Pre-Departure Reflection (Nikash)

Hey there, my name is Nikash Kakarla and I am incoming junior majoring in molecular and cellular neuroscience! A little bit about me is that I love rock climbing, everything cars related, my 2 cats, and traveling the world! I just came back from Peru and I'm so excited to be back in Germany again after 2 years of a long awaited revisit. Germany is one of my favorites and I'm excited to be able to study there and go alongside other Aggies and I know that we will definitely have a blast out there. I’m also super excited for all of the weekends that are free to go and travel the rest of Europe so I am hopping I can knock a couple of counties off my bucket list. 

    Although ive been doing my Doulingo as frequently as I can, I fear the most challenging part of this trip will be communicating with the locals. I love to always chat it up with the locals wherever I go as their lives are always so starkly different that what life is like in America and I think its so cool to listen to all of their stories and life experiences. I’m hopping my German is enough to get by to understand a good bit of what they are saying but some of these compound words are just too long like you can’t tell me Nahrungsmittelunvertraglichkeit is a real word they use lol. 

    Thankfully this isn’t my first rodeo here, it’ll be my third extended trip to Germany! Most of the culture Im familiar with and I have a fair bit of experience on how they might view me as but for the most part German’s (especially in cologne) are superrrr friendly and the only perception they might have about me is that I might be a Turkish immigrant or something along those lines. Im not to bothered by these questions as most of the time they as out of genuine curiosity but its always funny to hear what they have to say. Something that they might surprise them is that I actually have German lineage within my family as my great-grandfather’s dad was originally from Germany! My big plan is to move to Germany in the future and I hope that through this program and other opportunities during my time in Bonn, I can make the definitive decision of weather or not I want to move to Germany forever!

    As the trip gets closer and closer, Im super hyped to be able to study there and I have some nerves over what the course material will look like and I hope to do well in the class but its nothing that I would put out of the ordinary. The class seems very straight forward and I hope to learn more about how differing regions and cultures practice medicine and how it shapes their modern treatments and practices. Approaches for medicinal remedies vary drastically around the world and Im very curious to see what it’s like out in Bonn but all in all I’m looking forward to a great time out there!

0: Pre-departure Reflection

Hallo! 

    It's less than one week out from our departure and I'm finding it hard to believe that by this time next week, I'll be just starting my journey in Germany. When picking a study abroad I first looked at Spain, due to my Spanish minor, but stumbled upon this program in my email. It seemed like a long time coming for me to revisit the country where I spent my first five years, so of course I applied.

    Having spent so many years of my life abroad, I'm most excited to learn about German culture and immerse myself in a new environment. I've always felt that there are so many things to learn from other cultures and so many lessons to take to heart. I'm looking forward to seeing how this study abroad will shape me even more as an adult. I'm excited for all of the food I will try as well, since food is most often at the very center of a country's culture and leads to so much insight on the people of that country.

    Perhaps the most challenging thing I'm expecting is living with a host family and feeling comfortable. I know I'll have to step out of my comfort zone from the get-go since I can be introverted at first meeting, but I'm willing to accept this challenge. I don't want to feel like I'm doing something wrong or invading a person's space, but I think this can be easy to get over.

    I know that there are a lot of stereotypes for Americans, so I hope not to live up to most of them. Being obnoxious or disrespectful is a common stereotype, which is something I'd hate to be associated with. I would like to show people how much I respect other cultures and I hope they'll find me to be someone who's down for anything. Since I'm in a lot of social organizations at A&M, I think it surprises most people when I tell them that I'm actually not a huge extrovert! There's nothing I love more than a comfy night in but I want to show people that I love doing both!

    As much as I'm excited for this experience, I'm definitely nervous for all the discomfort I'll face when I'm getting into the rhythm at the beginning. I'm looking forward to both the knowledge I'll gain from the lectures of the program itself and all the life experiences from everyday moments. See you in Germany!

-Olivia

0: Pre-departure Reflection: Payten Jackson

 

Pre-Departure Reflection

Guten tag!

