So while I'm obviously not abroad yet, I am really excited and highly anticipating this coming fall when I will be studying in Freiburg, Germany. (Through IES's European Union Program, which was so appealing to me because [1] it's based in Germany, and [2] there is a ton of travel built in since the learning focus is the EU.)
In fact, that excitement and anticipation is what led me to make this blog so... early. I've already completed most of the paperwork on the IES side, and am getting to the paperwork on the UMBC side and needed another way to channel my excitement. So here we are!
I'm looking at courses for the fall right now and am excited at the prospects. While Linguistics-type courses aren't readily available through my program, I will be able to continue with my German (and what better place, really), and there are some interesting classes about EU member states and immigration to the EU. What's really nice is that all the syllabi(?) for the potential course offerings are all up on the IES website for me to peruse and take into consideration in course selection. Not that I would let the number of required papers or in-class presentations influence my choices :) But really, that's so much nicer than going to classes the first week and having to assess the damage after it's already pretty much too late. I wonder how the textbook thing works in a study abroad situation? Since these classes are all through the actual program and not through a German university, I guess it would make sense that they'll have the books available for us to use or purchase. Maybe I'll do some research and figure out that answer.
In other news, the list-making has begun. I can't help myself. Anticipation of major life changes results in the production of many, many lists. Packing lists, lists of places to see, lists of people to visit, lists of things to do and purchases to make both pre- and post-arrival. It's all very exciting to think about.
The major task at hand now is to arrange my flights. Dad and I are going to fly over together in mid to late August (the program starts on 1 September) to do some traveling and get oriented. I'm lucky to have Dad going with me, since he's had a lot of experience living and traveling overseas. I think he'll really ease my culture shock. Then I have to figure out how long I can stay in Germany after my program ends and make flight plans accordingly.
Tschüss!
