Here Already?

Throughout the entire semester I was constantly looking forward to and trying to mentally prepare for this trip. Even with all that, I'm still feeling a bit anxious now that it's finally here. All my bags are packed and waiting by the door, but I still feel so unprepared like I was never really aware of what was going to happen and that fact is just now hitting me. I guess you could say that I'm becoming aware that I'm unaware.

I feel a tinge of regret for not getting to know the woman I will be staying with better. We've exchanged a few e-mails and we're "friends" on facebook, but I would be lying to say I couldn't have easily done more. I know it won't be awkward staying with her or anything, but I'm still a bit nervous about it and think I might not be if I knew more about her. Anyway, this is only a minor complaint because she seems like an extremely nice woman from the little contact we've had, and I'm extremely grateful for her.

Once I get to Germany, I'm planning on mostly staying with the group as much as I can. I have planned trips to most of the major cities, but I know that things can change. For me, this trip is just as much about making relationships with people as it is about making a relationship with the countries, so I'm willing to change plans if others decide to. That being said, I'm really excited to get the chance to see all these places that I feel like I've been missing for so long. Paris is probably the trip I'm looking forward to most because it's such a legendary city, but I'm sure I'll find that each city has parts just as fascinating as the others.

Of course, this is a STUDY abroad program so I'm sure I'll learn a great deal. I'm excited to learn about European culture in general as well as the history of the area. The classes will definitely be helpful, but I suspect most of my learning will come by simply immersing myself in the culture. Having only really spent time in the United States and some resorts in Mexico, it will be interesting to see how different other cultures can be. From what I've heard, there are some pretty big changes, both positive and negative. Regardless of whether I end up loving it (which is likely) or hating it (which seems impossible), I'm sure I'll have learned quite a bit after the next five weeks are up.

I will definitely miss my friends and family as well as my girlfriend over the rest of the summer, but they will all be waiting patiently at home for me when I get back. Though it seems like I'll be gone such a long time, these goodbyes won't be forever. I've made a number of new hobbies this summer including biking, tennis, and just fitness in general. The fact that I'm going to have to let some of that go for the next five weeks is a little hard, but it's certainly not the end of the world. Who knows, maybe I'll even pick up some new hobbies while I'm gone. Regardless of the people and things I leave behind, I'm very excited for this opportunity. My plane's landing really can't come soon enough.

Last min

After waiting an entire semester the trip to Germany has finally come. It is the night before I leave and I am finalizing all of my packing after thinking about what to take for the past week. I just hope I don’t forget something that I will need.

I am feeling little regrets about not learning a lot of German so I hope that I will be able to get by without it. Hopefully my host family will give me a crash course in German. Maybe I’ll just run to B&N to get a little dictionary before noon tomorrow.

I have only planned out my first weekend in the Netherlands as of right now because I feel things will change when I get there. Trying to figure out what the group wants to do or just going off and doing my own thing. I am looking forward to getting to know the group more because I only know a few people.

I am looking forward to learning about the history of Germany and other places in Europe. I am excited to see all of the museums and architecture Europe has to offer. I hope to learn lots about the wonderful beer in germany. I hope to broaden my beer tastes outside of weissbier.

I know that I will miss my family and the new friends I have made in Lubbock this summer. I am also going to miss being able to ride my bike everyday. Hopefully I can still stay in triathlon/biking shape by running a little bit, maybe this will allow me to see more things.

I look forward to seeing everyone in 24 hours

Hallo!

In the midst of a whirlwind of packing and preparing, I remembered that I hadn't actually posted this blog yet, despite the fact that I thought about posting every day for the past two weeks. Hooray for procrastination. It's amazing how fast time passes in the summer. I must admit, if I had written this a few days ago, all I would have been able to write about was anxiousness. My glasses broke and the new pair I ordered had to be sent back, I had last minute banking trouble, I still can't speak even a little German and my host mother can't speak English any better, and I just managed to ram my face into my desk chair so I'll probably have a black eye tomorrow. Look out Germany here I come!