    I was not expecting to be traveling internationally this summer. I was looking in my inbox and kept receiving emails from the Study Abroad Program about "Germany: History of Medicine." I decided to apply without any particular reason. In the following few days, I received an email notifying me that I had been accepted. I talked with my family about it, and now I'm here, a week away from being in an entirely different country. 

    This will be my first time outside of the United States, so I am nervous. I have been wanting to travel to any country in Europe for a while because of its beautiful infrastructure and way of life. Seeing Austria and Germany in person will be a beautiful experience and increase my worldview. However, this will also be challenging since I have lived in Texas my whole life and only visited a handful of other states. Texas is fine, but it will be amazing to experience walkable cities and cleverly planned public transportation. The cultural difference and language barrier will be a shock, but I believe that I will be able to overcome them and enjoy my time in Germany. 

    Americans and Europeans are known to have this "beef" with one another. It's shown on social media all the time where they just spew these stereotypes back and forth (which are getting old). As a Black American, I know plenty about stereotypes and labels being thrust upon me. You're "loud", "ghetto", "uneducated," and "just a bunch of criminals". This picture has been painted of Black Americans, and maybe even Black people across the globe. Going to another country is scary because I do not know how they will accept me. Will they just see you as another stereotype or see that you are a person just like them? In America, I've witnessed and received my fair share of stereotyping, but it will be interesting to see if people in Germany also hold these ideas. Whether they treat me like a stereotype or not, I will continue to be myself.

    Now for a more lighthearted topic, hello host family! I cannot wait to experience life with you in Bonn. An interesting thing about me is that I love the water. The beach, water parks, pools, you name it. Water is relaxing, and I've loved swimming since I was 4 years old. I also enjoy dancing and have a learned few line dances this summer. I would not mind teaching a few moves. As I prepare for this trip, I feel like this is the beginning of a new journey, one without the Star Spangled Banner and not Deep in the Heart of Texas. 

    I am extremely blessed to go on this journey with my fellow Aggies. I hope this program will add to my desire to go into the medical field and inspire me to continue pursuing my dream.

See you across the lake!

Payten 💕

0: Pre-Departure Reflection (Jemima)

 Howdy & Welcome!

   I am incredibly excited, not just for the experiences I will have in Germany, but also for the memories made along the way. Traveling to a completely new country and continent, and boarding a plane for the first time, is already an adventure in itself. I am especially looking forward to meeting my host family, who have been so kind and welcoming in our conversations. We have talked about sharing our cultures, and they are even planning a welcome BBQ for Michelle and me!

Although this trip has been at the center of my thoughts and conversations, I know there may be small challenges along the way. I do not expect to feel homesick for my physical home, but I might miss the cultural familiarity of the United States, the everyday norms and behaviors that I am used to. Stepping into a completely different environment may feel uncomfortable at times, but I believe growth comes from exactly those unfamiliar moments.

I also expect to be labeled. I do not take it personally. Americans do the same with people from other regions. Just like how we playfully associate the British with tea and beans on toast, I expect some generalizations about Americans. It is not ignorance, just unfamiliarity. I hope to leave a positive impression of what an American student can be. I do not fully relate to those labels anyway; much of who I am is shaped by my Mexican background. I am excited to surprise my host family with my cooking and with the little cultural things that might seem ordinary to me but fascinating to them.

To be completely honest, it still has not hit me that I am leaving in just a few days. I think it is because I have been so busy with my internship, MCAT studying, and applications. I feel a little sad that I have been so wrapped up in everything that I have not allowed myself to fully feel the excitement of studying abroad. I hope that feeling of joy and giddiness catches me during my journey.

I hope to learn so much. Nothing in particular, but the act of learning and having those “aha” moments is what I look forward to the most. I know that this program was created to help us grow both professionally and academically, and I am excited to develop as a student. I also hope to get to know all of you and watch each of you learn and grow as well!

