Madison in Lyon!

This is Madison's second post for There Be Dragons from her program in Lyon, France.  Please see Madison's first post here, in which she talks about encountering cultural difference.
 

I want to preface this blogpost by stating that I do not claim to represent the opinions of UNCG or the Lloyd International Honors College.  These are simply my insights on the tragedies which have ensued as of late, especially in regards to the effect they have on study abroad.  

Last Tuesday morning, my friends and I were discussing where we would travel for our long Easter weekend.  One friend had planned on going to Brussels for the weekend and had already bought her plane tickets and rented a hostel.  Along with a few others, I was considering joining her on her trip when, suddenly, we heard the news: an airport in Brussels had been bombed and the death count was slowly rising. 

I had been warned numerous times before leaving to study abroad in Lyon, France that I need to be careful and hyperaware of my surroundings because of the Paris terrorist attacks, but it never felt as real to me as a few nights ago.  On my routing bus ride home from university, I noticed a passenger get off the back of the bus who was covering his face with the hood of his jacket.  I made eye contact with another passenger and we gave each other that “I have no idea” expression.  When the suspicious passenger descended the bus, the other passenger and I both noticed that a bag was left beneath the man’s chair.  We are always told to be on the lookout for suspicious activity and to report if a bag has been left in a public space, so you can imagine our fear in that moment.  The other passenger got up and slowly nudged the bag with his foot and then opened it.  Thankfully, it ended up just being some trash, but I am so grateful for that other passenger and his care in the given situation.  

Although it turned out to be nothing dangerous, that night was the first time in my study abroad experience in which I have truly felt the fear of the people living here and the threat put upon them presently.  The thing is, this fear which has recently been felt by much of the Western world is the daily existence of many in other parts of the world.  That does not, by any means, diminish the validity of our newfound fear, but rather allows some perspective on what life is like for others.  

After the Paris attacks, the world was on high alert and many people with plans to study abroad made the decision to remain in their home countries.  I understand this decision completely as the risk of traveling is definitely elevated right now, but I also do not think that we should let this fear control us.  As Canadian rapper Drake so eloquently proclaimed, “You only live once”.  For those hoping to travel or study abroad next semester, I urge you all to please take the incredible opportunity while you can and do not let these occurrences hold you back.  I do not deny that I had my worries prior to coming to France and still have some, but the chance to travel to different countries and experience cultures which are entirely new to me does not come often and I am so glad that I made the decision to go. 

Madison Shelton
Jean Moulin University Lyon 3
Lyon, France

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