When seeing just about any American movie, t.v shows or magazine, it's hard to think that the majority of U.S citizens are NOT rich. The United States mostly has children working in sweatshops around the world.... just so we can earn more money. We are a wealthy country but that doesn't mean that I am rich.
Sure, I get all my needs met. I have air conditioning,heat, a bed, a shower, I'm never hungry, I have clothes that meet my needs, I am able to travel... And to most of the world, that is rich. I am so grateful for i, we also have a pretty big house. But, I guess they also get the wrong idea....
I, being a foreign exchange student; people may perceive me as being a wealthy American traveling the world. Well, that's a lie. I got a fully paid scholarship to spend a year in Europe. My family would not have been able to pay otherwise. I have 5 other siblings including a sister who is going through college and just had a wedding (yesterday, actually :). We are always concerned about money.
Europeans don't usually get the idea that all of us are extremely wealthy (at least, I think so). The U.S is very similar in wealth status to western Europe, So I'm presuming I won't have too big of problems with it. And if they get the idea that I'm rich, it's not my fault... kidding... They shouldn't, because I don't wear designer clothing day after day.
Another note, Americans usually visiting Europe are actually wealthy because it costs soooo much to travel there. So, the Americans they are conversing with are, indeed, rich just like many of the Europeans that come here. In a way we're equal... But, this issue shouldn't be so worried about in Germany, like I said.
M.C
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Global Stuent- issues in Germany
1. Gender Issues-
Pretty much the same as in the U.S. Women on the rise in business and political careers but there are still plenty of women being house wives. In Germany women earn about 20% less than men.
2.Military conflicts, defense, terrorism, border issues-
somewhat dealing with the war in Afghanistan, wish to put a stop to it. Concerned about more terrorist attacks. Also concerned about all the many eastern Europeans fleeing into the country. 2011- removed law that men have to spend at least a year helping the military.
3. Economic issues-
6.1% unemployment rate is a bit daunting to all Germans.
4. Racial/Class/Ethnicity issues- There are a bit of racial issues going on in Germany, espicially with all the many Polish and Turkish people taking over many of the Germans jobs. There are also a few tensions between the middle east and Germany.
It's getting better but a lot of western Germans still see themselves as better than the Eastern Germans and visa verse.
5. Health issues- E. Coli breakout is a big worry for most of Germany. Obesity is on the rise along with the rest of the western world especially with the German diet. Heart problems also a big issue.
Pretty much the same as in the U.S. Women on the rise in business and political careers but there are still plenty of women being house wives. In Germany women earn about 20% less than men.
2.Military conflicts, defense, terrorism, border issues-
somewhat dealing with the war in Afghanistan, wish to put a stop to it. Concerned about more terrorist attacks. Also concerned about all the many eastern Europeans fleeing into the country. 2011- removed law that men have to spend at least a year helping the military.
3. Economic issues-
6.1% unemployment rate is a bit daunting to all Germans.
4. Racial/Class/Ethnicity issues- There are a bit of racial issues going on in Germany, espicially with all the many Polish and Turkish people taking over many of the Germans jobs. There are also a few tensions between the middle east and Germany.
It's getting better but a lot of western Germans still see themselves as better than the Eastern Germans and visa verse.
5. Health issues- E. Coli breakout is a big worry for most of Germany. Obesity is on the rise along with the rest of the western world especially with the German diet. Heart problems also a big issue.
more
Political facts
Economical Facts
Sports, Music and Entertainment
- National day: October 3rd
- Constitution signed: October 3rd
- Country from which they gained independence: Holy Roman Empire
- Year of Independence: 1871
- Key events in political history and years they occurred: Unified 1871, World war 1 1914-18, Nazis take over 1933-45, Germany split West and East, DDR (communism in east) 1945-1989, Germany as one country 1989-present
- Leader/president: Christian Wulff
- Political parties: Christlich Demokratishe Union Deutschlands, Christlich-soziale Union in Bayern, Sozialdemokratishe Partei, Freie Demokratsche Partei, Die Links, Die Gruenen.
