Brandon in Germany!

When I was boarding the plane that would take me to Germany for 6 months, I was so excited. I was excited to finally know exactly what studying abroad was all about. I had been told by many people that overall, studying abroad was a positive experience, but that I had to “learn to appreciate the little bumps along the way.” Each time someone uttered a phrase similar to that, whether in conversation with me personally, or in front of a group of to-be exchange students at UNCG, they seemed to be recalling memories that weren’t so great. They would usually laugh this off and focus on a more positive aspect of their experience. Remembering that I needed to “take stride in the little mistakes,” I began the task of becoming settled in Mannheim, Germany.

The best way I can summarize my study abroad experience so far is that it has been nothing but a rollercoaster. That may sound like a negative thing, but it isn’t necessarily negative. There have definitely been some growing pains associated with living in a different country and learning to be a member of another culture. However, the experiences have been so important for my cultural awareness, but more so for my independence as an adult.

Schloss

My first few weeks in Mannheim were, as this whole trip has been, a rollercoaster. I met so many awesome people, and took part in many excursions that were offered through the winter academy I was attending. The excursions were fantastic. I saw so many places that I probably would have never bothered to travel to by myself. That being said, it’s a great thing I had those excursions to distract me, because I had many problems to deal with concerning registration with the city and country, enrollment in the university, and registering for classes. 

While dealing with a mountain of issues from the university, banking, and housing, and other sources, I still managed to get to know the city and be social. Mannheim is definitely not what anyone would picture when they think of Germany. It has been destroyed several times throughout history, most recently during WWII. Due to this, Mannheim has little of the quaint and cute stereotypical European architecture that one might expect to see anywhere in Europe, but that is not a problem. A perk to living in Mannheim is that it is sort-of almost in the middle of Germany. I have been to a handful of major German cities, along with many other quaint, old-style German towns because of the position of Mannheim within Germany.

From Schloss

 

Another perk to studying abroad in Germany is its central location in Europe. I have been here for 2.5 months, and I have visited France, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. Since Germany is central, you never have to go too far. As far as Mannheim goes, it’s an okay place to be. It is average. It’s kind of dirty, but it strangely has a unique industrial charm. While sometimes I think about how different everything would be had I chosen another location, I do not regret choosing to study abroad in Mannheim.

While most other people made their post specifically about their city, I wanted mine to be more about what people can expect while studying abroad. Culture shock is definitely real. I thought it wouldn’t be that bad. I thought that because I was merely aware that there would be vast cultural differences, it meant I would not really experience culture shock. I was very wrong. For the first week, I questioned my decision to study abroad at all. I really wanted to come home. I felt I had made a mistake, and knowing that I had months ahead to go before I could return home only made my outlook worse. I had trouble with buying groceries, public transportation, and finding my way around the city. I was very uncomfortable. Every person I have spoken to about their first few weeks here has told me a similar story. Many people told me about frantic, teary-eyed calls to their parents, expressing regret and asking if they should just come home the next day. However, these people, myself included, decided to stay and try to make the best of things. So far, though it has been very bumpy, things have worked out. I have traveled to places I have always dreamed of going. I have met very unique and interesting people. I have experienced much more culture than I have experienced in my entire life in the United States. This experience has turned out to be one of the most important experiences I have ever had, and it is only about halfway over.

Apartment Mural

With all that being said, I just want to encourage anyone who is thinking of studying abroad in Mannheim, or anywhere. There will be many things you have to deal with, problem or not. There will be a lot of paperwork, and appointments, and apathetic student help, or worse, apathetic university staff. There will be a lot of obstacles in your way of having the best study abroad experience that you can. All of these things will fall on your shoulders, and yours alone. Though that sounds frightening, I am not trying to deter anyone from studying abroad. I just wish I had been told about some of the problems I was going to experience, rather than mostly all of the fun that I would have. I have had a lot of fun while here. However, there have also been a lot of problems that I was not aware I would have to deal with. But that is the way it goes. Dealing with these problems while abroad has made me so much more independent than I was in the United States. I thought I was independent before coming here. I had a car, a job, my own money, and I managed my own finances. Being abroad and experiencing having to accomplish important tasks, often with little or no help or advice, has made me grow so much as a person. As uncomfortable as I was sometimes, it has been the most valuable experience I have had so far in my time here. 

