Hansini Kumar, Moving the Cities: Germany Fall 2023
Before going on my global experience, there are a few things I wish I had known to better prepare myself for the journey. First and foremost, having more detailed information about the project specifically tackled in the program would have been helpful. I only had a vague idea of what the program entailed before flying to Germany. It wasn’t until I arrived in Münster that I gained a clearer understanding of the expectations. While the initial lack of information left me uncertain, the coaches and staff were incredibly helpful and explained any parts of the project we did not understand. Looking back, I realize that having a comprehensive overview of the program beforehand would have alleviated some of the initial uncertainty; however, our team was able to catch on quickly and we were able to create a successful project pitch.
One of the most surprising aspects of my trip to Germany was how remarkably easy it was to navigate the city of Munster. Munster is very bike friendly and has plenty of public transportation. Their bus system was easy to navigate and it was simple to get from our hostel to campus and everywhere in between. I’m glad it wasn’t too difficult to figure out, and it made my time in Germany much easier. The convenience of their bus system made exploring the city a delightful experience. It not only simplified our daily commute but also allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and appreciate the city.
Additionally, the sheer number of bikes in Munster was surprising. In America, while we do have a good number of bikers, it is nowhere near the number of bikers present in Munster. The city has many bike lanes and it is easy to get around the city with them. Although there were a few close encounters with bikers in the beginning, I soon learned how to identify the bike lanes and stay away from them to prevent a collision. Witnessing the bike-friendly infrastructure made me wish for a similar set up in America, where cycling could be a more prevalent and accessible mode of transportation.
In conclusion, I had a great time in Munster. While there was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, my group and I were able to quickly overcome it and make the most of our time in the program. I found that the layout of the city and the accessibility of it was unique, and it was great to walk around a place with architecture different from what I am used to.
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