So I guess the procrastination paid off. My old glasses were repaired enough to take with me, I will not be broke traveling through Germany, I have an excellent German/English dictionary, and I'm hoping my impending black eye will make any con artists think twice because I am clearly a dangerous woman. Getting the packing (mostly) done and the weekend plans established (thank you Drew, Bailey, and Kristen) did wonders for my travel jitters and now all I'm left with is a whole lot of excitement.

I'm not too sure what to expect, but I don't want to have to many expectations anyways. Better to leave room for all the awesome experiences that will happen then to try and live out my expectations. I know this trip is going to be amazing for a fact. It's been my 11:11 wish all summer, so that's basically a sure thing :) I'm really excited to meet my host mother and get either really good at German, or really good at charades.

The time over there is definitely going to fly, so hopefully I won't have time to be homesick. I'll miss my family a whole lot. They'll be going on vacations too so I'm not too worried about them missing me which is good for my peace of mind. I'm also not sure if I'm gonna like German food all that much, but I'm not worried about it. It's part of the experience.

I can't wait to get on the plane tomorrow and get started! It's going to be a fantastic summer. I've just got to get the last of that pesky packing done. Once again, thank you procrastination.

Leaving Tomorrow

It still hasn't really sunk in yet that I'm leaving for Germany in less than 24 hours. I've never been out of the country. Since I live in the Chicago metropolitan area, I figured that going to school in Texas would be equivalent to studying in another country. However, last winter when it became apparent that the stars might align and this trip might become a reality--I was thrilled.

My biggest worry is finding vegetarian food (my second biggest worry is that my yoga mat doesn't fit in my duffle bag, if that gives you any clue about my priorities). I barely speak a word of German, so I don't know how I'm going to read labels or ask waiters/ store clerks if stuff has animal products in it. Similarly, many ingredients in the US are vegetarian simply because it is cheaper to make them out of corn by-products, whereas in Europe it is more economical to use animal by-products. To be safe, I'll probably just live on beer and chocolate for the entire trip.

I like structured activities, so I'm a bit intimidated by the free weekends. There are several sites I'd like to visit that are not part of the program, but I'll get more comfortable negotiating trains and traveling in general when I get over there. Advice various people have given me about their experiences traveling in Europe has ranged from not encouraging to terrible: "You'll spend the first few weeks worrying about getting robbed, but then all your stuff will get stolen and you'll find out it isn't that bad!" "If you can't find a place to stay, just sleep by the road! You'll be fine!" "Americans get charged 4 times as much for things. Tell everyone you're Canadian." "Don't go to Paris; it sucks." "Bring underwear you don't like so you can throw it away instead of washing it." However, as long as I don't act like an entitled, obnoxious, stereotypical American, I think I'll be fine.

Already?

Well July sure snuck up pretty fast. Summer just keeps getting shorter and shorter.

I've spent most of my summer working in Lubbock, but all I've been able to focus on is this trip. I spent a lot of my time out there looking up things to do and see on our free weekends, and looking for cheap hostels. After the program, I'm going to Helsinki, and Stockholm, so I still need to figure out how I'm going to spend my time there. I guess that's what the train rides are for. Hopefully I'll be comfortable enough with travelling around Europe by then that I'll be able to go on the rest of my travels without any issues.

Speaking of issues, I've already had my first passport scare. Since I've been out of town all summer, my College Station pile still hasn't been sorted through. It wasn't where I remembered packing it up, so I destroyed the house pulling everything apart to find it. I was starting to think I was going to be stuck here. I'm not usually one to lose anything, so I was convinced it was gone. But, I finally found it, and now I have a big mess to clean up.

I'm not too worried about losing it on the trip, but it will be glued to me the whole time. That was definitely enough stress for one summer.

Now to leave that awful start behind and start on a month long of experiencing new, exciting things and making new friends.

I'm not sure what I'm going to miss over the next month. Obviously, we will all miss family and friends. I'm not a picky eater at all, so I don't think I'll really miss the food here. I'm actually looking forward to the new foods we'll get to try. I'm definitely not going to miss the hot, humid summer. It's 65° in Bonn right now... I don't think I could be more happy about that.

I am definitely excited about just about every aspect of this trip. Maybe a little nervous about meeting my host family, and the weekend travel going smoothly, but overall I know this is going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

I do still have some packing to do, so I'll end with that and see you all in Bonn!

