I returned back home last Tuesday after just over six weeks in Germany. I learned so much and really enjoyed the experience. After being immersed in German language and culture for an extended period of time, it was interesting to look at my language acquisition as compared to taking my German classes in the United States. One observation is that even while in Germany, my language acquisition was gradual. It still took focused time and a dedicated effort to remember all of the vocabulary I learned in class that day. With such a large amount of input every day, I had to accept that I would not master all of the material after just one class day. Rather, I needed to review verb conjugations, grammar patterns, and vocabulary each night to truly “digest” everything I had learned that day.
This language acquisition was certainly accelerated by my engagement with the community around me. Learning cultural differences came from experiencing cultural differences. For example, German culture takes Sunday as truly a day of rest, where most supermarkets and stores are not open. Although I had heard this from various German professors as well as from my own research, it really took me experiencing this difference to understand how it impacts the society and the people living in it. Everybody seemed to be relaxed and happy on Sunday’s, as this was sort of a guaranteed day of rest. I also found it important to ask questions. When I noticed that I had to bring my own reusable bags at the supermarket, I talked to my host about this cultural difference. She said that the plastic bags that I am familiar with at supermarkets are really not used in Germany and it is expected that shoppers bring their own reusable bags. This was a very interesting insight, and I am very grateful I was able to stay with a host who was very happy to answer my questions about German culture and language. In this, I think the expectations that I wrote about in my pre-departure post were very accurate. I wanted to learn not only about the language, but also about cultural differences.
This experience certainly impacted my world view. It was one of the first times that I was immersed in a culture where English is not the primary language. Other times when I have traveled internationally, I had my family with me and we would speak English together. However, during this program I was challenged to speak German nearly exclusively. I saw that there are so many different cultures and ways to live. Most of all, this experience challenged and inspired me. It was not always easy and I certainly felt homesick and uncomfortable at moments. However, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. As advice to others, I would say that if you want to experience a new culture, language, and part of the world, the SLA grant is a phenomenal way to do so. Even if you feel anxious or nervous to pursue the opportunity, go for it. You never know what you may discover, encounter, and learn. Thank you again for this experience, it is one I will never forget!