View of Rothenburg

 

Knowing that I can accomplish this actually makes me feel like I can accomplish anything back home. Studying abroad has made me feel much more like a capable adult. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of my time in Germany. To anyone thinking about studying abroad, definitely do it. It will change your life in positive ways that you won’t imagine.

Brandon Taylor

University of Mannheim

Mannheim, Germany

Nyomi in Oulu, Finland!

How To Survive Study Abroad (Even if you’re really introverted)

1) First, plan for Murphy’s Law

The idea that “everything that can go wrong will go wrong” is a valid one. In fact, I hadn’t received this advice before I left, I would not have survived the first few days. The airline lost my luggage and it took them a few days to find it. Luckily, I has packed a travel kit with clothes, pajamas, and hygene essentials in my carry on. It also had a couple pairs of thermal underwear, which was extremely useful because the next day I had orientation and it was -20°C (-30°F).

A warm day this winter in Oulu, Finland

2) Then, know that planning won’t eliminate all problems

Before I left, I felt like I was prepared for everything. I had researched the average temperatures in Oulu, Google Translated a few Finnish phrases, and talked with a returning exchange student.  Unfortunately, there were a few things I was still unprepared for. For one, Finnish is nothing like English. This caused even simple tasks to become extremely difficult, such as finding food. Which brings me to my next point.

One of Santa's reindeer at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland

 

3) But, everything will work out (eventually)

Thankfully, the University of Oulu gives exchange students Kummi students who assist them with the transition. Due to the help of my Kummi, I didn’t starve my first few days. She took me to a grocery store near the airport after she picked me up. I lived off of sandwiches and Honey Cheerios until I was acclimated enough to the cold to find the grocery store near my house, but I didn’t starve. 

Snow Castle in Kemi, Finland

The restaurant at the Snow Castle in Kemi, Finland

4) Lastly, have fun!

Despite losing my luggage, having to brave negative temperatures, and the lack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, I can honestly say that I’m having the best time. I’ve met people and made friends from all over the world. I’ve learned more about myself and grown immensely. I’ve seen a castle made of snow, slid down two ice slides, seen live reindeer, met (the real) Santa, and officially entered the Arctic Circle. I’ve also witnessed a few restaurants made of ice, walked on a frozen sea, and taken selfies with snowmen that are larger than me (which isn’t hard since I’m only 5’2). So, even though I haven’t had a decent pepperoni pizza or biscuits (not cookies) and 32°F feels warms now, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.

At the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland

Nyomi Hemphill

University of Oulu

Finland

Haley in Plymouth!

I’m Here!

Even before coming to UNCG, I had known for years that I wanted to study abroad. I was so excited when I joined the LIHC and found out that I had the opportunity to study abroad! Throughout the entire process of applying and preparing to go, my excitement grew, along with the terrified feeling of the unknown… But after my first day or two of being here at Plymouth University, a lot of that fear subsided and now I’m just happy to be here!

Plymouth Lighthouse

Life in England

Living in England is definitely a lot different from the U.S. Just about everything is within walking distance, so my legs have definitely been getting a workout! British food for the most part is actually kind of bland, but I have discovered a love for fish and chips. The people are very nice and don’t stereotype Americans as much as I had expected them to, although I do still get asked all of the time on what my opinion of Donald Trump and guns are. Pool is a huge past-time here, and because of my new friends I probably go play pool at least 3 or 4 times a week! 

First fish and chips dinner

Plymouth

Plymouth is nicknamed “Britain’s Ocean City”, being located right on the Southwest coast of England in the county of Devon. It is home to Sutton Harbor, which is big for the navy, merchants, and fishing. It’s also a smaller city compared to others, so like I mentioned earlier most things are within walking distance, including the university, Drake Circus mall, city Centre, Sutton Harbor, the lighthouse, and most of the restaurants and bars. Plymouth is also where the Mayflower and the pilgrims set sail for New England, which now makes sense to me why they named the settlement Plymouth in Massachusetts! 

The exact spot the Mayflower sailed from

Sutton Harbor

  

Travelling Around

So far, most of my travelling has been within Plymouth. I’ve been to the harbor, the aquarium, the famous Plymouth Gin Distillery, and many parts of the city. On Valentine’s Day I did travel to the Eden Project in St. Austell, which was absolutely gorgeous! I’m hoping to plan more mini-trips like that within the United Kingdom. I did book my plans for spring break, which will be spent in Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris. And later in May when classes wind down I’m looking into travelling to Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and maybe even Portugal and Spain. 