Thanks and Gig 'Em,
Jemima Borrego-Garza

0: Pre-departure Reflection (Aidan)

 I am most excited about traveling outside the states and the opportunities we will have to go to other places when we are in Germany. Those 4 day weekends and group travel plans like the one to Norderney are what I am most looking forward to. Staying in Bonn and with our host families is going to be an amazing experience but I am most looking forward to exploring more of Germany and the surrounding countries. 

Americans are loud, my friends are loud, my siblings are loud, I just hope I don't come across as loud overseas. My dad has been to Europe several times so I have an idea of how to talk and european manors, however, I am sure it will be much different when we get there. I am hoping for a good first hand perspective from my host family and maybe they can provide some guidance on how not to be labeled as a tourist. 

I expect the most challenging part of this trip is going to be not running out of gas in the first few weeks. There is so much to do and so much to experience in Germany and I expect exhaustion is going to be the biggest challenge at least for me. I will be coming into this trip with a sprained ankle so maybe just a little rest here and there and it'll be alright.  

One of my best friends went to Argentina for a month this summer and she always said how nervous she was, it was never excitement, it was always nerves. Now that she's been there for a few weeks, all she can say is how awesome her experience has been and how much fun she's been having. I think a few weeks ago I was nervous, I mean it's kinda hard not to be. But after hearing everything she's had to say about Argentina, I'm really excited and ready to get out of the watchful eyes of my parents. 

I mean, obviously the schooling is important, and I am excited to learn about the history of medicine but I think I am more excited to get to know everyone who's going on the trip. I am excited to travel with yall as most of us experience Germany for the first time. I am excited for the nights hopefully spent having fun and the inside jokes that will come from them. I am excited to learn about the culture and see how different the daily experience is in Germany compared to CS or Austin. Let's just say I'm excited for the trip as a whole :) 

Hopefully I didn't misspell too much in there. I thought I got everything…

See yall in Germany

Aidan

0: Pre-departure Reflection (Kendall)

    I'm most excited about the opportunity to experience everyday life in Germany. This will be the first time I'll be fully immersed in a new culture. I think the most challenging part of the trip may be communicating with my host family. In the email they sent, they mentioned that they aren't great at speaking English. At first I was more worried about learning to navigate a new town, but my host family said they usually show their guests around when they first get there.

    People in Germany may see Americans as ignorant to other cultures, but I want to show my host family that although I may not know everything, I'm willing to learn and take in as much as I can. A fun fact that always surprises people about my hometown is that there are wild horses that live on the beach!

    I'm feeling extremely grateful that I get to take advantage of this opportunity to spend my summer traveling and learning. From this program, I hope to gain the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone. I was scared to apply to this program at first because I've never done anything like it, but I think this experience will make it easier for me to be comfortable trying new things in the future.

Pre-departure Reflection! (Michelle)

 There are many things I am excited about when it comes to this trip. Time really flew between me getting the initial email inviting everyone to apply, filling out the application, weighing the financial logistics, clicking the "commit to this program" button, and now being mere days away from boarding my flight. It was always my dream to go on a study abroad program. It was even one of many reasons that I decided to come to Texas A&M, since we send more students abroad than any other institution in Texas. As a senior, this Summer 2025 term will be my last as a student, so I am excited to make the most out of the time I have left before becoming an alumni. I am excited about getting to immerse myself in another culture in a way I had never been able to and picking up some German in the process. This will be my first time ever flying overseas, and I can't wait to try all the food, see all the beautiful sights, and see how medical history and practice compares to that found in the United States. That being said, I know that there will be many challenges throughout my time there. I will be retaking the MCAT for a better score upon coming back in August, so I will have to sacrifice some of my free time abroad to study and finalize my med school applications. I am really bad at saying no to outings and hangouts, but I know I'll have to be harder on myself to stay on track and do everything I need to, as well as say no to fun things (I'll still be a little sad, though). I am also a bit scared of feeling homesick and not having access to food or my family like I usually do. The time difference might make it harder for me to communicate constantly with my friends and family. Coincidentally, one of my close cousins will be moving to Hungary at around the same time that I'll be over there so we'll get to see each other and maybe I'll get to introduce him to my host family!