- Current political situation:
- Political system: Federal Parliamentary Republic
Economical Facts
- GDP: $3.315 trillion
- Unemployment rate: %6.1
- Poverty line: $1,600 single person
- Percentage living below poverty line: 11%
- Average family income: $36,444
- Percentage of workforce in: Agriculture: 2.4%, Manufacturing: 29.7%, Service/tourist: 71.3%
- Main industries: Machinery and vehicles
- Main imports: machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals
- Main exports: machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals, and manufactures
- Currency: Euro
- Exchange rate: $1.44= 1 euro
- Prevelance of modern communication devices: Telephone, e-mail, Deutsche post, media...
Sports, Music and Entertainment
- Country's favorite sport: Soccer
- Other sports played: Handball, volleyball, tennis, polo, ( pretty much everything we have here)
- Favorite Musicians: Juli, Wir sind helden, Pohlmann.... They listen to all kinds of music, mostly English.
- Traditional forms of music: volk, Opera
- Favorite foods: German, Italian and Turkish
Germany.. at a glance.
Geography
Social facts
- Continent: Europe
- Capital: Berlin
- Size in sq. km and sq miles: 357,021 sq km and 137, 847 sq miles
- Neighboring countries: Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, THE NETHERLANDS, Poland Czech Republic, Denmark, Luxemburg
- Climate: 4 seasons. Can get brutal winters depending on where you're at. Can also get very humid in the summer :)
- Natural disasters: Earthquakes and floods
- Natural resources: coal, ignite, natural gas, iron ore, nickel, copper, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber and arable land.
Social facts
- Population: 81,802,000
- Life expectancy: 77 years, Men: 73 years; Women: 80
- Fertility rate: 1.4 per woman
- Mortality rate: 10.92
- Ethnic Groups and percentage of each: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1%
- Religious groups and percentages: Protestant 38%, Roman Catholic 34 %, Muslim 1.7%, unaffiliated or other 26.3%
Languages spoken: German and of course all those other languages they speak :)
Literacy rate: 99% ranked 27th in world.
Average income: US $29,853.0506
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Research
- P.S.... all of this is based off of other people's observations, not mine.
1. Are there types of clothing that are considered inappropriate in your host country that would not usually be considered inappropriate at home?
Not really when talking about young adults and teenagers. American styles and German styles are very similar in modesty. But, there are also some very big differences.
You wouldn't be surprised if the local lake allowed women to go topless and you would never be awestruck to find an old man in a speedo in the same setting.
Although, we are kind of the same in styles; You would rarely find an old woman wearing shorts, a tight t-shirt and tennis shoes in Germany as you would in the U.S. It would be shocking to find a man or woman wearing tennis shoes while not exercising . Sock with sandals? don't count on it.
German adults are also very conservative in their business dress. - What kinds of unwritten rules about gender roles exist in your host country? (e.g., How is direct eye contact or a smile from a woman usually taken by men?)
Much like America, when a person can't meet the eyes with another it is a sign of a lack in confidence.
But, it goes a step further. In Germany, when in conversation... It is very common for a German to look at you straight in the eyes the whole (or majority) of the time of the conversation. This is a sign of interest and trust in the conversation. Americans may find this extremely uncomfortable and we will look straight into the eyes but not for too long. Germans may find this annoying.
Smiling in the U.S is seen as a friendly and polite gesture whereas in Germany doing so may send the wrong intention. Smiling is usually a sign of affection towards another. - What kinds of acts are considered flirtation in your host country that you would not usually be considered flirtation at home?
This was a bit hard to find over the internet but from what I've read: Germans are terrible at flirting. Or, German men are terrible at flirting. It is very unlikely for them to make a first move.
Teenagers will probably differ vastly from adults.... We'll just have to see! - What obvious differences exist between the way you typically act on a night out, riding public transportation, walking through the city, in encounters with local men, etc. and the way the native women act?
We hear that Germans love beer. But, do they love getting drunk? no. One would be very looked down upon if he/she were to do so.
Other than that it's pretty similar to the rest of the U.S, not including Utah...
