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Getting Accustomed to the German way of Doing Things

September 8, 2010 / Amber Will / 1 Comment

Being in a different country, especially one with a different language, typically brings about culture shock for the travelers. I have been able to travel around the world for a few weeks here and there, but I have never experienced this phenomenon. I have only now come to understand what culture shock can mean.

Living in Reutlingen, Germany is an absolutely wonderful place to be. The view outside my window is of some mountains in the distance, and, besides the weather, there is nothing really to complain about. The only difficulty comes with understanding all of the surroundings. Coming into this program with a French background and an eventual Chinese minor has not set me up with the necessary German language skills, but I am trying to learn as much as possible.

The most obvious difference is being around people that typically do not speak your own language. There is very little English spoken on a regular basis unless I am trying desperately to converse with someone. Therefore, every time I have ran into a British tour group or another bunch of Americans, I have become overly excited. English never sounded so good.

Other differences are smaller – like trying to do my laundry. My roommate and I decided that we would just know how to do laundry; I thought it was a part of my womanly senses no matter what country I was living in at the time. I could not have been more wrong. There are a vast amount of buttons on German laundry machines and a variety of different cycles. When this happens, my best advice is to watch the video posted on YouTube about doing laundry here. Rather, we took a guess and ended up with a pile of sopping wet clothes that we had to ring out in the nearby sink. That experience has taught me to always read the instructions in your own language first. Here’s some help: watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=essQiVHV9rA. That will get you started!

I cannot wait to see what new things will challenge me in the future. Hopefully, I will be a pro at laundry from now on, but I know there will be new cultural differences to face. And that is the fun of it all. What better way to grow as a person in confidence and tenacity than living in a foreign country for a semester? Future fiascos aside, I know this will be the best time of my life.

A weekend in Cologne

04.09.2010 – 17:16
Phew. My feet are finally up! The soreness of your feet from constantly walking everywhere is one of those aspects of traveling that you know but never really expect. However, my tiredness was rightly earned.

This is our first weekend of traveling for the Reutlingen program. My friends Amber (who is also writing on this blog) and Cate worked out the plans for the entire weekend, so I was able to sit back and let them figure things out. We had thought that a weekend in Köln (or Cologne in English) would be an easy start to our traveling and leave some margin for error, which is bound to happen our first couple of times. So far, my expectations have been vastly succeeded.

Yesterday we left early in the morning from Reutlingen and hopped on a train to Meinz, transferring trains several times. I was tired from the Stuttgart wine festival from the previous day, but the southern German countryside is far too interesting and beautiful to fall asleep. We loosely followed the Mosel River, which is surrounded by rolling, wooded hills and steep vineyards on the hillsides. It is like nothing I have seen in the US; words, like always, fail to fully convey the true experience.

We decided to stop at Meinz to see the castle Burg Eltz. The beginning of the hiking trail, which is about 5 kilometers long through the hills, began in a beautiful little town on the Mosel. We stopped for a quick lunch at an Imbiss, and left our belongings with the proprietor, a very friendly old man. I know what you are thinking….”Why did you leave your belongings, including your laptop, with a complete stranger?” Well, I was wondering the exact same thing. Fortunately, everything was in perfect shape when we got back, so I guess it was ok. If you want to know more about that crazy adventure, email me!

It has been a beautiful weekend, sunny and mid 60s, and a perfect time to go hiking through the hills to a beautiful castle! We just turned a corner, and there it was (of course, after 5 km of hiking). Sometimes I had to push Cate to get us all there, but of course, it was worth it.
Last night we arrived in Köln, just expecting to sleep. Just as we were getting our pajamas out, our hostel-mates came through; they were three girls from Stuttgart who were just spending the night in the city. They invited us to go out, so…..you can’t pass up opportunity, can you? I’m sure glad we didn’t. Dane, Laura, and I went with them to a club, which happened to be overpriced for both cover charge and drinks, and it really wasn’t an atmosphere that I enjoyed. We all agreed to leave and find a bar, were at midnight we celebrated Laura’s 21st birthday.

Köln is an amazing city. The Dom (cathedral) in the middle of the city is absolutely massive, and it has very elaborate gothic architecture and styling. It is very impressive, and I suggest that anyone in the area should visit. You literally can’t miss it, it’s that big. We plan on going to church there on Sunday morning. That should be interesting, since it will be in all German. I suppose we will feel like the non-nobility before the Renaissance, since everything in the church was spoken in Latin.

