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Least Seen Must Sees in London

AdminFebruary 20, 2018

Greetings from London! Since my program does not start until February 27th, I am traveling a bit before hand. Although there are several iconic London tourist destinations - like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, I have found a few hidden gems. Here’s my list of must sees while in London -

1. Greenwich Royal Observatory

Located right outside the heart of London is the Greenwich Royal Observatory where you can not only glance at the stars and take in the beauty of the city, but also stand on the historic Prime Meridian line. Super unique experience and I would highly recommend if you are looking for something off the beaten path to do.

2. Hyde Park - Serpentine

Hyde Park within itself is quintessentially British and is one of my favorite public parks in the world, but I recently discovered the artificial Serpentine Lake - unfortunately not a real lake, but alas beggars cannot be choosers. During the summer seasons I am told you can rent paddle boats, which is just absolutely precious. Entirely not a winter recommendation, but I thought I would add it because it simply sounds divine. ...continue reading "Least Seen Must Sees in London"

From Advanced Arabic to Beginners German

AdminFebruary 12, 2018December 17, 2018

After having studied Arabic at GW for 5 consecutive semesters, the idea of picking up another language abroad was exciting, yet daunting. For the next 5 months, I will be taking intensive German classes in Freiburg and return to GW in August with a single Arabic credit left to complete. While this may have just been poor planning on my part, it was important to me that I know more than solely conversational German.

Part of the reason I chose to study in Freiburg was the fact that my family is originally from the Black Forest region of Germany. As WWII refugees, my Omi and Grandpa left their families and homes in an effort to start a new promising life in California. It was important to me that at least one grandchild knew more than conversational German and live in the region my ancestors lived in for hundreds of years. While I do know some regional sayings and have basic conversational skills, I do not have the ability to test into any other class other than Beginners German because I know next to nothing.

Since I have had a rather long break (surprise! I am actually not even in Germany yet as my program begins at the end of February), I was able to spend a few weeks with my Omi and Grandpa picking up as much German as possible before leaving. Because my program is not sending a representative to pick up the other students, I have to not only navigate the airport by myself, but also take a 2 hour train to Freiburg in Southwest Germany from Frankfurt International Airport. While almost most people in Germany speak English, I am not traveling to a big city like Munich or Berlin. Rather, I am studying in what I compare to rural Indiana. Like Notre Dame in Indiana, Freiburg is a college town, but surrounded by absolutely nothing but farmland. So, I picked up a few phrases and sentences like - “I do not speak German”, “Where is the train stop?”, “Which way to Freiburg”, and “Please help me”.

...continue reading "From Advanced Arabic to Beginners German"

How to Prepare for Departure

AdminFebruary 5, 2018

From obtaining a residence permit to packing for four vastly differing seasons, planning to study abroad can be stress inducing to the highest degree. Luckily, most programs give you a detailed list of instructions on how to complete the basic paperwork (ie. visas, health insurance, etc.), but I have found that there are a few matters that should be added to this list. So here is a compiled list of things to accomplish a week or two prior to your departure.

1. Notify your bank!

As twenty-somethings, some people still have their parents manage their finances while others do not, but I severely advice you to set up your own travel notice to your bank prior to leaving. This way when you plan a last minute weekend trip, you are able to do it on your own without having to call home. It is rather easy to do and allows you to feel a bit more ready to live on your own in another country.

2. Prepare a First Aid kit.

This may seem like an over cautious addition, but it is important to always be prepared! You never know when you may need some antiseptic or motion sickness medication. My program specifically mentioned that students bring a tick remover as we will be hiking in the Swiss-Alps several times a week for class and the tick population is apparently abundant in Freiburg. Again, better safe than sorry.

...continue reading "How to Prepare for Departure"