That's all.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
That's... stereotypical!!
The negative world perspective of Americans....................
Lazy
Rich
Ignorant
Party animals
Want to be world leaders
Proud
A lot of these stereotypes are created from people observing the media. The U.S is a massive producer of T.V shows, movies, music, books, world news, etc. All of our media is spread about the whole world, especially Europe. When watching let's say... Mean girls, they could get the idea that most American High Schools are like that. They watch us on the news and hear Obamas speeches, they suddenly assume that we are way proud and want too much world power.
They look at our schooling system. Out of the 30 modern countries in the world, U.S is ranked 25th in education. They suddenly assume we're stupid, lazy and ignorant and put all our money into war and not schooling.
They watch our T.V shows, like for example: The O.C, or desperate house wives, etc. suddenly we're really wealthy and love to party.
I think media plays the biggest role, honestly.
I kind of started talking crap about our country. We know most of us aren't like that.... and Europeans usually don't look down on us quite that much. From what I can tell, most of them like us... at least the slightest bit.
How can I explain and respond to negative stereotypes while in Germany?
Just represent myself the best I can be. Be myself, is probably the most important. Represent the U.S as a well-rounded diverse country and just explain my culture to them, answer questions, etc. The thing about the U.S and Germany is that everyone is so diverse... A lot of Americans do fit the stereotypes but a lot don't and one can't make another change their thinking. "You can lead a man to reason, but you can't make him think"- someone said that.
I feel as though my writing is faltering. Oh well.
Lazy
Rich
Ignorant
Party animals
Want to be world leaders
Proud
A lot of these stereotypes are created from people observing the media. The U.S is a massive producer of T.V shows, movies, music, books, world news, etc. All of our media is spread about the whole world, especially Europe. When watching let's say... Mean girls, they could get the idea that most American High Schools are like that. They watch us on the news and hear Obamas speeches, they suddenly assume that we are way proud and want too much world power.
They look at our schooling system. Out of the 30 modern countries in the world, U.S is ranked 25th in education. They suddenly assume we're stupid, lazy and ignorant and put all our money into war and not schooling.
They watch our T.V shows, like for example: The O.C, or desperate house wives, etc. suddenly we're really wealthy and love to party.
I think media plays the biggest role, honestly.
I kind of started talking crap about our country. We know most of us aren't like that.... and Europeans usually don't look down on us quite that much. From what I can tell, most of them like us... at least the slightest bit.
How can I explain and respond to negative stereotypes while in Germany?
Just represent myself the best I can be. Be myself, is probably the most important. Represent the U.S as a well-rounded diverse country and just explain my culture to them, answer questions, etc. The thing about the U.S and Germany is that everyone is so diverse... A lot of Americans do fit the stereotypes but a lot don't and one can't make another change their thinking. "You can lead a man to reason, but you can't make him think"- someone said that.
I feel as though my writing is faltering. Oh well.
My personal identity
Global student gives me a long list of identities.... I must carefully choose 3 in which describe myself as a human being... or American, if you will.
The one's they gave me were a bit dull, so I tweeked them up just a bit just so I could enjoy this in the slightest way
I am strong
I am an artist
I am on the liberal side
I am strong- This is what I say to myself as I hit the last mile of that cross country race, the 10th 400 repeat of practice, the last blistering switchback of the Y trail, as I make it up Will's hill, and all those many miles I do with cross country and track.
On any give day I would be proud to announce that I am a runner. Running has become my most favorite thing to do. It's the pain I enjoy. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't healthy, I couldn't handle it.. trust me. I love riding my bike, hiking and most definitely running. I just love being active and seeing how hard I can push my limit. It's fun.
