Jacob Clark – Mechanical Engineering
Although studying abroad was absolutely a net positive experience, challenges are bound to arise. My experience was no exception. When we first arrived, we visited a small grocery store called Penny, located very near the hotel where we were staying. At this store, we found everyday items you would expect to find at an Aldi or small grocery store. A number of the group members expressed how fortunate we were to have a store so close to the hotel, and how we would be able to visit every day. That was the last time we set foot in the store. Since the region of Germany, we were studying in is traditionally Catholic, the Bavarian state often requires stores to close at 8 pm during operating days and close entirely on Sunday. Because of this restriction, and the incredibly busy schedule of the study abroad program, finding open stores to spend more than a moment or two in was incredibly difficult. This resulted in many trips to restaurants instead of purchasing food to make. However, some would say that’s not such a bad thing! As the trip progressed, I began to find the places near campus and the living arrangements to pick up small items like energy drinks or snacks, as some convenience stores are permitted to remain open later in the day.
While businesses closing early was a culture shock, there was an even greater challenge ahead. Cash Only. Before the pandemic, Germany’s stores were far less digitalized, according to the German buddies we spoke to. While digitalization has improved, using cash in many locations is either preferred or required over card payments. But not so fast! When I found a location that accepted the card, there was often a 10 euro minimum, and many locations did not accept some of my cards at all. While these certainly were challenges, ATMs were numerous, and stomaching a 5-euro charge and unfavorable exchange rate was a small price to pay to see the many sights of Germany!
If I could do it all again, I would not underestimate the sheer busyness of a study abroad program and do my best to stock up on items during the few chances I had to visit a store. Additionally, I would plan to exchange USD for Euros in advance at my local bank. Many local banks do this and usually offer a preferable exchange rate over foreign or airport ATMs. It is also beneficial to have a VISA card abroad, as it is the most commonly accepted card, but watch out for those foreign transaction fees!
These are just a few of the many challenges I faced while abroad, but I think it’s important to understand that it was all a part of the broader experience. This was a unique opportunity to live in a whole different culture and meet some of the best people I could have ever hoped to meet, so a few hurdles are a small price to pay. Good luck, and happy traveling!
Swanson School of Engineering 