24 Hours

I have a little over 24 hours before my plane will be taking off from Houston Intercontinental Airport bound for Frankfurt, Germany. And I won't be getting on another one for five weeks. Wait, what?

The past few months my excitement (and anxiety) for this trip has been steadily increasing. I am so looking forward to the adventures that await me. I guess just the idea of being so fully immersed in a culture so foreign to me is overwhelmingly exciting. I am generally slightly cautious to new and unknown things, but this time I can't wait. It is such an incredible opportunity to be able to talk to foreign people, see the buildings and the culture and the history, and hopefully pick up a little German.

So far, my summer has consisted of being extremely lazy and bored in my hometown while trying to finish up summer school. I am taking two online classes for a total of six credit hours. Both classes are supposed to last until August; I am trying to finish them in four weeks. Needless to say, I am eager to finish them up and get on to something a little more exciting.

If you asked me a few weeks ago what my current fears were, I'd probably talk about being away from home and loved ones for so long, getting along with my host family, or what to do one the weekends. While these are still on my mind, if you asked me today my answer would change to airport security, which clothes to pack, and how to deal with my Dr. Pepper addiction.

Overall I am extremely excited about starting my journey tomorrow. I think I will feel a lot better once I finish (ok, get started) packing though. I can't wait to get there and get started already!

Ready

There is a brand new bag, still as limp and empty as the day I got it from the store. There is a pile of clothes awaiting the washing machine. The electronics and chargers that are so dreadfully vital to my existence have not yet been collected, and a pair of cats has succeeded in convincing me that a week of perpetual naptime was a good idea. But there is also a drawer full of completed paperwork in the next room and a steadily shrinking to-do list in my head. Friends from all over the state have been sufficiently caught up. Six weeks of studying dairy medicine has filled me with more knowledge than I could ever want. I have been productive, in all the ways that count. Or all the ways that don’t, depending how you look at it.

I do not anticipate that the fat of Summer’s leisure will do anything but expand my waistline, as it already has during my stay in greenless hicktown, New Mexico, where the lettuce is iceberg and the green beans come with bacon. I look forward to beer and sausage and various tubers, and whatever other calorific foods the Germans have to offer; I will eat it without regret. I love food, and I need something new. It’s cliché, but it’s what I look forward to most.

Oh, and the learning. I expect that this trip and this class will be infinitely more exciting than any I have ever seen. Not only do the lecture and lecturer seem like they will be interesting, but the country itself contains, in my opinion, the most fascinating culture and history on the continent. Except for the mandatory trip to Austria, I plan to tour Germany exclusively, and hopefully learn a great deal about the language while I am there.

That, however, is the extent of my planning. It frustrates some of my friends and my parents that I know so little about what I would like to do and what I think I will learn, but I say that ruins the fun of it. So what if I don’t wash my clothes until the morning of? I’ll get to the airport three hours early, like you’re supposed to. And I may not know where I am sleeping on the Saturday night of the fourth weekend, but I’ll know on Saturday morning.

I’m not ready. But I’m excited. Are you?

Wattwanderwhat?

I absolutely cannot believe that I am leaving for Germany in three days. As everyone else will agree, it seems like only yesterday that we were attending our first induction meeting. The semester ends, a few lazy summer days roll by, an OChem class comes and thankfully goes, then BAM! There she is, July 1st, sitting pretty on the next page of my planner. One ticket to Germany, bitte.

The past month of my life has been a somewhat voluntary, yet particularly unpleasant, sacrifice to the OChem gods. Daily four hour mini-marathons of note taking, lab work, and turtle time (Bailey LeConte, Drew Bedgood, Lisa Clayton and I have become very fond of spending our break time with the turtles that reside in the tank at the end of the hall. We are quite positive they will miss us once we embark on our great adventure. Especially The Brain, he seems to be the odd-turtle-out.). The only thing that makes completion of my summer course bearable is the knowledge that Germany awaits. Because Drew and Bailey are also traveling to Germany, class time evolved into “plan Germany jaunt” time at a very early stage in the curriculum (around when Dr. Miller handed out the syllabus). Thank goodness I have had these two around. Without them I would most likely be hostel-less on the upcoming weekend trips and would probably be in a slight state of panic. Bailey, Drew, for all of your help, my sanity thanks you.