Germans may be shocked by this.. because so many Americans are overweight. But, we'll see. I know western Europeans are very healthy and it is very unlikely to find an overweight one.. As I go on this exchange being active (strong) will hopefully help me relate to others, whether it's on a sport team or whatever. And hopefully it will defeat the stereotype of Americans being extremely lazy all the time
When I say I am an artist, I actually mean: I wish I was an artist. I love creating my own type of style. Wheter it be, on my body, in my room, in my book, in my journal, in my ideas, etc.... I love being different from everyone else. I love creating myself. I am a the most horrible artist (in a drawing sense) but I still try... I love looking at architecture, nature, people, clothing, pictures, art, cars, listening to music and any kind of noises, reading books and just finding the beauty in all of them. Art comes in so many different aspects, we just have to find it.
Germany is filled with so much art. Historically, culturally, and naturally. I'll be taking plenty of pictures and writing, hopefully, a lot about some of my many experiences. I'll try to turn it into art as much as possible or at least look at it with an artist (not really) perspective.... Maybe, possibly.
I am liberal. Yes, it's pretty self explanatory. Germany is pretty liberal. Not as liberal as The Netherlands but liberal. That's all I have to say. I guess.
The one's they gave me were a bit dull, so I tweeked them up just a bit just so I could enjoy this in the slightest way
I am strong
I am an artist
I am on the liberal side
I am strong- This is what I say to myself as I hit the last mile of that cross country race, the 10th 400 repeat of practice, the last blistering switchback of the Y trail, as I make it up Will's hill, and all those many miles I do with cross country and track.
On any give day I would be proud to announce that I am a runner. Running has become my most favorite thing to do. It's the pain I enjoy. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't healthy, I couldn't handle it.. trust me. I love riding my bike, hiking and most definitely running. I just love being active and seeing how hard I can push my limit. It's fun.
Germans may be shocked by this.. because so many Americans are overweight. But, we'll see. I know western Europeans are very healthy and it is very unlikely to find an overweight one.. As I go on this exchange being active (strong) will hopefully help me relate to others, whether it's on a sport team or whatever. And hopefully it will defeat the stereotype of Americans being extremely lazy all the time
When I say I am an artist, I actually mean: I wish I was an artist. I love creating my own type of style. Wheter it be, on my body, in my room, in my book, in my journal, in my ideas, etc.... I love being different from everyone else. I love creating myself. I am a the most horrible artist (in a drawing sense) but I still try... I love looking at architecture, nature, people, clothing, pictures, art, cars, listening to music and any kind of noises, reading books and just finding the beauty in all of them. Art comes in so many different aspects, we just have to find it.
Germany is filled with so much art. Historically, culturally, and naturally. I'll be taking plenty of pictures and writing, hopefully, a lot about some of my many experiences. I'll try to turn it into art as much as possible or at least look at it with an artist (not really) perspective.... Maybe, possibly.
I am liberal. Yes, it's pretty self explanatory. Germany is pretty liberal. Not as liberal as The Netherlands but liberal. That's all I have to say. I guess.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Global Student: My goal statement
My goals for while in German. How I want this experience to personally affect me in terms of personal growth, global awareness and diversity.
As I spend a year in Germany, I have no doubt I will change as a person. But, the question is: what kind of person?
Well, first of all, I want to change my mindset. I want to be able to understand the German perspective. Not only that, I want to have the German perspective. This will help my understanding of global awareness... in a different view. I'm going to try to observe as much as possible ( I seem to be quite good at it, honestly.) and interact with those around me.
Personally, I have the greatest desire to not be shy on this trip. Shyness will only hurt me in so many ways... As it has in some of my earlier years. Opening myself to everyone will not only improve my German and knowledge of the culture but it will help me grow as a person, help me become a better person and create the friends I want to create.
I have definitely improved greatly.But, trust me, there is still plenty of room.
That's all.
As I spend a year in Germany, I have no doubt I will change as a person. But, the question is: what kind of person?
Well, first of all, I want to change my mindset. I want to be able to understand the German perspective. Not only that, I want to have the German perspective. This will help my understanding of global awareness... in a different view. I'm going to try to observe as much as possible ( I seem to be quite good at it, honestly.) and interact with those around me.
Personally, I have the greatest desire to not be shy on this trip. Shyness will only hurt me in so many ways... As it has in some of my earlier years. Opening myself to everyone will not only improve my German and knowledge of the culture but it will help me grow as a person, help me become a better person and create the friends I want to create.
