Student report: A Semester abroad at HdM, Pace student

A Semester abroad at HdM, summer 2018, Pace student, 3. year

            “Go where you didn’t know you wanted to go to” – this was the last thing I saw hanging in the airport ceiling before I embarked on a trip that would change my college experience. Studying abroad has given me the chance to experience the unexpected and has exceeded beyond my expectations as well. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I gained more than I hoped for. Time really flies when you’re having fun and I only wish I had more time.

PREPARATIONS PRIOR TO HdM

Preparing to study abroad was a last-minute decision for me and as a result, the process was very rushed from the late notice about the institution partnership. Nevertheless, I discussed this abroad option with many people and they encouraged me to take this chance to explore what a potential future for me would be like. Admittedly, I was very doubtful in coming because I had never thought about studying in Germany. However, I kept an open mind and decided to take this step outside my comfort zone. The application process was very swift, and all the necessary portals were given to me promptly from the host institution. The professor who I discussed this exchange with guided me with the initial steps and communication with the international office at HdM. I have to say – the people who helped me prepare for this experience were very quick in helping me retrieve all the information I needed.
Housing was one of the concerns, especially since I was coming to a country I’ve never been to before and where I didn’t speak the language. Originally having missed the deadline for housing, I immediately emailed the International Office at HdM and I was very surprised by the extension I was graciously provided. Knowing that finding a place to live in Stuttgart is very difficult, it was definitely one of the influencing factors in my decision to study abroad. There was, indeed, A LOT of paperwork being tossed back and forth between me and the folks from HdM, which I learned later on during my exchange that it is very typically in a German setting.

MY EXCHANGE AT HdM
            Because the program I was accepted for has a set sequence of courses, I was left to choose my elective class at HdM. Therefore, choosing the classes wasn’t difficult, since they were pre-determined. The courses I have taken here are taught by professionals in the field and were very knowledgeable during lectures. Although I would have preferred a more visualized and interactive teaching mechanism, the hands-on experiences allow for interactive and collaborative group work. In addition to the courses at HdM, there are a few events (specific to my program) outside the classroom which were available. Most of the events, however, were organized by the Exchange Network at HdM. As a result, I bonded with fellow international students more than I did with my German peers in the classroom – which is not to say is a bad thing, but I had hoped for a more balanced structure. Overall, the highlight of this academic program was being able to go through hands-on activities and working in an environment which may reflect my future career environment.
            At HdM, I was able to work collaboratively in groups with German students. I was surprised to see the different way German students work compared to the students in my home institution. At HdM, the German students were very focused on the details such as explaining every step of their work, sometimes when it wasn’t relevant to a task. It was odd for me to understand why they did this, and the only reasoning I can come up with is that they strive for perfection. This comes with a benefit that they are able to think outside the box, which was surprising to me. In addition to this behavior, I also noticed that German students can also tend to work alone, even if there are other members in the group. I cannot distinguish this trend from the fact that the class is a technology class or if it is because of the culture. There are a couple of factors that confound the possible reasoning for a behavior like this. Nonetheless, I did try to give my inputs whenever possible during my group projects. A noticeable difference between HdM and my home institution is the lack of extracurriculars (clubs and organizations) on campus. I asked around about this, and it doesn’t seem to be a popular activity for students. I do find this a little sad because extracurriculars are a way to temporarily leave the academic setting for a hobby or a passion.
(Remark: There are sport facilities on the campus of University of Stuttgart, which is close to HdM)

MY STAY IN GERMANY

           Stuttgart is a very modern and innovative city in Germany. I visited other cities around Germany such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Tübingen and noticed the stark differences from Stuttgart. Berlin is a very cultured and colorful city, but it appears to be confused whether to preserve its roots or to invest in a modern look. Hamburg is unique on its own for its port and it manages very well to stay colorful and hipster, similar to St. Marks of NYC. Tübingen preserved its history very well, which is seen in the houses around this little city. In Stuttgart, much of the city is polished with a modern look – which I’m not sure if local Germans prefer this over the traditional appearance. Frankfurt stands out as the city that German do not like – which, as I was told, because it is too modern and nothing German about it. I’ve overheard it is also called the “German New York City”.
            It is a very common to travel as much as you can while studying abroad, and I partook in this in my numerous weekend trips in the neighboring cities and countries with my international friends. Nearby cities such as Strasbourg and Zurich showed me the influence of German culture in cities outside of Germany. It was very interesting to hear the Swiss-German as well as the German architecture in a French city. I also took the time to explore the city of Stuttgart. I was very happy to find the little hidden gems of Stuttgart, especially when it is not a popular city for tourism. There’s the little towns Esslingen and Ludwigsburg to see nearby as well as the annual Frulingestfest. Killesberg Park, Teehaus, Santiago de Chile Platz, and Schlossplatz were some great places I went back numerous times to enjoy the Stuttgart atmosphere. By observing and interacting with the locals, I easily was able to adjust to the culture and atmosphere. 
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR FUTURE EXCHANGE STUDENTS
In Stuttgart and many other cities in Germany, there are plenty of student discount prices, so it is alright to flash your HdM student ID everywhere.
  • The easiest way to learn about the German culture and life is to ask the locals. Discuss these with your fellow international friends since they are also going through similar experiences.
  • Germans are known to be “aloof” and difficult to approach if they don’t know you beforehand. This is the initial impression when I arrived, but after having spent the semester here, it no longer feels “aloof” because you become a local now J
  • One of the most important words: “Genau” – I only wish there was such a word like this in English, but nothing really comes close especially having used it for the past five months. “Genau” means “Yes, I agree” in an informal and formal setting. It has a different tone in the German environment.
  • Don’t be afraid to share your country’s traditions – the international students love to learn about your country. My international friends organized an International Dinner which everyone made something from their home country and presented them to everyone. For Independence Day, I held a BBQ with other fellow Americans and showed everyone the way Independence Day is typically celebrated at home – BBQ, smores, and songs by the campfire. It was a surprise to me that everyone LOVES smores.
  • Don’t stay in your flat – go out and explore! You only have so much time to explore before time runs out. Make the time worth and the memories memorable.
  • Germany is a BIG country; if you want to travel and explore the different cities in Germany, start early!
PERSONAL STATEMENT
            Everyone says studying abroad is a life-changing experience, and I can attest to that. I came to a country I had never been to before alone, but I’m leaving this country with a lifetime of friends and family. Here, I was able to see what a potential career would look like, especially when HdM is a very hands-on school. Having this experience has made me think on a larger scale and made me focus on what I want in my future. Of course, I came to HdM to experiment different possible futures, and I believe I have found an idea of what I would like to do. If I could have another study abroad experience, I would immediately say yes. Such an opportunity is life changing and I hope other students will take the chance to study abroad as well.