Next on the list, packing. It is quite literally next on the list because the process itself has yet to actually begin. I will be carrying, on my back, everything that must accompany me on the trip. For this reason, I figured I would attempt a minimalistic approach. I know what you’re thinking. “Female. Europe. Five weeks. Good luck with an essentials only concept.” Well thank you for your support. Considering the fact that I only have one day to pack, I figure I can’t overdo it by too much anyway. Tomorrow morning I will take my final, deflate my air mattress, throw it in my car, and drive home to Dallas. I am hoping that spending a month on inflatable bedroom furniture will have conditioned me for the “mattresses” that await at hostels.

What will I miss while I am away? Well, I am not quite certain. Though I am not one that is generally ailed by homesickness, I am sure I will miss friends and family more than anything else. Honestly, the excitement of being in Germany will probably drown any possibility of sorrows for the first five, or so, weeks of the trip. What do I most look forward to? Everything! Sightseeing and people watching. Obviously, tours of facilities and insight into medical history. Maybe some morning jogs through the parks in Bonn (a preemptive measure to combat the beer belly).

Well, since the only words my spell check is flagging are German, I guess this post is blog-ready. Until Bonn everybody!

Beer Bellies, Diet Coke, & Medicine

After a rough summer of Organic Chemistry from 7:30-11:30 every morning, and work from 12:30-4:30 everyday, I cannot believe that the time has finally come for a break! I have been planning on this trip to Germany since September, and have known about it for over a year now; having had a friend previously go on the same study abroad program last summer. The excitement has been continually building up and my "over" planning will finally come to a halt (I've been told on several occasions that I am "out of control"). Sitting here at my last day of work I am writing down everything that I need to do before I leave, and counting the hours until my plane leaves (~72 hrs). Among other things I decided that for this first blog entry, I could summarize all of my fear and excitement into three categories: Beer Bellies, Diet Coke, and Medicine.

Beer Bellies

This idea derives primarily from my future roommate who got back from his summer I study abroad trip to Germany this week. Let's just say that (although I haven't seen him in person yet) I have heard that he put on a few pounds during his month long stay. The Germans are known worldwide for their beer, and it is something that I highly look forward to. I personally feel like this shouldn't be too big of a problem noting that there will be miles of walking to be done everyday in hopes of staying fit. This beer belly concept can also be extended to my excitement for the German culture and being fully emerged in a foreign land where I may be "taking back" some of my experiences with me (even if it means a few pounds). This is a once in a lifetime experience and I do not intend on letting any anxieties get in the way of missing out.

Diet Coke

Ah, my love for diet coke (and caffeine in general). This is going to be a problem. I have a serious addiction and I know that free refills and my daily accessibility to diet coke will be limited. This, however, is going to be something that I will have to get over, no matter how hard it may be. Heck, maybe this trip will be a good time for detox. Among other fears, however, I know that I am going to miss my family and my niece, of whom I only get to see a couple times a year to begin with. I am continually comforted in the fact that I am not completely shut off from them, and my experiences abroad will only give me more to talk to them about. Also, the fact that I will get to see my cousin who lives in Paris for a weekend will be very exciting!

Medicine

This theme is obviously more blatant for it describes the whole purpose behind this trip! I absolutely love medicine and new technologies that have to deal with improving quality of life for many people. I have gone through our schedule to see what museums and hospitals we are visiting so many times that I should probably have it memorized by now. This is definitely what I am looking forward to the most. The international experience in medicine that I will gain through this program will be second to none and I am hoping that it will aid me with applying to medical school.

After months of planning, working, and class, I finally feel prepared and ready to flee the country. All that's left is an OChem final (dear God help us all), a little more packing left to do, and a 3 hour drive to Dallas tomorrow. I can't wait to meet my host family and begin an adventure of a lifetime on Saturday!

Until Bonn,

Tschuss!