I have definitely improved greatly.But, trust me, there is still plenty of room.
That's all.
Quotes are my favorite
Global student... again. Sorry for the disappointment. If it ever was one.
The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of convenience but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
So true. Whenever one wants to be the person they want to be, when one desires the creation of a certain talent, or perhaps they wish to get to know someone... There has to be an amount of risk somewhere in there to make their wishes come true and a few (or a lot) moments of being uncomfortable.
Life is full of challenges. But, we are the ones to defeat them and survive them well. For they will make us ever-so stronger.
This exchange will no doubt be a challenge in so many aspects. All I know is, when I am able to get through a challenge, I am stronger. We can choose these challenges or they can fall upon us. I am choosing this one and hopefully the measure of my self will reach a high capacity.
" I never said it was going to be easy. I said it was going to be worth it"
and another one to end it. " I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."
The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of convenience but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
So true. Whenever one wants to be the person they want to be, when one desires the creation of a certain talent, or perhaps they wish to get to know someone... There has to be an amount of risk somewhere in there to make their wishes come true and a few (or a lot) moments of being uncomfortable.
Life is full of challenges. But, we are the ones to defeat them and survive them well. For they will make us ever-so stronger.
This exchange will no doubt be a challenge in so many aspects. All I know is, when I am able to get through a challenge, I am stronger. We can choose these challenges or they can fall upon us. I am choosing this one and hopefully the measure of my self will reach a high capacity.
" I never said it was going to be easy. I said it was going to be worth it"
and another one to end it. " I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A more in depth version of my concerns going abroad
In all honesty, I am so excited for this year in Germany. I don’t think I’ve been so excited for anything else in my life... There’s the obvious Christmas, knowing you’re going to Disneyland, all that fun stuff. Just to inform you, Germany wins. But, because of the fact I am human, I also have a few concerns about this journey. Things in which I am extremely nervous about. I guess global student is somewhat forcing me to share them with you in a certain amount of deepness.
I am so scared to go to school in a different language. Just because of the fact school is already supposed to be a challenge to everyone, add a language you are not a master of on top of it…. It’s a bit hard to imagine. Along with the language, I believe it will be hard for me to communicate and get my thoughts out there to my host family and community. Not only that but being able to understand them. I know my host family speaks excellent English and my host sister is trying to learn English well but I really want to learn German. That’ll also be a challenge, to let them know: I only want to speak German (for learning sake) while I’m there. I want to be independent and show that I can get around…. And that I can learn as much German as I put my mind to it.
I also mentioned fitting in in the last post. I’ve lived in Provo for 15 years. Provo is 90 % Mormon. I’ve grown up around people with the same standards and same beliefs my whole life. My family attends church every week (only a 3 minute walk up the street) all my neighbors attend church weekly….. all my friends attend Seminary at school and Mutual every Wednesday. I’m not going to lie, I’m not going to miss it too much. There are so many diverse people with different religious views in this world and I can’t wait to hear them and learn from them. It’s just the fact that I’ve grown up in such a culture and I’ve adapted to it, I think it will be hard bonding with people of complete different backgrounds, I guess. That’s a concern… But, I’m so willing to get over it.
With all that being said, I think I can overcome these things or at least somewhat. A risk needs to be made once in a while and we can’t always be comfortable with everything in life. There are challenges to be met, races to be won, mountains to be climbed, and an exchange program to be conquered. Go get ‘em tiger.
I am so scared to go to school in a different language. Just because of the fact school is already supposed to be a challenge to everyone, add a language you are not a master of on top of it…. It’s a bit hard to imagine. Along with the language, I believe it will be hard for me to communicate and get my thoughts out there to my host family and community. Not only that but being able to understand them. I know my host family speaks excellent English and my host sister is trying to learn English well but I really want to learn German. That’ll also be a challenge, to let them know: I only want to speak German (for learning sake) while I’m there. I want to be independent and show that I can get around…. And that I can learn as much German as I put my mind to it.
