents have talked with us about
their travels to Germany as well. Then a few years ago, my Father went to
Berlin to run the marathon. Hearing about their time in Germany was very
exciting, and I knew that I would want to visit Germany someday too.
When I came to college I was strongly encouraged
to study abroad, especially by the College Scholars Honors Program. I was
considering studying abroad in a few different countries, but Germany was still
at the top of my list. After attending the D-term information session, I knew
for sure that this was the trip for me. Through this experience, I expect to
learn so much about Germany and the German culture. I want to immerse myself in
the culture. I want to see the castles, the cathedrals, the architecture, the
people, and the remnants of their long history up close.
Pictured to the left is the
famous Neuschwanstein Castle in the Alps. German castles are absolutely
beautiful, and I can’t wait to see these amazing structures in person.
I am
also very excited to see the breathtaking cathedrals and other amazing architecture
of Germany. This next picture was taken in Cologne, Germany. It features the
Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge.
Finally, here is the
Brandenburg Gate, a well-known German landmark which I look forward to seeing
in Berlin.
Since I have never left the country before, this will be a
completely new experience for me. I think that I will learn a lot about travel
and how other countries view Americans, but I also expect to learn a lot about
myself. I really do feel that this will be a life-changing, eye-opening
experience for me. It is all very exciting. And now I can’t wait for my big German
adventure! In the next few months I plan to prepare and learn as much as I can
about Germany, including some of the German language. I believe this trip is
truly going to be a once in a lifetime experience.
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