What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"It is a unique experience that connects you to people from all over the world and lets you build your life from scratch in a new country"
CELESTE S.
Exchange student at the Konstanz University, Germany
Winter semester
Studying Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management Degree, majoring in Environmental Management
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
Meeting people from all over the world and figuring out how to live in a new country together.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Speaking a foreign language, learning a new school system.
- In terms of your own cultural self-awareness, were there any instances where you realized that your own behaviours, perspectives, or attitudes were different. Where did those differences stem from?
Yes I realized I am a very open and outgoing person and Germans were typically more reserved. The way I grew up has made me a social, outgoing person.
- Was there a situation where you felt your actions were culturally inappropriate? How did you adapt? How did you know these were the appropriate actions to take?
I didn't knock on the desk at the end of lectures. That is something Germans do to show appreciation for the teacher. I started to do it as well.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Sweden!
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes, everything will be fine.
- What was your best learning moment?
Learning about other people's cultures, for example my Greek friend told me about how life in Greece isn't as glamorous as some people perceive it is. There are many economic issues impacting her University life and it seems very stressful.
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
Yes I experienced the elections that were going on in Germany and how the right wing is gaining traction and how many Germans were opposing this and protesting against this.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
My mom. I stayed in contact and sent pictures everyday.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
My friend Madelyn. We still text and facetime often and have plans to travel together again.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
It is a unique experience that connects you to people from all over the world and lets you build your life from scratch in a new country. You gain tons of confidence and trust in yourself and you have the opportunity to learn how people from around the world live differently than us.
- What are your packing recommendations?
Pack less than you want to bring. You probably won't need all those clothes and save room to buy stuff there! Bring a versatile jacket and good sneakers.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
It would help to know basic German for getting around.
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
Sharing experiences with my friends from all of our home countries and realizing how similar we all are even though we are from completely different countries.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
Off campus. Yes I was halfway between the university and downtown. This was ideal and a bike was the best way to get around.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
UofG study abroad grants, saving from summer jobs, travelling on a budget / backpacking while abroad.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
Working with refugees was a super interesting course I took where I got to volunteer with a local refugee group and learn about people from all over the world.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
Increased confidence, increased social skills, new world perspectives, ability to connect with people from various backgrounds.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Don't hesitate to ask questions, participate in every social event and know that you will have an amazing experience no matter where you end up.