We have only been here for about a day, but it feels familiar already. Time to visit the city’s chocolate museum! Hopefully I will be able to waddle back and write a follow-up. Tschüs!

Climbing Scotland

September 7, 2010 / derekschnake / 0 Comments

Facing oblivion, you learn a lot about yourself. You don’t want to trust yourself; you need someone better than yourself. But with no ropes, no harness and no stretch in your jeans, there’s not much there but you.

There I was, fifty-ish feet up with the Scottish air breezing in off the North Sea. I found a convenient spot to wedge my knee, rest my hips and look out. Before me I saw sparkling waters and a stampede in the stratosphere. I soaked it all in and was soon ready to move on.

Looking upward, all I could see was beach grass and soil. Bad news. The vegetation made it hard to find good hand holds, and it was safe to assume that the rock wasn’t safe; plant roots break up rocks, making it brittle. With a heavy sight I looked down, all fifty feet of rock face. Suddenly I remembered a famous mountaineering quote:

“The summit is optional. The descent is mandatory.”

urbandictionary.com

September 7, 2010 / Christiana Redman / 1 Comment

Boy, do I wish I had an urban dictionary this week. I am spending 10 days with a host family in Katatura, which is an urban part of Windhoek. Although most people in my area speak English, I am always curious to know what they’re saying when they’re speaking Afrikaans or their native tribal languages. The sounds are so intriguing.

There is no language requirement for the Namibia program, which is nice because it makes it open to everyone. In my opinion, that is good because you get a variety of majors and people with a variety of interests. It is also less stressful because we don’t have to adapt to a whole new culture AND try to figure out the language.

Later in the semester we will be doing a rural homestay in northern Namibia. There, they are much less likely to speak fluent English. The program requirements say that during each homestay the host family will have at least one person in it that speaks basic English. To prep us for the language barriers that we might encounter, we have started Oshindonga lessons at our house. Oshindonga is similar to Oshiwambo, which is one of what are called “recognized regional languages”. It is a tough language to learn, but once you learn a few things it comes to you more quickly. I am feeling confident that by the conclusion of our lessons I will be at least fairly prepared to communicate with my rural host family.

In the Swing of Things

September 7, 2010 / Christiana Redman / 0 Comments

We have been in Africa for a while, but we’re just starting to buckle down and start the semester. It is a strange feeling going from what was basically a vacation to having to do real work.

As part of the CGE Program, you can pick between 4 classes (Political Science, History, Religion, and Development), an internship, and an independent study. I am taking Poly Sci, History, Religion, and doing an internship. I started my internship at Oponganda Center for Children with Disabilities on Monday and so far so good!

Now we have also started classes. And with classes comes homework. However, I have discovered that homework is a lot more bearable when you can do it poolside.

The delayed start of classes illustrates the general feeling here well. The day-to-day pace of Namibia is much slower than in America. 5:00 means 5:15…or 8:00. It really just depends on how a person is feeling that day. At first I was really anxious about the time of things, but over the last couple of weeks I have learned to be more relaxed about it. I won’t say that I enjoy it, because it still seems to me like I am late, but I am getting used to the slower pace and actually starting to enjoy it. It is much more relaxing than in America where we are go, go, go all the time. Without strict time constraints I have met and talked with many people I wouldn’t have been able to talk with had I been speeding through my life. And here, spending time together in conversation is one of the best ways to show someone you care about them. I hope that is a lesson that I will be able to bring home with me.

Mob Mentality: Lessons from traveling in a large group

September 5, 2010 / derekschnake / 1 Comment

For a total sixteen people, moving as a cohesive group can be a challenge, not only for us but also the innocent bystanders that cross our path. We made the journey from O’hare to Heathrow smoothly and without complication; it seemed that we were good at this.

But as the hours ticked away, the rush of events took a toll on us. Jet lagged and irritated, group travel began to wear on us culminating in a bus-stop quarrel that left us fragmented for the night.

To help cope and possibly eliminate the stresses of group travel, here are the lessons I’ve learned thus far.

Identify Trip Goals

The group needs to be conscious of each individual’s goals. One person wants to see the London Tower and another wants to see Buckingham Palace. Making these goals clear before the trip starts gives clarity and shape to the trips itinerary. These goals don’t always have to be “sights” either; my roommate Andrew and I were intent on trying Scottish haggis while we were in Edinburgh. A cohesive set of goals for a trip can also help identify places where the group may need to split up and go separate ways for a couple hours.