First Time Out of the Country

I have lived in the same house all my life, I don't travel much, and I have never been out of the country, not even to Mexico, so when this study abroad opportunity was presented I had to take advantage. So, as excited as some others may claim to be, I doubt that they have looked forward to this as much as me. Not only did I never think that I would be able to do this, but I was skeptical that a program out there even existed for biomedical engineers. Now that the day is almost here I am ready to strike out on my own, away from my family, and go places they have never been before, and learn about a culture that they know very little about.

Nothing is more exciting to me then experiencing the culture first hand. It is going to be so interesting seeing the differences in everyday life, and other small things like that: the food, the dress, the music. I can't wait to learn about all of it. I like a certain type of all of those things, so it will be fun to try new stuff, and see how different or similar it all is.

Of course the next thing that I anticipate most is the scenery and attractions. Germany is a much older country than the US so it has much older and more beautiful buildings and other architectural works. The museums, hospitals, zoos, castles; they will all be like nothing I have ever seen before.

As much fun as being in Germany is going to be, I have to admit I am quite excited for the weekend trips to other cities and countries. I will be going to Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, and a few other German cities that aren't included in the program. I have spent weeks planning hostels and activities for the weekends we're there, but also hope to stumble upon a few hidden spots that tourists don't usually venture to.

One last thing that I am excited about, the BEER! How could I not be when traveling to one of the world's most famous countries for their beer? We are definitely going to try as much as we can of all the different kinds. Hopefully we will all still like American beer when we return.

These last few days have been so stressful, especially with all the packing and planning, but I know that it will all be worth it when I arrive in Berlin on Saturday. Although, I am nervous about the culture and language barriers I am confident that we can manage, and that we will all come back more experienced and learned than before!

Ready to Get Out of Here!

Anticipation, excitement, mountains of fun. Germany will be incredible. Since I have never traveled abroad, I don't know what to expect. Of course I have reviewed all the travel tips provided by AIB and Texas A&M, but that is only the surface. Those travel tips help give you ability to travel and be prepared for the unexpected, but until I actually get Germany, I really don't know what to expect. I have talked to people who have traveled to Germany

One thing I am wondering about is how much American culture Germans know about. Do they follow celebrities like TMZ, or do they think that stuff is pretty stupid. As of right now, I do believe they show American movies in Germany. It could be interesting to see the new Transformers movies over there. However, if the Germans do follow the American celebrities, I can tell my host family that I have seen some of their houses in Beverly Hills. I would also find it interesting why Germans or other Europeans like American celebrities so much. And I know it is not the same way for the United States. I do not know any Germans except for Dirk Nowitzki. I know that Germans know about him because he was the number one searched person recently on yahoo.de. This is actually pretty cool since I saw a Mavericks game this year, however it was the first game Dirk was injured. The Mavs lost to the Raptors. Yep, the Raptors. But I do believe that the Germans follow American culture.

I am also looking forward to talking to Germans as well. I want to know how much personality differences there are. I know that Americans are known for being friendly, but do Germans offer something different that Americans would like. My prediction for what Germans(based on what I have been told and seen on TV) that they are frank and more serious than Americans. Even though this isn't a reputable source, South Park had an episode about how the Germans are the least funniest people in the world. Yes, South Park is a raunchy TV show with little cartoon characters, but it probably has some truth. Maybe the Germans will prove me wrong.

I am also curious how many people will have the name Schaefer. Since my name is German, I wonder if it is like Smith or Williams in the United States. Maybe it is spelled differently or is there an amula over the a.

To wrap this blog up, I am excited about going to Germany because of the new surprises and adventures I will be having.

Another New Place

Well I'm finally home in Bandera, TX and have internet access for the night so I'm taking the chance to write my blog while I can. I've been in Vinton, LA all this summer and the only internet I've been able to get on has been pretty sketchy.Most of my summer, so far, has been spent working for my dad and for a veterinarian at Delta Downs and shadowing at a big equine clinic in Vinton. I want to be a large animal veterinarian (hopefully equine) and have been working on my "experience hours" so far this summer.

I am so excited about going to Germany. Honestly, I'm probably more excited about the nicer weather than anything. It's definitely going to be a huge break from the hellish heat in humidity that I've gotten used to in Vinton. At least in Bandera it's dry heat and it actually cools off some at night. I'm not really sure yet if I'm going to get to Germany and absolutely love the weather or freeze my butt off.