I also mentioned fitting in in the last post. I’ve lived in Provo for 15 years. Provo is 90 % Mormon. I’ve grown up around people with the same standards and same beliefs my whole life. My family attends church every week (only a 3 minute walk up the street) all my neighbors attend church weekly….. all my friends attend Seminary at school and Mutual every Wednesday. I’m not going to lie, I’m not going to miss it too much. There are so many diverse people with different religious views in this world and I can’t wait to hear them and learn from them. It’s just the fact that I’ve grown up in such a culture and I’ve adapted to it, I think it will be hard bonding with people of complete different backgrounds, I guess. That’s a concern… But, I’m so willing to get over it.
With all that being said, I think I can overcome these things or at least somewhat. A risk needs to be made once in a while and we can’t always be comfortable with everything in life. There are challenges to be met, races to be won, mountains to be climbed, and an exchange program to be conquered. Go get ‘em tiger.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Global Student Anticipation and Expectation
Good Morning!
I decided I want to get this as quickly done as possible because I still have a lot to do in these next 2 months. So, bear with me or don't even read at all, I could care less. I will conquer these courses either way.
So, let us begin our journey.
Anticipation and Expectation Exercise
A. What are the five things that you are most looking forward to about studying abroad?
1.Learning German
2.Learning culture
3.Living in a complete different place
4.Seeing the beauties of Europe
5.Creating good friendships
B. What are the five things that currently worry you most about going overseas?
1.Fitting in
2.Language barrier
3.homesickness
4.Living in a complete different culture
5.Expressing myself
C. What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss most from home when abroad?
1.Track and Cross Country team
2.Beauties of Utah.... running through them, hiking, etc.
3.Timpview- I'm gonna miss that school so much.
4
5.Mormons
D. What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss least from home when abroad?
1.Mormons being everywhere
2.creepy people
3.our food
4.Being extremely bored in school
5. This is hard... Probably all the stress at home.
E. My greatest single challenge overseas will be: Probably fitting in. That goes along with being able to express my self in another language, and culture. I don't like to admit it ever but I'm a bit shy when first meeting people. I have to trust one before I can actually express my true self in front of them. That'll be a big challenge. Also, missing my cross country team. I love that team and sport so much.
We will definitely see what happens.
This list was kind of what came right off of my head, not thoroughly thought through. But, it is the truth. Hope you enjoy the colors atleast
Global Student Top 10 reasons why I want to study abroad.
So, with the scholarship, AYUSA is telling me I must complete this "Global Student" course before I leave to Germany, while I'm in Germany and when I come home!
I decided I better not procrastinate anymore.... because I seem to be able to do that quite well. My summer is already very busy at the moment, so I better go ahead and do this in my free-time. They gave me 10 reasons and now I must put them in the order I want. This is going hard because I have a hard time choosing sometimes... most the time. Here we go.
1. Learn a language in the country where it is spoken.
I am a firm believer in Americans learning a second language. Ask any American whether they speak a second language fluently. The likely answer is: no. Now ask them whether or not they took a language in high school, probably, yes. It drives me insane. Yes, a lot of people speak it as a second language... but, still... It just helps the stereotype of Americans being ignorant, proud, lazy and not very smart.
When a human learns to speak another language fluently, they not only know another language, they know another culture. As an American I find it extremely important to represent ourselves in good ways. By knowing another language and interacting with those people that speak that language, they will begin to respect you as an American and also a person. I could go on and on but I won't. Ich liebe Deutsch
2. Gain perspective on own country and culture.
When going to another country and experiencing it hands on, you not only learn about their culture but you learn about your own. When comparing Europe to America, we a lot of the time think it's about the same because we're so similar in technologies, dress, food and such. But, what we don't realize is, they have so many differences. Social differences, manner differences, life differences, transportation, style, thinking, what's right and wrong, etc. etc.
Most of the time, seeing the opposite finally helps us realize the real deal.
Sometimes, I feel like I understand the United States... or no, not really. I feel like a understand Utah (that's more like it.) But, I feel like Germany will really open my eyes and help me love people for who they are. I really do think I'll come back with a complete different vision.
