The Dresden Summer Language Program was an eight week intensive language, culture, and history program. During the program I took language courses, went on weekly excursions, wrote two blogs weekly in German, lived in Dresden, and explored eastern Europe.
The Dresden Summer Language Program was my first time being in another country, so inherently I felt lost, in the sense that I knew very little yet I was excited. Since I had these feelings I worked extra hard at getting uncomfortable, trying new things, and reaching out to new people. This was a side of myself that I was unfamiliar with, but I quite liked it. It transformed me to have more courage and drive. Not only did the trip change the way I acted, but it changed the way I thought. I wouldn’t say I am a close minded person, but the trip enhanced and expanded my knowledge. Being in a whole different world and experiencing new cultures, caused me to ponder my past experiences and evaluate my perceptions. Taking a step back allowed me to better understand my own culture, the cultures of others and most importantly allow me to appreciate more.
Another drastic change was my relationship with the German language. I had studied German since high school, but never had I used it on a day to day basis to do daily tasks. Being in an environment that fostered my development of my language skills through my peers, courses, and academic work. As well as in an environment where I had reliance on the German language, expontientally transformed me. Looking back on the times I struggled to speak with others and the times I succeeded, makes me so grateful for language. I have so much praise for thoses who speak two languages fluently and more so to language itself.
One of the main reasons my language skills improved drastically was thanks to my peers. The program environment gave the opportunity to connect deeply with a small cohort of Ohio State students. The relationships I made with my peers are very valuable to me because of this I am grateful for having selected this program. My peers were thrown into the same situation and because of their bravery and kindness I was able to grow more than I could imagine. My peers promoted me to speak and were helpful in my learning, by pulling me into situations where I needed to speak and joining me on adventures through Germany to learn. The community created of like minded individuals persistent on the goal of academic intrigue, German language enhancement, and experiencing the world abroad was crucial in my development through the program.
The program offered weekly excursions, which were led by Dr. Spencer. A man who has extensive knowledge of Dresden and German history. His diligence and commitment to knowledge allowed me to learn so much about Germany. The exposure to these cultures was at first very scary, but through these excursions and the information provided by the program director my immersion was accelerated. This caused me to be more courageous and orient myself towards mindfulness. I was able to widen my perception of events from receiving so many differing perspectives. The travel throughout east Germany was eye opening, and without this I would not have gotten what I got from the program. I had more excitement for the unknown. Traveling and simultaneously learning furthered my understanding and development.
The everyday lifestyle was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. Although I didn’t expect much to change, it was very different. I would use public transportation regularly and it became very normal to me to ride trams and trains. I had more appreciation for the everyday. When walking on the street I would stop to take a second look at things because of the minor differences from construction workers wearing polos and shorts to ample unique selections of bakegoods in the grocery. I would take photos of everything because I was so intrigued, whereas in the states I pass by because it was normal to me. The trip made me so much more appreciative of the things I experience in everyday life and the ability to live.
The changes I underwent are significant to my life because of how they made me grow. It is valuable to me to grow as much as I can and specifically grow through the experiences that the world has to offer. In the future I plan to accomplish goals outside of my comfort zone and this experience not only inspired me to be more courageous, but also seek a deeper understanding. For me this deeper understanding means reaching out on levels I hadn’t before and being mindful of what I have learned. I know this experience was beneficial and helped form me into the person I want to be as I pursue my academic and future goals.