    I can't know until I get there, but I know I need to be ready to receive awkward comments or be stereotyped due to my living and attending school in the US. I am not too nervous about that; I had to go through similar situations when I first moved to the United States and my English wasn't the best. I've learned to not take things too personally when it comes to that, since most people are coming from a place of curiosity. I hope that that remains the case once I get to Germany. Other than excitement and trepidation, I am feeling a little pride in myself for deciding to go through with this program. I initially did not want to go because of financial reasons, but somehow I made it work in the end even though I doubted I could many times. I am proud about doing this for myself before I graduate and life changes or gets busier as I prepare for the next step. 

    I hope that by going through this program I'll receive a little more insight into how other countries and cultures experience health, illness, and treatment, as well as gain cultural context for these practices. I'm wondering how healthcare differs in other parts of the world, and whether there are certain things I could implement / keep in mind when the time comes for me to treat patients of different backgrounds in the future. I hope to form meaningful connections with my fellow students and explore, mess up, and learn together. I truly think that we will all grow as individuals and come back different people (in a good way, of course). Looking forward to seeing everyone in Bonn!

0: Pre-departure Reflection (Samantha)

Howdy!!

I am most excited about the travel opportunities that the trip offers! We could go to Prague, Dublin, Copenhagen, there are so many possibilities. I'm also very excited to learn German, even at the basic level. My mom studied in Bonn for a year in high school and used to be fluent in German. She's not anymore, but she has been helping me with my accent as I work through my Rosetta Stone and Duolingo.

I expect the most challenging part of this trip will be burnout. We're doing so many things, which is awesome, but it's all happening in less than six weeks. I know my own social battery will struggle to keep up, and we're all going to be exhausted by the end.

 During the trip, I think American (and Texan) is a prominent label we're all going to get. As foreigners, there is a certain amount we are going to stand out no matter what, dressing differently, not speaking German, etc. I want to make sure that I am open to any and all cultural expectations, especially with my host family, so that I can be as respectful as I can. In addition to that, Americans don't have a great rep, and I don't want to be a representation of the negative stereotypes that many countries have for us. For example, Americans are thought to be terrible at geography, so I think people would be surprised to learn that I can name all 195 countries on earth (I had a lot of spare time last summer). Hopefully, other people, and our host families, will be open to getting to know me and our group as individuals, and not just labels. 

As I've been preparing for the trip, I've been feeling very restless. There hasn't been much to do at home while preparing for the trip, so every day feels like 1oo years. I started packing already, and I'm halfway through reading our German history book just to fill the time. I'm so grateful and excited to have this opportunity, and I just want it to get started.

There are a lot of things I'm hoping to get out of the program; I want to have a good time, to make great new relationships, and to learn as much as possible about a new culture. We have 5 weeks to absorb as much as is physically possible, and I want to take advantage of all of it. 

0: Pre-departure Reflection (Ali)

 

Howdy & Welcome!

As my departure date is arriving in 8 days to go abroad for 2 months, it still doesn’t fully feel real. It’s a mix of butterflies, nervousness and a long to-do list. But beneath all of that, what I feel most is excitement—excitement to live with a new family, to try new foods, to hear a language that isn’t my own being spoken around me every day. I can’t wait to be challenged, stretched, and surprised by all the things I’ll learn—both in the classroom and beyond.

That said, I’m not naïve about the challenges. I expect the hardest part will be communicating- not just because of language, but because of subtle cultural differences in how people connect, joke, express frustration, or show hospitality. While I have been practicing the common phrases in German, there are so many things I still do not know. My host family has 3 children ages 8, 5, and 1 and I am concerned that it will be very difficult to communicate with them because they probably do not know English yet like most German adults do. I’m also preparing myself for a few moments of feeling out of place or homesick, especially when things feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. But I’m trying to see those moments as part of the experience, not setbacks.

One thing I’ve been thinking about is how people might see me when I arrive. Being American often comes with certain stereotypes: loud, overly confident, or culturally unaware. I don’t really identify with those labels, but I understand where they come from. I hope people, especially my host family, see me as curious, kind, and open-minded. And if I could tell them one thing that might surprise them, it’s that although I may seem outgoing and energetic, I actually really value quiet moments, reflection, and just observing the world around me.