3. Travel/Studying abroad is a life altering experience.
I feel as though this exchange will change my perspective on everything. Like, I mentioned in the previous post, this is probably the most courageous thing I'm going to do... and the most "life-altering" one at that. I want to not only grow more intelligent but I want to grow as a person. "Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself" - George Bernard Shaw.
This experience will no doubt be life changing and I will talk a little bit more in depth about it in number 5.
4. Experience hands-on learning
This goes with language. What better way to learn a language than when speaking, reading, and hearing it 24/7 for 10 months straight. And what better way to learn culture? history? etc. Hands-on is by far better than any old text book or sitting in a stuffy 70's classroom in Timpview.
5. Learn about self and gain independence
I'm 16 years old. Still young. But, most definitely still growing. When it's time for college I want to be able to be independent. I know I could learn all this stuff at home. But, it's a heck of a lot funner and easier in another country.
Language, culture, and history is what I love. My dream is to work in the foreign service and living in Germany will definitely help me make my decision on that. I will make new friends, learn new things and "create myself".
6. See the world (or at least part of it)
Did I mention I love language, culture and history?... I'm thinking so. But, yes, and again if any of you know me, I absolutely love adventure, being outside, enjoying nature, enjoying architecture, watching humans, listening to humans, learning, Germany, Europe and so on. I love the world. I want to learn so much about it and most definitely travel it and experience it.
7. Make connections that last a lifetime.
It sounds a bit cheesy and kind of stupid. Because, honestly, you can make connections wherever you are, believe it or not, in Provo too. But, it's different when connecting with those of another culture. I can't quite explain it but it's different. Doing this exchange, I will meet so many new people. Not even Germans but those of my fellow American exchange group.
From observation, adults seem to remember the best times of their lives in High School. Or, let me rephrase that; the funnest times of their lives. I could have this in Provo or I could have it in Germany. Take your pick.
8. International travel and study is fun and exciting
I think we all get the idea that it is. New places and new things are always pleasing.
9. Resume builder
This was always a reason. But, it wasn't my top reason. It's just one of those things that is a good plus.
Now, that I think about it... I want to look look on a college application. Not only will it help with any applications but this exchange will help me so much educationally and that will be a huge advantage when taking the ACT or SAT or applying for a job.
10. Programs work with academic programs
I was a bit confused with this one. So, I'm going to interpret it into my own words. No, maybe not.
Well, now that I feel like I've written way too many not-entirely thought through thoughts, I'm going to bed.
Good night Neverland
I decided I better not procrastinate anymore.... because I seem to be able to do that quite well. My summer is already very busy at the moment, so I better go ahead and do this in my free-time. They gave me 10 reasons and now I must put them in the order I want. This is going hard because I have a hard time choosing sometimes... most the time. Here we go.
1. Learn a language in the country where it is spoken.
I am a firm believer in Americans learning a second language. Ask any American whether they speak a second language fluently. The likely answer is: no. Now ask them whether or not they took a language in high school, probably, yes. It drives me insane. Yes, a lot of people speak it as a second language... but, still... It just helps the stereotype of Americans being ignorant, proud, lazy and not very smart.
When a human learns to speak another language fluently, they not only know another language, they know another culture. As an American I find it extremely important to represent ourselves in good ways. By knowing another language and interacting with those people that speak that language, they will begin to respect you as an American and also a person. I could go on and on but I won't. Ich liebe Deutsch
2. Gain perspective on own country and culture.
When going to another country and experiencing it hands on, you not only learn about their culture but you learn about your own. When comparing Europe to America, we a lot of the time think it's about the same because we're so similar in technologies, dress, food and such. But, what we don't realize is, they have so many differences. Social differences, manner differences, life differences, transportation, style, thinking, what's right and wrong, etc. etc.
Most of the time, seeing the opposite finally helps us realize the real deal.
Sometimes, I feel like I understand the United States... or no, not really. I feel like a understand Utah (that's more like it.) But, I feel like Germany will really open my eyes and help me love people for who they are. I really do think I'll come back with a complete different vision.
