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
Caroline, I loved reading your post! Your perspective on connecting with people at a human level really stood out to me—it’s such a powerful reminder that beyond all the cultural differences, we’re all just trying to live meaningful lives. I totally relate to your excitement about immersing yourself in the language and local life and I’m also definitely preparing myself for a few awkward menu translation moments too! Can’t wait to experience this with you soon!
ReplyDeleteAli
I think that is so cool that you had a German exchange student come and stay with you and now you are going to be staying with a family in Germany. I am also really impressed with all of your prior traveling experience and knowledge you have. I too am worried about the language barrier we are going to experience, but you're right immersing yourself in their everyday life is the best way to learn. I am so excited to be in Germany learning with you soon!
ReplyDeleteYou are really preparing yourself well to take full advantage of this experience! (Awkward moments happen even at home. 🙃)
ReplyDeleteWe have to hope that time slows down some while we are there so that we have the opportunity to better engage, appreciate, and savor the program.