Besides the excitement and nerves, I also feel incredibly grateful. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this, and I don’t want to take a second of it for granted. I am feeling thankful to have parents who support me and desire for me to have these cool experiences, not only the study abroad but also the month longer before and after the trip that they are allowing me to go off and experience other cultures besides just German. I feel humbled to be welcomed into someone’s home, and I hope I can show my appreciation through respect, effort, and a willingness to engage fully.

Through this experience hope to grow. I hope to walk away with a deeper understanding of another culture, but also of myself. I want to become more independent, more confident in navigating new situations, and more aware of how big and beautifully diverse the world really is. This is more than a trip, it's a chance to grow in every way. And I’m ready for it. 

0: Pre-departure Reflection (Caroline)

Howdy!!

As I am writing this post, it is 16 days before our arrival in Germany. The time is passing quickly, and before we know it, we will be walking the streets in Bonn to class. While looking forward to every second, from finding small local gems in Bonn, to exploring on weekends off, I am most excited to connect with the people there. My freshman year of high school, I had an exchange student from Trier, Germany come and stay with me. At that time, I was just so happy to get to learn from her a bit about her country, but especially share with her everything I love about mine. I hope that as I embark on this journey, I will have the opportunity to meet people like her who just want to share their culture with me. 

I have also been so lucky in the past to have been able to travel to quite a few other countries in the past. Every single one is so unique, with different history, traditions, foods, and languages. Through these experiences, I feel like I have come to know that no matter where you are, people are just trying to get by, grow, love, and do good. I hope to connect with people on that human level. 

All of this being said, there are going to be challenges. I think for me the greatest will be the language barrier for sure. I know that many Germans do speak English, but while exploring on your own, finding random restaurants, I'm sure there will be plenty of times I will be pulling out my phone to scan the menu for a full translation and struggling to pronounce the meal I would like to the server. The same could be said for public transport; I will put high odds on the fact that at least once I will miss an exit or go the wrong way while trying to use the busses or trains there ;)

Furthermore, I know I will be labeled as an outsider, an American, and from their perspective, one that doesn't even know our language. As I have been studying, I know key words or phrases, but compared to how they learn multiple languages from such a young age, us Americans are way behind. I hope to show them that I am trying and that while I may not know much going in, I am there because I know that being immersed in it all is the best way to learn the ins and outs of a language and culture. I hope to show them that not all stereotypes they may put to Americans, or even more specifically Texans, are accurate. 

I know once we arrive in Germany, the time will fly by quicker than we can imagine. I guess this leaves me feeling overwhelmed by the idea that there are so many things to see and do and experience, and I do not want to miss out on a single thing in my short amount of time there. But thinking like this, you realize it is not possible. There will always be more to see or do, so you just have to absorb the most you can. That is my greatest hope for this experience: take it all in because this is a once in a lifetime experience and the memories are something you get to bring back with you more special than any trinket.

See y'all so soon!!

Caroline

0: Pre-Departure Reflection (Abby)

 

Howdy & Welcome!

As the time for our departure is getting closer and closer, I keep getting more excited! Living and studying in a new country for a few weeks is such a beautiful opportunity. I know the knowledge and experiences I acquire this summer are going to last me a lifetime. I can't wait to expand my knowledge of different cultures by immersing myself in German culture. I am also very excited about the course content we will be going through. I can't wait to learn more about the healthcare system in Germany and be able to make connections with the American healthcare system.

One of the most challenging parts of this experience for me is going to be feeling comfortable in a new country and home. I know it is going to take some time for me to feel comfortable, but approaching this situation with an open mind and outgoing heart is important. 