3. Travel/Studying abroad is a life altering experience.
I feel as though this exchange will change my perspective on everything. Like, I mentioned in the previous post, this is probably the most courageous thing I'm going to do... and the most "life-altering" one at that. I want to not only grow more intelligent but I want to grow as a person. "Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself" - George Bernard Shaw.
This experience will no doubt be life changing and I will talk a little bit more in depth about it in number 5.
4. Experience hands-on learning
This goes with language. What better way to learn a language than when speaking, reading, and hearing it 24/7 for 10 months straight. And what better way to learn culture? history? etc. Hands-on is by far better than any old text book or sitting in a stuffy 70's classroom in Timpview.
5. Learn about self and gain independence
I'm 16 years old. Still young. But, most definitely still growing. When it's time for college I want to be able to be independent. I know I could learn all this stuff at home. But, it's a heck of a lot funner and easier in another country.
Language, culture, and history is what I love. My dream is to work in the foreign service and living in Germany will definitely help me make my decision on that. I will make new friends, learn new things and "create myself".
6. See the world (or at least part of it)
Did I mention I love language, culture and history?... I'm thinking so. But, yes, and again if any of you know me, I absolutely love adventure, being outside, enjoying nature, enjoying architecture, watching humans, listening to humans, learning, Germany, Europe and so on. I love the world. I want to learn so much about it and most definitely travel it and experience it.
7. Make connections that last a lifetime.
It sounds a bit cheesy and kind of stupid. Because, honestly, you can make connections wherever you are, believe it or not, in Provo too. But, it's different when connecting with those of another culture. I can't quite explain it but it's different. Doing this exchange, I will meet so many new people. Not even Germans but those of my fellow American exchange group.
From observation, adults seem to remember the best times of their lives in High School. Or, let me rephrase that; the funnest times of their lives. I could have this in Provo or I could have it in Germany. Take your pick.
8. International travel and study is fun and exciting
I think we all get the idea that it is. New places and new things are always pleasing.
9. Resume builder
This was always a reason. But, it wasn't my top reason. It's just one of those things that is a good plus.
Now, that I think about it... I want to look look on a college application. Not only will it help with any applications but this exchange will help me so much educationally and that will be a huge advantage when taking the ACT or SAT or applying for a job.
10. Programs work with academic programs
I was a bit confused with this one. So, I'm going to interpret it into my own words. No, maybe not.
Well, now that I feel like I've written way too many not-entirely thought through thoughts, I'm going to bed.
Good night Neverland
Friday, June 10, 2011
Documentation
If it's any new news to you, I'm going to be living in Germany for 10 months starting in the middle of August. I got the scholarship, my belt is buckled, my shoes are tied and I am on the verge of being ready.
I will be departing Mormonville on August 14th to then arrive in Washington D.C to group up with the gang (exchange group). After that, I will arrive in Leipzig and then take off to a month long language/culture training camp in some really little village by the name of Hedersleben. After this, I will be arriving to my wonderful Host Family (The Schusters) in Forrcheim, Northern Bavaria in the middle of September.
I will be attending a German school, attending German culture, attending adventure, and attending the most courageous thing yet to come in my life. Am I excited? yes. Am I scared? yes. Am I ready? I'll find out.
It's kind of finally hitting me that I am actually going to be living there for a school year... without my family, without my cross country/track races, without Timpview, without English, without Mormon culture, etc. But, let's take a step back from the bad things. Imagine what I'll gain. It's endless, my friends. They are the reasons why I am doing it.
You may just remember me titling this post with the name of Documentation.
Well, let me explain. This blog will be my documentation of my whole German living experience............ and probably other things too. I am not much of a blogger but do not fear; I will try to be. Whether or not you enjoy it, I do not care.
Well, readers.. If someone is actually reading this. I hope you will follow along with me on my journey and listen to my "not-so secret thoughts and happenings". Take my hand and I'll take you there.
Also, Happy Summer!
cheerio!
Miss McKenna Marie Anderson of Hertfordshire
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