My STEP project was an education abroad through the Ohio State University, the Dresden Summer Language Program. In this program, I traveled with a group to Dresden, Germany, for two months during the summer to study German language and culture. This was accomplished through classes, excursions, and living in a major German cultural center.
I would say that my understanding of the world expanded from this project. This was my first time traveling to a country outside of the U.S., and it paid to be able to go somewhere where the people I talked to thought differently and had different values. Furthermore, it gave me a comparison to things that the U.S. does that countries besides the U.S. do not. It was transformative in that it strengthened my intercultural competence, but also in that i gave me a comparative lens through which I can understand my home country on a wider and more varied scale.
Several key experiences contributed to this transformation. One of the most impactful events was my interactions with German culture and language. Living in Dresden, I had to navigate daily life—whether shopping at local markets, using public transportation, or ordering food at restaurants—entirely in German. This constant practice both improved my language skills and boosted my confidence in speaking German. This helped me to break through the fear of making mistakes, which often held me back in a classroom setting.
Another critical aspect was the relationships I developed with both my peers and the local community. Interacting with native speakers helped me better understand the nuances of the language and culture. These conversations offered a deeper connection to the people and history of Dresden, something that textbooks couldn’t replicate. Additionally, bonding with other students in the program who shared similar goals provided a support system. We motivated each other, exchanged tips on language learning, and sharpened each other’s intercultural competence.
Lastly, the program’s structured activities, such as excursions to historically and culturally significant sites, reinforced the learning we were doing in the classroom. Visiting places like the Frauenkirche or the Zwinger Palace gave context to what I had studied about German history and culture, making it more concrete. These experiences reinforced my perspective, as I better understood the importance of understanding a country’s history and how it shapes the present. The combination of formal education and experiential learning led to a more comprehensive understanding of the German language and culture, which has certainly been transformative.
This transformation is significant in my life in varying ways. Academically, it pushed me toward a German minor or major. Personally, it expanded my understanding and perspective of the world and different cultures. Professionally, it improved my intercultural competence, a skill for life and the workplace. Ultimately, I think that it transformed my future and expanded my understanding of the world
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