I know I am going to stand out in Germany as an American tourist who speaks very little German. Standing out in this way makes me nervous as a young woman, and I hope I will not be taken advantage of. It also makes me nervous that I am going to feel/look foolish and uninformed. My goal is to embrace my differences and acquire as much knowledge as I can while also sharing the knowledge I bring with me as an American. I am American and a Texan, and as I identify with these labels and some of the stereotypes that come along with them, they are not all true. I hope people will be able to see this as they get to know me during my time in Germany.

As I am assembling myself for this trip, I am feeling slightly overwhelmed by the tasks required to be prepared for the trip while balancing my ongoing busy life at home. Going abroad involves so many tasks that are new to me, and at times it can feel like a lot. Besides my excitement for this amazing new experience that is in front of me, I am also nervous. I am most nervous about the amount of time I will be gone from the places and people I know at home. I hope to make connections in Germany that will allow me to feel less alone in a new country and ones that follow me back to Texas. 

 

0: Pre-departure Reflection (Rebekah)

Howdy & Welcome

I am excited to experience school and life in a new culture. It will be interesting to see the similarities and differences between my life here in Texas and in Germany. While the new environment is what I am most excited for, I also think it could be the most challenging aspect of the trip as well. Learning how to use public transportation in a new place without knowing the language will be a challenge.

I think many people see Americans as unwilling to learn about other cultures. However, I am very excited to experience the German culture and learn all there is to know about the people and places there. Something about me that may surprise you is that I love to bake sourdough bread and many other recipes. Besides excitement and a little bit of fear, I am feeling nervous about navigating the new culture and environment. 

I would like to learn about how the healthcare system in Germany came to be and how it operates now in comparison to the American healthcare system. I know I will learn so much during this study abroad and I cannot wait! 

Thanks and gig'em, 

Rebekah Bledsoe

0: Pre-Departure Reflection (Victoria)

Howdy & Welcome!

   There are a plethora of reasons I am excited for my upcoming trip to Germany, it will be very difficult to pinpoint one. I am 100% excited for the new experience and exposure this trip will provide. The various foods, clothing, learning materials, language, and all around unexplored places serve as my primary source of excitement. 

    I anticipate the most challenging part of the trip to be the balance of school and fun due to how foreign everything will be. The lecture side of this study abroad is equally as terrifying as the fact I will be in a completely new environment. 

    I think a number of labels will be placed on me and for a multitude of reasons. I think in my time abroad anyone who is from Germany should be able to easily tell that I am a tourist. I will most likely be wearing an outfit that doesn't match the "norm" and say "y'all" way too much. However, if I am labeled an American or Texan, which I am both and rightfully so, I will wear these labels as a badge of honor. I am proud to be American and am even more proud to be an American from Texas. I wish for my host family to know that even though I am Texan/American I am not restricted to the stereotypes those labels acquire and rather am a mosaic of interests. 

    The main emotion plaguing me is anticipation for this trip would be feelings of nervousness and anxiety. This anxious emotional cocktail will most likely be continuing until the completion of my first week abroad. 

    I hope to create lasting memories I will carry throughout the rest of my career at A&M and the rest of my life. I also aim to learn a lot of German and get an insight on what German life looks like up close and personal. 

Thanks & gig'em,

Victoria

0: Pre-Departure Reflection (Anna Beth)

Howdy! 

    As I prepare for this Germany study abroad, I am most excited to meet my host family and practice to be a good guest and student within their home. As I have already lived with four host families in two different countries, I discovered that those experiences were some of the most special to me during my international travels. It is very challenging as it can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, but I am able to focus on the simple and genuine parts of myself, such as being kind, considerate, and curious. 

    I will not be something new as an American in Bonn, especially as the city exists as an international hub. I hope to maintain a respectful picture of my culture, but to never be apologetic for my identity as well. I would like to present myself to my host family as the classic Texan cowgirl with a horse waiting for me at home:) 

    As I prepare for this last study abroad in my college experience, I am feeling ready to make the absolute most of it. My goal for this study abroad is to make new relationships, walk unfamiliar streets, and absorb as much as I can of the historical events of medicine. A retrospective outlook on the medical world of former European times can inspire and train me to be a better prospective healthcare professional. 

See you soon in Germany.

Anna Beth