Don’t take things personally

Especially in the planning stages – booking hostels, reserving train seats, deciding departure times – voices will be raised and conversation may cross into argument. Always be ready to take a breathe and shake it all off. Remember, if a fellow traveler says, “I’m not that interested in seeing that,” he or she is certainly not saying, “I think you’re idea is just plain stupid.” It’s okay to split up to see and do different things.

Know when (and when not) to compromise

Compromise can be a cliche topic, but it is still important to mention. At the risk of sounding crass, when traveling I think compromise should be of strategic value to you. Be ready to bargain and haggle – to give a little and to stand your ground when it matters.

Be prepared to go it alone

Traveling alone does carry some risk, but it should never be ruled out. With a sharp and observant mind, traveling alone can be an liberating and enlightening experience – all the while still being safe. Anecdotally, I think the world is a much safer place than we’re typically led to believe.

***

Traveling in groups can be stressful, but never forget that it can just as rewarding. Be prepared to work and your trip shall be a success!

First week in Reutlingen

September 4, 2010 / Allie Sauber / 0 Comments

Where to begin? My first week in Reutlingen has been one full of captivation and observation.

The Swabian Alps extend into the sky, reminding anyone who takes the time to admire them that we are seemingly inferior to the vast world around us. I find it impossible to just glance at the Alps, for they beg of my complete attention and pry into every emotion, ironically leaving me spiritually moved by an earthly presence.

Tübingen, Germany is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. From the picturesque parks to the classy cafés, it is impossible not to have a love affair with this city. The town is most notable for the University, dating all the way back to 1477, which still educates students today. (In fact, Valpo has a year-long study abroad program in Tübingen). When walking along the streets of Tübingen, you involuntarily picture yourself living there, for it is so enticing that anyone who steps foot will want to be a part of its quaint and romantic ambiance. Here, too, it leaves me spiritually moved by its earthly presence.

Aside from feeling captivation from towns and nature alike, there is a lot of observation happening with regard to the German people. While walking downtown Stadtmitte, the town center of Reutlingen, I find myself unable to walk at my normal pace, for the locals are less concerned with “not wasting any time,” rather “enjoying the most of their time.” Their concept, “enjoying the most of their time,” isn’t hard for me to take part in, it’s the “not wasting any time” attitude that I secretly wish they would adopt! But, when truly thinking about it, I want more of their laissez-faire way of life. That way of life is not just evident while walking along the streets, but while sipping on caloric coffee drinks for hours outside a quaint café, or when drinking inexpensive yet sour wine at the local wine festival. The German people aren’t concerned with skim, whole, or 2% milk, they’re concerned with the meaning behind the drink: with whom they are sharing it. The same attitude is true with regard to wine: they realize their wine is sour and incomparable to Italian wine, but that doesn’t stop them from sipping on it with those they love.

The past week and a half has required much thought and adaptation, but to call it worthwhile would be an understatement. I have loved everything from the things that have been easy to love to the frustrations. As I typed that last sentence I am reminded of Luke 6:32, which says “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” We are obligated to love people and things that aren’t easy to love. Applying that to life abroad, we are called to embrace all that is set before us, especially those instances that challenge our faith. It’s astonishing to me that it has been only sixteen days; I can only imagine what the next three months will bring.

Hello Cambridge!

September 3, 2010 / Jeff Harbert / 0 Comments

It may have been raining cats and dogs, and I may have only been in Cambridge for a couple of hours, but one thing was for certain, I was already in love with my new home. My semester abroad in England was already off to a smashing start, as my new friends here would say.

My fears of living in an entirely new country were overshadowed by the excitement and thrill of being in such a beautiful place. As I rode on the bus from Heathrow Airport to Cambridge, I was in awe of the vast countryside on each side of the highway. After arriving in Cambridge and hauling all my luggage into a taxi, I couldn’t help but stare in amazement at all the beautiful buildings and cathedrals as we drove towards the Valparaiso University Study Abroad Center – my home for the next four and a half months. I had been told Cambridge was a gorgeous city, but I couldn’t have even imagined it being this nice.

