Swanson School of Engineering

One of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad in Germany was getting to interact with local students, faculty, staff, and people in general. Looking back, these relationships became just as valuable as the academic experience itself. While making those connections felt intimidating at first, they quickly became one of the highlights of the time abroad.

Initially, starting conversations with people from the host country was more difficult than I expected. There was a huge language barrier, and I wasn’t always confident that I understood the cultural norms or even how to communicate what I wanted. Like many students studying abroad for the first time, I worried about making mistakes or saying the wrong thing. Fortunately, those concerns disappeared quickly because of how welcoming and patient everyone was.

The local German students, along with the professors and staff, were incredibly understanding of our lack of knowledge about the language and culture. Rather than expecting us to know everything, they were excited about to share their traditions, answer our questions, and help us adjust to life in Germany. From the moment I stepped off the plane, to the day we had to pack our suitcases and say goodbyes, I never felt more at home thanks to our host family! Their willingness to teach us and offer a helping hand in every situation made the experience feel much less overwhelming and allowed us to become more comfortable each day.

Many of the strongest friendships were formed outside of the classroom. Social events, group activities, company visits, and simply spending time together after class gave us opportunities to get to know one another on a more personal level. These moments helped us turn classmates into friends and gave us a much better understanding of everyday life in Germany than we could have gained through lectures alone.

Our German “buddies” and professors were so incredibly helpful in everyday situations. Whether we were ordering food at restaurants, shopping at a local store, or exploring farmers markets, they were always willing to step in when we struggled to communicate. Having their support made navigating unfamiliar situations much less stressful and gave us the confidence to explore more of the city on our own. As the days went on, I found myself relying less on them and becoming more comfortable handling these situations independently.

Being an American abroad also taught me how important it is to approach a new culture with humility and curiosity. I learned that people genuinely appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect or your vocabulary is limited. Making an attempt to speak the language and participate in local customs often opened the door to meaningful conversations and memorable experiences.

If I could give one piece of advice to future students studying abroad, it would be to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes stop you from experiencing everything your host country has to offer. Try speaking the language, ask questions, introduce yourself to new people, and embrace situations that push you outside of your comfort zone. Those moments often become the most memorable parts of your experience.

I am incredibly grateful for the friendships I made with the local students and hope to stay in contact with many of them for years to come. They helped transform what could have been an intimidating experience into one that was welcoming, educational, and unforgettable. I will definitely be keeping my local friends in mind for future visits to Germany!