Hansini Kumar, Moving the Cities: Germany Fall 2023
Interacting with locals was one of my favorite aspects of the trip. Most locals knew and spoke English fairly fluently, so there was not too much of a language barrier and it allowed for many meaningful interactions. I interacted with locals both in the town and in my group for my project. Exploring the local market was a great experience, and it was where we found many of the locals were curious about our American background. They asked us many questions about what we were doing in Munster and how we liked the city. They were genuinely excited that the program brought so many new people to Germany. They were very eager to give us suggestions on places to visit and how to make the most of our time in Munster. The locals welcomed us warmly, and their eagerness to help us navigate their town was heartwarming.
In terms of working with locals on my group project, it gave us a lot of time to get to know one another since we were working together for the entire week. It was a unique opportunity to forge deep connections and gain insights into their way of life. The collaborative environment allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations, exchanging perspectives on our backgrounds and lifestyles. These interactions were not just about the project; they became a platform for cultural exchange, enabling us to explore the intricacies of culture in Germany, Chile, and Brazil. Our group was incredibly diverse and it was interesting to notice the similarities and differences.
Additionally, it opened the door to talk about the small things, including the different stories we grew up with or what different tongue twisters we learned in our language. By the end of the program, I can confidently say that it broadened my understanding of the world and of different cultures. I learned many unique things that I normally never would have learned on my own, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to have those conversations and learn more about different parts of the world. Being an American abroad in Munster was a fulfilling experience. The interactions with locals and students transcended cultural boundaries. I was able to foster friendships that I previously never would have imagined, and it is great to have contacts from all over the world. The trip to Munster became a journey of personal growth, and I can say without a doubt that it shifted my perspective on different cultures in the world.
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