I’ve now been in Cambridge for a week and a half. Since then, I’ve managed to get a good feel for the city and learn my way around a good percentage of the area. With the Sir Isaac Newton’s pub just down the street from our house, I’m only a two minute walk away from being able to go buy a meal or a drink while conversing with the locals, or even being able to watch a football (or soccer as it’s known on our side of the pond) match in an enjoyable setting. Cambridge is host to countless other historic pubs, as well. And with the biggest grocery store in the area – Tesco’s – only being a ten minute bus ride away, it’s easy to find food and other necessities for reasonable prices. Also, our class schedule provides us with plenty of time to explore the city and travel around Europe on weekends. Classes start at around 9:15 every day and run until noon on Tuesday through Thursday, and 3:00 on Monday’s. I couldn’t pick a better schedule if I tried.

I wouldn’t have guessed that I would already feel so at home here just a week and a half into my stay, but so far I love it. I’ve already been around the city center of Cambridge countless times and even been to London for a weekend, all this is in just nine days. I can’t wait to see what I can do in four months!

Cheers!

Life Across the Atlantic

September 3, 2010 / Julie Johnson / 0 Comments

Leaving is never an easy concept. No matter where you’re coming from or headed to, the thought of leaving what you’re familiar with behind is always a little scary. For the ten months leading up to my trip, the fact that I would actually be in England for four months seemed surreal. But last Wednesday, when boarding for my plane was called, everything hit me. In eight hours, I would be landing in London, and as of right now, there was absolutely no turning back.

Thankfully, the crazy emotions that I was feeling about leaving the United States have subsided. I love it here. The moment our bus from the airport arrived in Cambridge, I knew it would become a place I would grow to adore. Everything and everywhere, from the gorgeous old cathedrals and brick buildings, to the cobblestone streets is something that fascinates me. Our house is situated in easy walking distance from anything that you could possibly need, and we have been lucky enough to have great weather in the mid-60’s for the past week and a half.

We took our first group trip to London last weekend, and although we were still jet-lagged and exhausted, we still managed to have a great time. I wasn’t too impressed by London at first, but once a group of us went on a double-decker bus tour, I finally noticed the beauty and charm that London has that sets it apart from cities like Chicago and New York. We were able to go see The 39 Steps, a play that has been voted London’s Best Comedy for several years in a row, watch a soccer (or football, as it is called here) match in a sports pub, and attend the infamous Notting Hill Carnival, which is England’s largest carnival, held in celebration of London’s multi-cultural diversity. We also had quite the adventure with the London “tube” (underground subway) system, and ended up taking a two-hour trip to get where we needed to go, although it was only a 30 minute walk.

The weekend has already begun for me, since we fortunately have no classes on Fridays. Tonight we have plans to go to a karaoke bar, and tomorrow we are going to our first ever English football game, which should end up being an event to remember.

Cheers!

Julie

La familia-the Definition

September 1, 2010 / Lydia Mertz / 4 Comments

Vero’s grandfather drinks his two servings of tequila.

As I mentioned previously, Mexican families offer the best hospitality. As I entered Vero’s house, her father told me, “Bienvenidos a tu casa”- “Welcome to your home” and I had only known them for only forty-five minutes! During the rest of the weekend, I met the other members of Vero’s family: grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins as we celebrated the cumpleanos (birthday) of her grandpa and cousin amidst piles and piles of tortillas, lengua, chorizo, pollo (chicken) and the tastiest cakes ever.

I knew family was important in the culture before coming to Mexico. After being immersed in the activities of Vero’s family, I realized the strength and importance of la familia. Even at the party of Vero’s counsin (who turned nine years old), all generations were present. Here, family defines a person.

It’s like a painting, the family is the frame of a person and the painting is the individual. Without the frame, the picture is not complete, thus, the individual is not complete without their family. La familia is there during the good and bad times, during celebrations and times of mourning. Its importance is difficult to comprehend for the American but its strength is undeniable. Before Vero and I boarded the bus on Sunday evening to return to the university, her family told me “Nos vemos el proximo vez”-“We’ll see each other next time.” Being a stranger, I was blown away with their kindness and hospitality. Although I am extremely close with my parents, I felt some jealousy because this close-knit family feeling with cousin, uncles, aunts, grandparents and such was new to me but something I had always wanted. After spending a weekend with a Mexican family, I have learned that while the landscape and architecture define a place, its people make it unforgettable.

Saludos,

Lydia

Student Stories from Around the World