After arriving back home from my glorious study abroad in the city of Munchen, Germany, I have realized how much I have truly grown from such an experience. Looking back on those past six weeks, I can see now just how far I have truly come.
My progress in my German language skills is one that I most certainly underestimated. Of course I was sure that I had to have taken something from the four hour German class I took Monday through Friday for four weeks, I just wasn’t sure what would stick and what would be left in the Gastehaus on Forstenrieder Allee. It wasn’t until I went out of my small hometown and heard a family talking in German that I realized I could completely understand what they were saying. I watched and listened as they struggled to take a photo of themselves in front of this beautiful waterfall. With my newfound courage and broadened skills, I confidently walked up to them and offered to take their photo for them! After, we made some small chit-chat and told them about my study abroad. I told them of my plans of moving abroad and teaching and it was a beautiful moment where I truly felt like I was rewarded for all of my hard work. Moments like these show me why it is important to continue my language journey and connect with others from around the globe to hear their voice!
Sadly, University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg only goes up to German three, which I have already taken. I have reached a stopping point at my studies within the University realm, but a new door has opened for me. I learned from another American student at the Goethe-Institut, that they have online courses that I could take. She told me that there are even scholarship opportunities- which is why she was learning in-person for that week with me! So while I will have to say goodbye to the wonderful German professors, I can now say hello to new instructors helping me gain knowledge and carry on with my journey.
thank you to those who have followed along with my blogs and I hope to one day read about your own adventures.
Auf Wiedersehen!!