During our online week of the program, we participated in a German language crash course, but I still barely knew any German. With this said, interacting with locals was something I was concerned about, but so far it has proven to me I had nothing to worry about.
When it comes to not speaking German, most locals have been very patient and welcoming. Almost everyone here knows at least some English, especially students who are close to fluent, which has made daily interactions much easier than I expected. Between ordering food, asking for directions, or shopping at local stores, people are usually understanding and wait for me to communicate even when it takes a long time. I have started to see these moments as opportunities to learn and become more confident. My attempts have also always been appreciated by locals. Even simple German phrases like greetings or saying “thank you” brings a smile to the faces of these locals, which then brings one onto me.
One of the best parts of being abroad is getting to know our German buddies. We are paired up with “buddies,” who are local students meant to help guide us throughout the experience. They have been extremely helpful, not only by answering questions and giving advice, but also by recommending places and restaurants around the city. It is comforting to know there is always someone we can turn to if we are unsure about something or simply want someone to talk to. I feel like I have developed a great friendship with a couple of our buddies through group activities, meals, and even train rides. Even though we come from different backgrounds, it has been interesting to see how much we still have in common. A memorable moment was on the train ride home from Salzburg. One of the buddies and I went through all the pictures on my digital camera dating back to 2012. It was fun to look back on pictures and share my own stories and see his reactions and listen to what else he had to share.
Being an American abroad has made me more aware of how other people view the United States and Americans in general. There are a lot of stereotypes about Americans out there, and most people believe them, even if they are nowhere near true. I have received a lot of questions about current pop culture topics, but also politics. These conversations have helped me realize that being abroad is not only about learning another culture, but also about representing my own.
Swanson School of Engineering 