Three summers ago, I studied abroad in Dresden, Germany, working to improve my German. Today, I am planning to leave for another study abroad for about 10 months and also working to improve my German. Before my first trip, I created a blog to use while abroad, but little did I know that it wouldn't work in EU countries. It was a little ignorances like that, which have taught me to be in the know. Ignorance is NOT bliss. By no means do I think of myself as a travel guru, but I do like to think that I have learned so much more than I would have had I not traveled abroad. This blog isn't to explain every second of my life, to show the world about my happy time abroad for envy out of others, or feel pity out of any struggles or obstacles that I might incur, but rather show real experiences and talk about relevant topics related to my trip.
BACKGROUND:
My first trip abroad, like I said before, was to Dresden, Germany for a study abroad program through OSU. Because I had only studied German for 10 months prior, I was still working on my basic communication and living in full German emersion. From that trip, I decided to earn a degree in German. I also have made some of the greatest friends from that experience and one is traveling with me on part of this trip (more to come). People always ask: what is your best memory from college? Besides being at the Sugar Bowl when OSU beat Bama on New Years, I would say this trip! I could go on and on about Dresden and my experience, but I have another link for that trip: Dresden Blog
My second trip to Europe was in 2015. I traveled by myself to Berlin, Dresden, and Munich Germany and Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. Prior to this trip, I was interning for a small business and was working on exporting to the UK and Germany. By doing this, my travel-bug started to kick in and I knew this would be the perfect way to end my summer. By traveling alone, I learned a lot about myself in a short 2 weeks. Since I was on my own time, I had a lot of time to reflect and spend time with others. I met a few individuals that really played a huge role in my reflections because our conversations were so intellectually stimulating. One was from Portland, OR and another from the islands of Spain. I met these two women in my hostels in Berlin and Barcelona. It is people like this who make a trip worth everything. The conversations I had about different countries, their cultures, and their travels were so inspiring to listen to. I have always loved talking to people who not only love to travel, but also have a different viewpoint to which I can learn from. I have felt that I can have a deeper connection with those who appreciate and enjoy learning more about different cultures. While this trip was not perfect by any means (missed a flight, shared a room with a creeper, and got sick towards the end) I learned a lot from it and about myself.
My most recent trip was to Ingolstadt, Germany. I was with a group of OSU students who did consulting projects in a months time. I was lucky enough to travel before and after my trip with my friend Lauren, who is another friend I made from my first study abroad trip. We went to London and Munich before the trip and Berlin after. During my stay, I visited Nürnberg and Dresden, Germany and Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna, Austria. This trip was not what I expected, but taught me important lessons: Make the most out of the experience and exhaust every resource available. During my export internship from a year prior, I was challenged with my work and I forced to learn how evidence is the key to change. That plus my tenacity led to a successful final presentation. Again, this was not what I had expected, but if I could go back and change anything, I wouldn't. For only having just over a month in Europe, I got to see so many places and have the best food!
Before I explain my current trip things I have learned while traveling:
My most recent trip was to Ingolstadt, Germany. I was with a group of OSU students who did consulting projects in a months time. I was lucky enough to travel before and after my trip with my friend Lauren, who is another friend I made from my first study abroad trip. We went to London and Munich before the trip and Berlin after. During my stay, I visited Nürnberg and Dresden, Germany and Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Vienna, Austria. This trip was not what I expected, but taught me important lessons: Make the most out of the experience and exhaust every resource available. During my export internship from a year prior, I was challenged with my work and I forced to learn how evidence is the key to change. That plus my tenacity led to a successful final presentation. Again, this was not what I had expected, but if I could go back and change anything, I wouldn't. For only having just over a month in Europe, I got to see so many places and have the best food!
Before I explain my current trip things I have learned while traveling:
- Do not depend on others, be self-reliant
- If a situation doesn't feel right, leave
- Embrace the culture you are in, take note and reflect later on how it differs from yours
- Stay in hostels and don't be afraid to meet other people
- Reflect on what you have learned about yourself through this experience
