Germany

Ann Hebberger
IES (Partner Program) European Union Program in Freiburg, Winter Semester 2004

"Having never been to Europe before, I had no idea what to expect when I stepped off the plane and into my adventure. Ever since that first day of navigating my way through Germany to my program, I have been have amazing experiences. This program is different and a neat way to do study abroad. My favorite part is definitely all of the travel that is included. I have gone to Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, Budapest, Prague, Bratislava, Geneva, Riga, and Latvia with the program. I have gotten to see places that I would have never gotten to otherwise, and the program took us to lots of different EU institutions. This was another great thing about my program. We were able to go and see all of the things that we have been learning about for the last 3 months. The fact that the program focused so much on the EU was great. It gave me an in depth look into how the EU works. Also, the people that I have met and gotten too know are wonderful, friends that I want to have for life. This has been an experience that I will never forget, and I would recommend study abroad to anyone who wants to experience amazing things.

"If you have any questions please contact me at akh9q3@mizzou.edu."

Jeffrey Fischer
MU in Saarbrucken at the Universität des Saarlandes, Academic Year 2001-2002

"With a double major in psychology and German, Germany was the natural alternative to harvest my language skills. And with a location so close to France, Saarbrucken offered an interesting cultural environment. The university is set in the forest at the base of some rolling, wooded hills, providing an easy escape into nature to exercise, think or just enjoy the scenery. The university is nice and compact and looks pretty modern (and somewhat strange) in the middle of a forest.

"Since arriving here, I have taken a wide variety of courses. I took an Intro to French course along with Media Psychology and a grammar course in the Studienkolleg. The Studienkolleg is a great opportunity on campus and is free for all students. You just have to take a placement exam so they know which level would be good for you. They offer various courses for German language skills. I have even met a few people who came to Germany without knowing a word of German and began learning the language in the Studienkolleg. It is a great service, and with so many levels and courses, you are bound to find something that will help you where you need it. Courses in oral communication, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammar exercises and writing exercises are offered. The level I took in the Studienkolleg was mainly a preparation for the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprufung fur den Hochschulzugang) exam. The exam covers the areas mentioned, and the course was a very effective preparation with plenty of exercises.

"Saarbrucken has a great location for traveling. Luxembourg is really close and is an amazingly beautiful city. The French cities of Strasbourg (fantastic city), Metz and Nancy are also nearby, and Paris is four hours away by train. Most cities in Germany also don't take too long to travel to by train.

"The best things I've gotten out of this experience, however, have little to do with the location or the curriculum. The insight I've attained, the lessons I've learned, and the greater understanding of others and myself have been invaluable to me. The most important thing I've learned is that it's up to you to make the experience. Regardless of where you go, you are the one who decides how it will be. I had the idea that if I researched the alternatives well enough, I would land in the perfect city and have no problems adjusting. I was in for a shock. I had perfect expectations of everything, believing that I would be somewhere where the only differences were ones that I would easily adjust to and accept. Instead, I found things to be quite different, and that clashed with how I related to people. I learned to find strength in myself and accept people as they are. It was unbelievably important to stop comparing everything with the US, to see things as they are and to appreciate them. Everyone stands to profit from knowing that just because something is different doesn't mean it's bad. It just means it's new and unfamiliar, which should be seen as a blessing, proving the beautiful diversity of humanity. It takes time, though, and I am still adjusting. Patience with yourself in a new environment is crucial. It is not easy to encounter differences where you never knew they existed. Life naturally brings you to a new understanding, though, if you just allow it.

"So, if you are contemplating studying in Saarbrucken, I would be happy to tell you the facts I know about the city and university, as well as my perceptions and experiences. But the one thing I'm sure of is that you should never pass up the opportunity to study abroad if you have the chance. It makes you a more complete person in ways you never thought before. Seize the opportunity and listen to your heart!" E-mail: jeff_fisch@lycos.com.