When I first found out that I was going to be going on this trip for sure, I figured that I'd be most nervous about going to a completely new place on my own, where I didn't really know anyone. If it wasn't for this study abroad opportunity, I don't think I'd have convinced myself to go at all. I guess that just goes to show how much I've changed in the past few years. When I first graduated high school, I never would have thought that I would even consider going on some sort of trip like this. I was one of the most shy and quiet people you could ever meet. I'm still pretty quiet, actually, but I've gotten better. I guess I've just picked up and moved to enough new environments that It doesn't really bother me anymore.

Right now, the thing that I'm most nervous about is getting my bag checked and getting on the plane. I'm not too worried about figuring everything out once I get over there though. I've only been on a couple planes in my life and they've both been short flights where I didn't have to worry about getting my bag checked. And not only will this be my first long flight but it will be the first time I've ever been out of the country. I'm probably just over-worrying myself about this though. I'll probably be at the airport around noon or early afternoon because that's the only time my dad can drop me off. He has to get back to Vinton because he has horses to run that night (he's a race horse trainer if I hadn't mentioned that before) so we're going to drive to Houston after he finished tracking horses in the morning so he can get back in time.

I'm also sort of nervous about speaking German. I've been spending most of my summer, thus far, working on my Spanish and cajun French than studying German.

I got an email from my "host mum" today and she seems pretty awesome. She's a quarter Ecuadoran (I probably spelled that wrong), a quarter Italian, and half English. And her brother runs an Irish pub. If I can't manage to expose myself to some new culture then I've got issues. It's probably going to be a complete turnaround from living in smalltown Louisiana and spending most of my time on the race track like I have been for the past month and a half. It's so exciting!!! I can't wait to head off on this new adventure and see what all I learn.

Six Days

I cannot believe there is only one week left. Actually, less than a week. More like six days. You can tell by looking at my desk that preparation is underway. Yellow and purple sticky notes are stuck to my bookshelf, fluttering messages like "Pick up meds" and "To Buy: ..." You know it's happening when you come home with two bags worth of samples from the dermatologist, just so there is enough for you to use while abroad. Seven days is a blessing and a curse; you only have a few days left to get everything done (kind of freaking out!), but knowing that it all will be done in six days is comforting.

I have been looking forward to this trip all semester! For the longest time, I didn't know if I would be able to go. When my dad sent me the it's-a-go! email, I almost jumped out of my chair. Good thing I didn't, as stares of disdain from fellow Evans Library computer users would have shot my way. This trip is the best combination of everything that interests me. As a Biology, pre-optometry major, I am and have always been interested in the sciences. Being able to tour medical schools and medical museums, see surgeries, understand controversial issues like euthanasia, and learn about the birth and rise of medicine will be invaluable experiences. Knowing where we have been is important for being an integral part of the future.

Not only will the history of medicine fascinate me, but I cannot wait to be in Germany, mein Heimatland (homeland)! My father is German (born and raised- love calling him a "Hamburger"), so my upbringing has been surrounded by German traditions- Weinachtsmann, Bratkartoffeln (delicious fried potatoes), Oktoberfest. I have been to Germany before, so some of the German cultural subtleties won't be new. Nonetheless, this trip will something completely different. This program will allow me to see and tour things I normally wouldn't. I will be doing excursions to cities in Europe I have never been before. The people will be new; the places will be new. I hope to make life-long friendships with the locals and fellow Aggies. (Improving my German will also be a super plus!)

The excitement keeps building the closer we get, but so do the nerves. I am most anxious about being gone for so long- seven weeks! It's one thing to be in College Station for seven weeks, but being in Europe is something completely different. These last few days, I really understand what Joy meant about the roller coaster of emotions you go through. One minute, I'm thinking, "I can't wait! I can't wait!" The next, I say, "Forget the nerves; I just want to stay home"- where I can sip a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice watching The Next Food Network Star.

