After arriving in Munich and taking the bus to Augsburg, my first impressions of Germany were very different from what I expected. One of the first things that stood out to me was how clean and organized everything felt, especially the roads, buildings, and public spaces. Compared to what I am used to at home in the United States, everything seemed quieter and more efficient. During the bus ride from Munich to Augsburg, I also noticed how much greenery surrounded the roads and cities. The mix of modern businesses and historic architecture made the city feel very unique.

When we arrived at Ibis Augsburg Hauptbahnhof, we met Elizabeth, the professor for the German students and one of the organizers of the program. She welcomed us with bags that included gifts and important information for the trip. She also brought us sandwiches and butter pretzels from a local bakery, which was one of our first experiences trying local German food. 

Later, we took a guided tour through Augsburg to learn more about the city and its history. Augsburg was once one of Europe’s most important financial and commercial centers because of the Fugger banking family, who financed kings, emperors, and the Catholic Church during the 15th and 16th centuries. Although Augsburg today feels quieter, traces of that wealth and influence are still visible through the preserved churches, historic buildings, and architecture throughout the city. I found it interesting how Augsburg has maintained so much of its history while still functioning as a modern city.

This evening, we attended a welcome dinner at a local restaurant where we met the German students participating in the program. It was exciting to start interacting with students from another country and compare experiences and perspectives. After dinner, our group spent time together exploring and hanging out around the city, which helped everyone become more comfortable with one another after such a long travel day.

One question this experience is already making me ask is how Germany has been able to modernize while still preserving so much of its historical identity. Augsburg seems to value and protect its history in a way that feels very different from many cities at home, and I am interested in learning more about that balance throughout the rest of the trip.