My name is Maya Jankowska and I’m a sophomore in biomedical engineering. I’m studying abroad this spring in Freiburg, Germany on the University College Freiburg Exchange Program! My departure is just around the corner and I will be writing and updating a blog throughout my entire experience. As this is my first post, I want to start from the beginning:

Why I’m Studying Abroad

I stood in the hotel lobby with my family. “Oh, wir brauchen den Schlussel!”, I replied with an excited tone even though I had nervously rehearsed the phrase about 10 times right before saying it. Did I say it right? Did she understand me? She turned to grab the key for our room and we were set.

Asking for a key to a hotel room two years ago with my family isn’t a big deal and not the reason I’m going to Germany for the semester. Speaking in the hotel lobby, I felt just a little uncomfortable. As we traveled more on our trip, I chimed in with locals continuing to get that subtle nervousness. But somehow, I liked the feeling and kept looking for more. I wanted to be thrown into an unknown surrounding again and learn to make a new home. Now, I want to struggle with my German with the cashier at the local supermarket and make a friend along the way. I want to take initiative of traveling and organizing the trips I want to go on. Plus, I want to take care of myself. I want to sort out my own affairs and take the “college experience” a step further (over the Atlantic Ocean). I’m ready to learn, adapt, immerse, and become independent in Europe.

Secondly as an engineer, gaining global experience will help me in all of my career paths. Country borders are coming down and career opportunities will place us anywhere in the world. It’s important to understand other cultures and adjust to new surroundings allowing us to network with the world. It shows initiative, resourcefulness, and adaptability to different environments. Ultimately, my new friend Rick Steves summarized why I think a global experience is important:

” Americans who want our next generation to be hands-on with the world — grappling constructively with international partners against daunting challenges that ignore political borders, working competitively in a globalized economy, and having enthusiasm rather than anxiety about other cultures and approaches to persistent problems — can get on board with the movement to help our students get a globalized education.” (Full article)

My blog will ultimately reflect on my travels but also the details and experiences advisors and students don’t tell you. (ie. How to plan 4 year graduation with study abroad, conversations with locals, etc.). The roadblocks/issues, unique facts, and food and drink (yes, the beer too). There will be ups and downs, but through it all I want to end up with life lessons from my experiences.

T-Minus 1 Day Until I Fly Out

“Are you excited to go?” The first question I get. Yes, I am ecstatic! It still seems pretty surreal that I am leaving but I know once I am on the plane and in the apartment, it’ll officially set in. Although it’s new now, I don’t want to forget why I am going abroad, which easily can get lost in the midst of becoming familiar with my new home.

TIP: I’ll keep a notecard that I want to read every morning reminding me why I am here. I want to keep myself safe but “uncomfortable” with new challenges. Here’s my little mantra:

So, tomorrow’s the flight and I’m packed (I think). Here comes the first week (wooooo) and I’ll be posting an update once I’m officially settled in, we’ll see what the week brings…

Until then, auf wiedersehen and see you in Germany,

Maya

Location: Philadelphia