The biomes of the Eden Project in St. Austell

Inside the Mediterranean Biome

The skyview within the Rainforest Biome

  

Growing as a Person

I feel that this experience has already been changing me as a person. I kind of feel more grown-up than I did before, having to be more responsible for myself and especially be more responsible with money. I’ve also made so many new memories with my new friends that I will always cherish, as cheesy as that sounds! I know that the person who returns to the U.S. in June will not be the same person that arrived here in England back in January. 

Haley Penk

Plymouth University

Plymouth, United Kingdom

Camille and Pepe in Spain!

Camille Bailey and her dragon companion Pepe share the story of their adventures in Spain in our second video post.  Camille shares some of her toughest moments and most rewarding triumphs. Enjoy!

Camille Bailey
Universidad de Castilla-LaMancha-Cuenca (UCLM-Cuenca)
Cuenca, Spain

Anastasia in Germany!

When departing for my semester abroad, I thought six months was a long time…. Today I am two months into my adventure and it has gone by in a blink of an eye.  I truly feel sad when I think about the fact that I will have to leave soon.  Before departure, I was nothing but excited. This was it! The thing I strived to do since 10^th grade. And with excitement came a lot of research and preparation. I cannot say there has been a lot that has surprised me, which is the absolute miracle of living in the 21^st century I guess.  But my preparation in no way meant that everything was smooth sailing or that my life in Mannheim is somehow boring. I think any student abroad is bound to run into some sort of problems, especially at the start.  Everything is literally foreign, and leaning to navigate a new country is a feat.  But I remind myself that countless students have survived before me and so can I!

Marktplatz in Mannheim

View from my window during sunrish

Everyday Life in Manhheim

           

If you plan to attend Mannheim, you will hear “it is not the prettiest of cities” A LOT!

Thus, I anticipated it. And while Mannheim is not as picturesque as the neighboring town of Heidelberg, for example, I found it to be a suitable place to live and study.  It is a very college student friendly atmosphere, and therefore people are willing to help and there are a lot of people to meet.  Surprisingly, I adjusted fairly quickly and instead of driving 40 minutes to school, my norm became walking 20 minutes to class.  Instead of driving for groceries, I now walk down the street with a backpack full of them. I live in the city center so everything is within walking distance, although for those who live further there is plenty of public transportation to help you get around.  When it comes to school, University of Mannheim is primarily a business school. By that I mean, 98% of people I meet are in the business school. I am however in the Humanities and Social Sciences, both departments are very small. I heard that students skip class a lot to travel and professors do not take attendance.  Well, that is mostly true of business lectures with hundreds of people. All of my classes are small seminars, where the attendance policies are stricter than those at UNCG.  So be careful when making travel plans; confirm your class policies.  A big difference between Mannheim and UNCG, is that the university plans a TON of parties and social events (especially for exchange students).  Currently, no joke, there is a party happening every single night of the week.  It is hard to be lonely or bored.

I god to school in a castle!!!

Every-weekend life in Europe

           

I cannot recommend Germany enough as a study abroad destination. It is such a fascinating and diverse country. In addition, it is centrally located.  It is ideal to travel to any place in Europe. Because classes take place once a week, not only do I not have Friday classes, but I also don’t have Thursday classes.  This means four day weekends every weekend.  It is the ideal time to travel, which is what a lot of students are doing. You can always find a travel buddy should you want one.  Today I will be departing on my fourth weekend trip in a row. And even as an avid adventurer, I have to admit it is exhausting. Thus far my big trips include Prague, Brussels, and Berlin.  And when I travel I have the need to see everything. I don’t take it easy. So getting back I am always exhausted, but instead of resting I have a pile of reading, work, and chores to do.  So I would definitely recommend that you find your own, manageable pace when it comes to traveling, otherwise you will drive yourself insane.

            

At Brandenburg Gate

When traveling my best advice is to see everything J You will regret it later if you were near a museum or monument and you didn’t see it. Eat all the food, you can be skinny when you’re dead. Be safe, be smart; things can happen to anyone, but take precautions. Climb all the stairs, the best views are at the top. Take pictures, but also see it with your eyes.  Enjoy the once in a lifetime experience.

Climb the stairs!  The best views are always at the top (Speyer, Germany)

Anastasia Shymanovich
University of Mannheim
Mannheim, Germany