Planes, Trains, and Wet Socks
[[{“value”:”
When you think about studying abroad, I’ve found that it always seems to be romanticized in your head. In the middle of the summer, as I was knee-deep in my full-time job, I dreamt of the busy streets and vibrant life that I’d find in my future home. One can only take so many cornfields at once, and by the middle of summer, I was itching to begin the new experience. Despite all my anxieties towards the end, the plan was to jump in headfirst.
While there were no technical problems with my travel to Germany, the moment I stepped off the train was far from surreal. You’d think the change of atmosphere and twinge of vitality in Freiburg’s air would have energized me.
Wrong.
As I dragged my luggage through the cobblestone streets, blistering in the direct sun with 85-degree heat, I wondered if I had made a wise choice. Instead of that awestruck optimism, I faced mountains of regret and disappointment. After all, what is there to enjoy when I’m dragging 50 pounds of luggage along cobblestone streets following my nearly 15 hours of travel?
Thinking back on my first moments entering Freiburg, it is completely valid to feel exhausted and upset. Uprooting your life and leaving behind all you know is bittersweet enough, but add the logistics on top of that, and you have exactly what I felt. It is okay to not feel on top of the world yet, especially when your body just needs a rest. That first night after a long wait to get to my new German apartment (Wohngemeinschaft), I had so much regret and FOMO… Spoiler: it gets better!
New Places (Neue Orte)
Naturally, being in any new country has quite the culture shock as you are surrounded by people who all seem to know what they’re doing. My first couple of days were spent getting to know people participating in the IES Abroad programs running in Freiburg, so lots of names and orientation lectures. If I had any advice that both my mom and friends gave me, it’s to go to the orientation activities! While many of them are optional in theory, it helps you build bonds with people to help you not quite feel so alone. I turned to a small group I had met upon arrival, and we conquered small things like the maze of public tram lines and the insanely quick speed at which German cashiers scan your groceries.
From icebreakers to city tours to hiking in the Schwarzwald, there is no shortage of things to do. Despite feeling nervous, I realized that everybody was just as lost as I was. Having that security of people to go places with gives me a sense of confidence to explore the city I am in. Sure, many of the orientation activities feel silly; but participating allows you to build relationships with people and make new connections in your city.
It becomes very memorable when you get in such silly situations together. On my first full day in Freiburg there was rain forecasted for the day, as well as the entire week. Since I packed so light, I didn’t have an umbrella and figured I wouldn’t get too wet. Freiburg is the sunniest city in Germany after all, right?
Dare I say again… wrong.
In a fantastic downpour of rain, we continued on our city-wide tour in order to make our appointment for residency permits1. Although I would’ve liked to look less like a wet dog in my legal documents, it was quite memorable as our German guide led us from awning to awning and got us soaked down to our socks. The rain didn’t let up for a few days, but it certainly shocked me how quick the weather changes just like Michigan!
1 if you study in Germany for a semester, you don’t need to get a visa!
Bereit!
Studying abroad has been a bucket list item of mine for many years. Being here in this bustling city filled with students fills me to the brim with energy. Of course, things are always challenging at first; however, I am ready (Bereit) to begin my new semester and build a routine. I’ve already felt immersed in the language, public transport, and sustainability of Freiburg that adds a new lens of perspective to my life in the US.
Though nerves still follow me, experiencing the hikes, Döner kebabs, tram lines, and a techno music concert has allowed me to truly enjoy what Germany has to offer. I miss home (and of course my dog), but I have been settling in and starting to enjoy the slow pace of life here across the Atlantic. There is still much to be discovered, but I think I like this new life.
Tschüss dann!
The post Planes, Trains, and Wet Socks appeared first on Off-Campus Study.
“}]]