This experience may have lasted 2 weeks, but the friends that I have made and the perspectives that I have learned from will last a lifetime. It is crazy how we all started off as complete strangers, but we became a very close group towards the end. This is not just true with the other American students, but with the German students as well.

I learned a lot about German history, and I had the privilege of witnessing gothic and medieval architecture before my very own eyes. The massive churches, mansions, and the brick roads were very different from anything I have ever seen in America. The people’s devotion to God and christianity was very impressive.

I also learned a lot about the German corporations and their plan for the future. They are constantly looking to innovate in order to beat their competition. I also gained a look into the German mittelstadt and how they are positioned in today’s economy.

Working with my BMW group was one of my best learning experiences of German culture. It was very fun interacting with the German students and working towards creating our presentation. It was interesting to watch our group become more and more together as time went by.

The German students were very punctual, and they had a perfectionist mentality. Though I may be ok with sending out a finished product that may not be 100%, they are looking to make it perfect. They were a bit shy at first, but they really opened up to us as time went by.

Though German culture was vastly different to US culture, I think that all cultures and all of humanity shares a sort of universal bond. A friendly person is friendly no matter what language or culture he or she is in. No matter what, it takes time and effort to get to know someone, but creating that relationship pays off.

I believe that spending 2 weeks overseas was the perfect time for me. Even though I enjoyed making new friends and taking in a new culture, I love American culture, and I am excited to get back home to start working and hanging out with my friends.

I have got to thank my parents for paying for this and supporting my journey. I also have to thank Dr. Feick and Arielle for challenging us all to learn a new culture and take in as much as we could. This was a great experience that I will always carry with me.