Author: Rodriguez, Mechanical Engineering, Germany
The phrase, “da muss man einfach durch,” means, “one must simply go through it.” For those with a surface understanding of Germans, the phrase seems stereotypically cold and indifferent. Such a phrase doesn’t normally come to mind when talking about study abroad because these trips tend to be presented only from their best angle. Studying on another side of the world is not easy, it is not glamorous, but it becomes worth every struggle. Adversity comes with all the learning and the fun of being abroad. It shouldn’t be seen as a deterrent but rather as an opportunity to grow and to learn about yourself.I didn’t know what lay ahead of me, but I knew it was going to be a learning experience.
As an engineer it made total sense to head to Darmstadt, Germany. The Technical University of Darmstadt is one of the best schools in a country known for engineering. As a first-generation Latino student who knew no German going to college, it was an odd choice. I would always be asked, “why Germany?” My response was simply, “for fun.” An opportunity to travel across the world comes seldom, so I set out to learn enough German and make it into the program. I met all my language requirements and stumbled my way into Germany.
On my first day there I got lost for hours, and sick within the same night. That first week was spent mostly in bed. Once I finally emerged, I got to see where I would be spending the next seven months. I was pleased to discover there was public transportation everywhere, and anything you needed was in walking distance. The city was built in an age where cars didn’t exist, and things were compacted to be accessible for everyone. That being said, Frankfurt is home to the world’s largest car show. If ever given the chance, going to the IAA in September is worth it. Even if you aren’t a car fanatic, seeing new concept cars and where the technology is headed is a treat. Besides seeing what’s new and cutting edge, taking in the old was wonderful as well. Some parts of Germany were lucky enough to either avoid or survive the series of bombings during World War 2, for example, Heidelberg. Heidelberg is an old river town with its own castle. The hiking and the scenery are striking and solidifies that you’re in an entirely different part of the world. There are cities in Germany like Köln (Cologne) where the old and the modern exist together. The massive Kölner Dom towers right outside of the train station and has no elevator to help you reach the peaks. Climbing all 500 of those steps was draining but worth the view.
Getting to see what was created before the industrial age began brings one to realize how fleeting the individual life is. The world moves quickly, those of us in the US understand that well, and leaves little time to be present and enjoy what is around you. That was the biggest difference I saw while in Germany. Their people are not strict, mean, or confrontational. Those stereotypes only apply while you’re at the cash register. They aim to get things done, to do it well and efficiently, so that they can get back to living.
Even as a student I saw this difference. I worked hard and my course work was difficult, but I had a more even work-life balance than I did in the US. I started off with just German language courses that were twice as long, but half as often, as US courses. I had no required coursework outside of class, and the only grade was a final exam. It was up to the student to know where their understanding level was and how to improve it. I also had two engineering courses, a high frequency course in English and a semiconductors course in German. These were structured just like the language courses. The content was dense and went into a depth I hadn’t experience before, but I could chew on it at my own pace. Even though the content was at a higher level and I only had one test determining my grade, I didn’t feel near the same amount of pressure I usually do at home. My task was to simply to learn and I was allowed the flexibility to determine how I would do so. I was able to be more efficient with my studying because I knew where I fell short and was given the tools and the freedom to learn in my own way. I could stay on top of the content while still being able to do things like cook, go out, or even travel to places outside of Darmstadt and Germany. However, this style of learning requires discipline. You must put yourself through the studying and practice and keep yourself honest. Struggling and work is part of the process and key to getting to the enjoyable parts while maintaining your responsibilities.
Every step of the way came some sort of struggle. I have been lost, spent too much money on dumb mistakes, almost kicked out of my apartment, and I even got stranded in the snow with my luggage because a turned over semi blocked the path of the last bus for the night. Yet, I got through it all. The only choice I had in those situations was to just go through it. I had to keep pushing forward. I was ashamed of the idea that I was a jack of all trades and a master of none. I now understand this as my strength, that I was adaptable. I was willing to put myself through new situations knowing I’d come out of them better. You have to be unafraid, whether it’s study abroad or other ambitions. Chase what calls you and go through the adversity with the hope and confidence that it will work out.