First Two Weeks in Freiburg Reflections!

When I first got to Germany two weeks ago, I was the first person to walk into the IES Abroad room in Frankfurt where all of the students would meet. I sat down and slowly took in my surroundings while a sense of dread settled: I didn’t know German, I had no friends, and I was in an entirely new country. In other words, I was sleep deprived, nervous, and finally out of my comfort zone. Within a few hours, every worry and fear that had been creeping up on me during my 24 hours of travel faded: I was in a new place! I had a new language to learn! I was going to make a bunch of new friends! I think a good reminder for everyone is that when you’re running on an hour of sleep with all of your possessions next to you in an unknown place, it’s normal and perfectly ok to feel overwhelmed. I certainly did.

However, as I’ve gotten settled into living in Freiburg these last few weeks, I know that I chose the perfect program for myself: Freiburg is sustainable and environmentally friendly, while also being located in one of the most temperate and gorgeous places I’ve ever been. On my evening walks, I’m constantly reminded how lucky I am to be so close to the Black Forest and the mountains. When learning German, I have realized how interesting the language is and how there is literally a word for everything (day after tomorrow: übermorgen). I have loved my past few weeks in Freiburg and I have a few tips for people in their first weeks, settling in: 

1. Download Google Translate

This one sounds stupid and I don’t care: the camera portion of this app allows for you to take a picture of something and translate it completely. It is the most useful thing when you need to quickly translate a menu or a laundry machine. Additionally, being taught a few German phrases by my friends in the first few days was a lifesaver: people will be so much nicer to you if you begin your conversation in German and then ask to switch to English. I would also say don’t worry too much about not knowing German: I knew “gesundheit" and that was about it. IES enrolls you in a German class for the first four weeks and it improves your German skills incredibly. At first, I felt completely out of place and dumb, but the language gets more comfortable after you learn a few words and phrases and speak it with your friends. 

2. Download transportation apps

I think I would still be stuck in Nashville if I hadn’t done this. Kidding, BUT Google Maps, DB Navigator, and VAG Mobile have been lifesavers for me during my time in Germany. I use Google Maps to determine if it’s quicker to walk, take the bus, or take the tram. I then use VAG Mobile to find the nearest bus/tram and the estimated time of arrival. You can also plan walks with this app, but I’m not technologically savvy or verbally adept enough to explain that through words. DB Navigator was great for figuring out a weekend trip I took to Colmar, France because it showed me the quickest route from Freiburg to Colmar and helped me get around foreign cities and train stations. Navigation skills will be your best friend in Germany and it’s good to start practicing before you live here. 

3. Don’t pack everything you own and don’t assume summer will last forever

As the only person with two suitcases, two backpacks, and two purses in our group, dragging all of that stuff through the airport is tedious, heavy, and frankly pretty silly-looking. I packed so many things and I would not recommend it: I brought so many summer clothes. I know you might be thinking that you specifically of all people have the best summer closet and everyone in your study abroad cohort needs to see how cute and fun you are, but unfortunately, summer weather does not last and it’s best to layer up. Thankfully, I overpacked and brought so many outfits for every occasion so I’m not completely freezing in a tiny dress in mid-October, but I needn’t have brought so many clothes appropriate for 90 degree weather. Another reminder: you can buy things here! This isn’t a third world country! They have IKEA in Freiburg, hope is not lost! I think that I assumed I would be able to buy absolutely zero which was the complete wrong assumption to make. I could’ve saved so much room by just buying the cheaper items and products here. 

4. Plan travel ahead of time (with the tickets and buses/trains/planes picked out)

When I left Nashville, I thought that I had a pretty good idea of my travel plans: I knew I wanted to go to Copenhagen to visit a few of my friends studying there, I knew I was going to be going on a sorority trip in September, and I knew a group of my friends were going to be meeting in either Milan or Amsterdam. However, having those tentative plans in my head vs. having dates and places set and in a calendar are two completely different things. I wish that I had gone through and decided on weekends and dates and travel destinations prior to arriving because most of the tickets now are so expensive. I know that IES Abroad won’t give you your schedule until you arrive, but it’s good to at least have an idea of where you’re going and what you’re doing so you don’t spend a fortune. I learned my lesson because I had to buy a normally $300 flight to Croatia for $800 because I waited until IES gave me my schedule to purchase the ticket. All in all, for your sanity, try and have things written down in your calendar with specific details before you depart for Germany. 

5. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone 

It wasn’t an immediate switch from discomfort into comfort and confidence: the first few days showed me that there were new responsibilities I hadn’t even considered like navigating public transport (see 2) and cooking my own food (recipes coming in a later blog!). I would say the best thing you can do is say yes to as much as possible: everyone is going for a hike? Obviously, you’d love to join. Everyone is eating dinner together the second night? Go! It’s also weird getting used to a new space, especially since the apartment I’m living in already has 3 people who know each other living in it. It’s perfectly normal to feel like a guest or out of place, but already I’m becoming friends with each of them individually and learning my role in the house (and cleaning duties!). I would say don’t let the original feelings dissuade you from seeing everything through: I felt so uncomfortable and anxious at first, but I allowed myself to feel those feelings and remembered that it’s completely natural to need time to adjust. Overall, allow yourself the time to rest and reset but also push yourself when it comes to trying new things. 

Overall, life here is fantastic: I’ve finally FINALLY finished decorating my room, I’m getting accustomed to speaking in German (Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch), and I went to Colmar over the weekend with my new friends for the perfect vacation! The advice that helped me most when first arriving was that I should remember this is going to be my home: I’m not just a visitor in Germany or in my flat, I’m part of this community and this city for the time being. I should find my favorite afternoon walks, decorate my room with flowers and colors and books, explore the city (and ice cream shops), spend time outside, and do everything that makes me feel happy. I’m so excited to continue my journey here and maybe even advance to A2 German!