|
|
|
My name is Janelle Hegland and my major is international business. I studied abroad for one semester in Nürnberg, Germany. I attended the International Business program at Georg-Simon-Ohm Fachhochschule.
I chose Nürnberg, Germany because I wanted to experience the German culture. I have studied German for awhile and learned a lot about the culture from my classes. By studying abroad in Germany, I thought that I would be able to improve my German while getting to know the people who lived there. I chose this location specifically because I could take classes in either English or German. Since my German is not that great, I thought that this would be the best choice.
By studying abroad in Germany, I have learned a lot. Not only have I been able to experience the German culture, but I was also exposed to many other cultures due to the large number of international students. For instance, I have been exposed to the Spanish, Mexican, Italian, Polish, Chinese, French, and Norwegian culture. For many of my classes, you had to work in groups. This allowed me to learn how to interact with diverse individuals. Sometimes it was hard to communicate specific ideas and to mesh work ethics, but it was a learning experience. Although the classes were taught in English and group work was done in English as well, it was sometimes a challenge to communicate my ideas in a manner in which the other group members could understand since English was their second language. I had to learn to speak slower and communicate ideas in a clearer manner. This also allowed me to understand what the Germans were feeling when I struggled through communication with them in German.
Going to school there is also different. The system that is in place is different from the one that I am used to at IUP. Mainly, students have one grade for the class that is based on an essay test or a presentation or a combination of the two. Students are not required to show up for any of the classes; they just have to be there for the exam. When taking the exams, I saw several students who I had never seen before in class. Although it may sound nice that students are not required to attend class, there is more stress at the end because the grade for the test is based upon one evaluation.
Another difference is the interaction of professors with students. I found it strange that there is basically no interaction between the professors and students. The professors never offered to help students if they were having troubles with the class. There were office hours but only once a week, and my professors didn’t make the invitation too inviting.
The application of the information was one thing I really enjoyed about the school system. In many of my classes, I took what I learned in class and applied it real life situations and companies. In two of the classes, there were group presentations in which each group was assigned a company to study based on what was learned in class. This not only helped me learn about the theories, but I also increase my knowledge about different companies and how they interact in the business world.
While I was there, I was able to travel around Germany. I mainly traveled around the southern half of Germany since I could go to many of the cities for just a day. I loved traveling in Bavaria since it seems as though that area holds tightly to their traditions. I would see their Bavarian flag flying more often than the German flag. It would not be uncommon to see a lot of individuals walking around in traditional clothing. One of my favorite trips was to Füssen where the Neuschwanstein Castle is. While I was there, I learned more about the history of King Ludwig II, and saw how there is a soft spot for that king. Although he is typically thought of as insane, one gets the feeling from the tours and tour guides that the people believe him to be just misunderstood. I also learned more about the history surrounding that area.
Although I loved traveling around Germany and to some of the countries around it, my favorite part of the studying abroad was living in Nürnberg. This city was beautiful with the “old” typical German-looking buildings, and Christmas seemed to be everyday due to the numerous Christmas shops. During winter, the famous Christkindlesmarkt takes place there. Although the city is beautiful, it has a dark history. It was one of the three main cities for Hitler during the WWII. Just outside the main center of the city, you can find some of the remaining influences of the Nazi party, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. There is the unfinished Congress Hall and the Zeppelintribüne. One can walk around this area to learn about what happened here or go into the museum located in part of the Congress Hall. From talking with some of the students in Nürnberg, they are willing to discuss what had happen during that time in order to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.
Studying abroad in Germany was enlightening. I had the chance to interact with individuals from around the world and to learn what they thought about certain issues. By living in Germany for five months, I had the chance to get a glimpse into their culture. From studying to traveling, I have been exposed to new ideas, realized the danger behind stereotypes, and learned to work in culturally diversified groups. All of these experiences have given me a better appreciation of different cultures and traditions, and it has helped me to be prepared to work in the field of international business.
previous travel blog entry
Would you like to comment or ask a question?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).