With the program officially done, I want to reflect on what occurred in these past two weeks (which flew by!). First, I want to take a moment to thank everyone on the trip and everyone who put the work in for this trip to happen. Germany was one of the best trips I have ever partaken in. Not only did I have fun, I met handfuls of people, both American and German, that I can call my friends. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am glad that I tried making the most of it.
When I first got there, I had trouble adjusting to the time difference for the first few days. With the first couple of days being all day planned events, I got exhausted. However, I adjusted fairly quick. I liked the hotel: I thought it was in a good location and was a very convenient meeting point each day with free breakfast. With that being said, Augsburg was a perfect spot to stay at. We were fairly close to everything we went to, and the town was perfect too.
For the academic part of the program, I found it beneficial that we got the chance to study and explore a German university. The University of Augsburg different that an average college in the States as well as the work they do. The German students we met for our company analysis and the ones that are coming to Pittsburgh next semester was one of the best parts of the whole trips. I was able to understand what their life was like compared to ours and their culture. As a result, not only with the information from the companies we toured, but the information about the German students also provided additional knowledge on this program. Regarding the companies, Hoerbiger, Forvia, Grob, and Audi, it was my first time in such a plant where they manufacture parts or even cars. My favorite one was Audi as they showed how they made their cars from scratch. However, my favorite thing about the company visits was how each company planned for the future. It is a huge deal in the automobile industry as there is a push for electric and even hydrogen cars. Each companies’ plan for adaption will be interesting to follow along.
Outside academic time, our trips to the different towns/cities provided great views and experiences at each place. Also, bigger landmarks and structures, such as Neuschwanstein Castle, Wieskirche, Walhalla, the Alps and more were such awesome sightseeing opportunity. I liked Munich and Salzburg as the best cities we went to. But they contrasted heavily with the smaller towns like Regensburg and Landsberg, so it was good seeing the variety of size and landscape of the places.
In Germany, there was a little culture shock that I felt. First, having to pay for water and not having easily accessible water fountains and refill stations I found strange. There were times where I could not find water for minutes. Additionally, how efficient and clean the public transportation was surprising to me. In Pittsburgh, there is really only the Public Authority Buses, and they are unpredictable and dirty. Finally, I was surprised how many people spoke English. I knew almost everyone did speak English in Germany, but once I was there, it was relieving to actually experience it in person.
I also appreciated how easy it was to get along with the German students. Especially for the projects, they were easily accessible and were able to be flexible. Overall, I learned how to effectively work in teams, overcome the culture and social barriers in another culture, learn to be adaptable, and more importantly create new relationship with the people in the program and the Germans. I am extremely blessed I was able to do this opportunity and I hope to see the people in the near future. I am happy I stuck with the decision to pursue this program rather than not traveling abroad at all. Thank your Professor Feick and all of Germany for this incredible experience!
