When I first signed up to study abroad in Germany, my intention was merely to extend my summer vacation — I never anticipated finding a new passion in life. 

From the fairytale landscape to the welcoming people and their wonderful railway system to the invigorating hustle and bustle of the city, I was enamored with Deutschland. There was even something strangely alluring about the public restrooms in Munich and the wobbly gondola rides in the mountains.
 
Every day of the trip entailed a brand new adventure, and whether that meant swimming in the very same lake that King Ludwig II “drowned” in or climbing Germany’s tallest mountain, I was game. Professors Dave Limburg and Ken Gilmore were fantastic at making sure everyone returned to our hotel each night with minds reeling from sheer amazement. Class discussion topics included classism in The Sound of Music, baby vultures, 19th-century German feminism, and fishnet stockings. The landscape of the Alps was something I thought I’d only ever see on the Travel Channel — let alone experience. And boy, did I experience it!

I hiked more than I thought humanly possible, but I’m glad for it. Being above all peaks was exhilarating, and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t just the altitude sickness. I also engaged in a great deal of water polo in landmarks such as Sternberger See and the Nordbad in Munich — playing group sports in public spaces is a great way to make new German friends!

I had heard all sorts of horrible things about how Americans are treated in Europe, but the people of Germany were always incredibly helpful, genial, and marvelous to spend time with. Every time I got on a train, someone offered to help load my bag in the overhead bin, and every time I went out to eat at a Biergarten, I inevitably met an interesting individual with whom to share a meal.
 
There was not a single thing about my time abroad that I did not appreciate in one way or another. My only regret is not staying longer. I intend to return to Germany as a Fulbright Scholar and teach — but I will always remember this trip as one of the catalysts of my life. I would have never known how much I needed this opportunity if I had passed on it.

Check out more exciting international experiences on our student authored study abroad blog, Beyond Friendly.