During my time in Munich, food became one of the easiest ways for me to understand daily life in Germany. Between classes, company visits, and exploring the city, meals were not just something I had to fit into the schedule. They became part of how I experienced the rhythm of the city and noticed small differences between life in Munich and life in the United States.
One thing that stood out to me was how common bakeries were in Munich. It was easy to find bread, pastries, pretzels, and coffee in many parts of the city. One small moment I remember was buying a pistachio croissant and a coffee before taking the U-Bahn. It was a simple breakfast, but it made me notice how naturally bakeries fit into daily life in Munich. Compared with what I am used to in the United States, where students often eat quickly between classes or get food from campus dining, the bakery culture in Munich felt more connected to daily routine.
I also tried several traditional foods during the program, including sausages, schnitzel, potatoes, and pretzels. Many of the meals felt simple but filling. The food was not always complicated, but it reflected a different idea of comfort food. In the United States, food options often feel very mixed and fast-paced. In Munich, many meals felt more connected to local habits and the city’s daily life.
Food also became a way to spend time with local student. Eating together after class or after a company visit gave us time to talk in a more relaxed way. Sometimes the conversations during meals helped me understand the program just as much as the classroom did. It was a simple way to share experiences and learn from each other outside of a formal setting.
There were also small challenges. I had to adjust to different store hours, different menus, and a different style of eating. In the United States, I am used to more flexible restaurant hours and many quick options. In Munich, I had to plan meals a little more carefully, especially on Sundays or when exploring new areas. At first, this felt inconvenient, but it also helped me slow down and pay more attention to the local way of living.
Overall, food helped me understand Munich in a simple but meaningful way. Through bakeries, traditional meals, and conversations with classmates, I saw how food reflects daily life, culture, and social connection. Studying abroad is not only about classrooms and company visits. Sometimes, it is also about small daily experiences, like trying a new meal or sitting down with others after a long day. For me, those small moments became an important part of understanding the city.
Swanson School of Engineering 