I have to say, one thing I will really miss is my Florida OJ. But luckily, everything else Germany has to offer will make up for it. I can't wait for Currywurst and Spezi and weisse Spargel and endloes Kartoffeln and....O yes, there is one thing I must mention before I close this chapter. Has anyone ever tried tuna fish pizza? This is something my grandmother and father love. I must say, it sounds kind of "out there," but I will be trying it! Join me?

As I sign off, I must say I'm really excited to click "Publish Post." Not only is this my first blog post ever, but doing so will allow me to cross off "Blog" from my purple sticky note. :)

And So It Begins.....

This is meant to be my pre-departure blog but I've actually already left. I've been in Europe for almost two weeks with my dad. I was hoping this would be a good way for me to start getting used to the flow of Europe and make me feel comfortable when I'm on my own. It's also great being adjusted to the time already (that was a rough first week). I still feel pretty much the same now as I did before about the program but at least the anxiety of Europe in general is taken care of.


I still expect to be uncomfortable and feel out of place sometimes but I also expect to adapt and learn to appreciate the chance to experience something different. I generally tnd to dislike too much change. I like what i know, but with this study abroad program that all goes out the window. Everything is going to be new and it's sure to be different, but it'll probably be the time of my life.

In regards to the program, I'm curious to see the development of medicine and the present day practices in Europe to see the similarities and differences. However, I feel like this program isn't as much about the credit as it is about the experience so I'm looking forward to a different type of learning environement.


Preparing for the trip was more stressful than exciting though. When I was packing I kept worrying that I would forget something or pack too much or not enough. It's just such a long time and I didn't know what to expect so I couldn't know what to pack. Also, the idea of trying to figure out trains and hostels was overwhelming but thankfully I have a great group of travel buddies to help me. I don't know what I would have done without Josh, Carrie, Elena, Sam, and Aubrey.


I'm excited to experience a new culture and to try out another perspective of the world, even if I'm admittedly a little nervous. I can't wait to get started!

Adventure Awaits

This just doesn’t seem real yet. It’s hard to imagine that in less than two weeks I’ll be hanging out in Bonn, Germany or off on a weekend excursion to one of the hot spots in Europe. All the planning and preparation is ultimately accumulating into nervous/excited anticipation of actually arriving in Germany.

I never planned on studying abroad. There just didn’t seem to be too many opportunities for biomedical engineers and the cost seemed outrageous. However, once I learned about the History of Medicine program in Germany, I instantly knew it was the perfect fit for me. I’ve never left the country so everything about this trip will be a new experience for me. From traveling by train to walking cobble-stoned paths I will take it all in with awestruck excitement.

This program’s focus on the past and present medical advancements is a perfect part of my education as a biomedical engineer. Global relations seem to be increasingly important in the workforce. Studying abroad will allow me to learn how to interact with people who live in different cultures. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” This quote puts my traveling into a different perspective. Everything I see will be foreign to me, but in reality I’m the one who’s foreign to the place I’m visiting. Learning how to adapt to new places and work with different people are skills I need to survive. One aspect of the program focuses on new and upcoming medical technology, but I think it’s important to know how we got to where we are today. From the guest lecturers to the field trips, I’m excited to learn all about Germany’s place in the medical history of today.

My host family sounds like a wonderful family. Their introduction email just filled me with so much appreciation for them to welcome me into their home. They have three children around my age so I’m looking forward to hanging out with them and their dog!

I have to admit, the weekend travel is what really grabbed my attention about this program. As if traveling around Germany isn’t enough, I have the opportunity to travel to surrounding countries with my friends and have mini-adventures in cities such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Prague. It’s been overwhelming looking at all the things to do in these cities (and a bit of a hassle to find hostels) but this trip is allowing me to experience different cultures outside of Germany and to see the places I have only dreamed of visiting all in one trip.

I feel that the closer it gets to my departure date, the more nervous I’ll become. I’m honestly not looking forward to the long plane ride, but it’s worth it. I’m always worrying about things so my goal is to let go during this trip and just enjoy every second. I can’t say I have specific expectations other than my desire to experience as much as I can. I hope the trip doesn’t fly by too fast, but I’ll be sure to capture as many memories as I can and hold onto them. Everyone always says studying abroad changes you. Well, I’m welcoming a change. A change in the way I view the world all the way down to how I view myself.