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- Tiffanie L. •
- Study at the University of Freiburg Program •
- Global Studies and German Majors
“Before,
I was thinking I would like to do something international,
and now I know I have to have it...”
—Tiffanie L. |
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Tiffanie spent a year in Freiburg, Germany earning credit for her majors in global studies and German studies. She lived with German roommates, and felt that her language abilities improved a great deal.
Tiffanie had the opportunity to take courses with German students, but she also had courses made up entirely of international students, and one course each semester with only US American students. All the courses were taught in German, and each type of course had its own strengths. With other US students, Tiffanie found it was easier for her to ask questions about grammar. “The ones with international students were just fun, because you met people from Czechoslovakia, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Australia. It was interesting to see what they had to say.” And she thought classes “with all German students were really challenging, but it was interesting to see how they worked in comparison with American students.”
By studying and living with Germans, Tiffanie improved her ability to speak the language. Through her courses, she also felt she gained an “international perspective,” which she would like to have continue into her career. “Before, I was thinking I would like to do something international, and now I know I have to have it or I’ll just get bored.”
Living with three German students in an apartment during the year was one of the highlights of Tiffanie’s experience. She was able to learn about the culture, speak the language, and participate in activities with them. She even went skiing in Austria with a group of 20 Germans. By immersing herself in the culture, Tiffanie found important friendships and connections. “One of my roommates, she was probably my best friend while I was there. Every Sunday we would go out to eat, and she was just a blast. I guess if I hadn’t studied abroad, I would’ve missed out on that whole thing. The people you meet are really interesting. A big part of your life would be missing, and I think it shapes you a lot too, with your interests, and it improves your abilities and skills.”
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |