Here in Berlin, I have had the chance to meet some very amazing people and have fantastic conversations. One of my new friends asked me last night, why I love it here in Europe so much. I gave my standard observations--the health care system far surpasses ours, the educational system is excellent, the recycling program is phenomenal, and of course, you can drink beer wherever you want here. After hours of thought-provoking conversation (our dinner last night went for 8 hrs!!), I realized what I love the most about being here. It's the conversations I get to have here with the many new people I have been meeting, and more importantly, the new perspectives I can take from them.
To see through the eyes of a person who has been born and raised in a completely different environment than you can be a mind-blowing experience. Your comprehension of the world and the people living with in it can be turned inside out if viewed from the other side.
This is what study abroad is all about. Sure it's about traveling, seeing new things, trying new foods and learning about new cultures. But it's really about the new people you meet and the fresh perspectives you can take from them. Before leaving the States, I didn't even think Americans had a culture. Now that I am away and have something to compare my experiences to, I can see what a rich and powerful culture we actually have.
It's like being stuck behind a huge semi-truck on the freeway for most of your life. You can't see anything except what's right in front of you. When you take a step back, or even better, take a new turn and get off that road altogether, you will see a whole new world out there.
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| Christmas Markets in Nuremberg |
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| Nuremberg Christmas Markets |
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| Waffle with whipped cream and Bailey's!!! |
http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program
