Great Expectations
For as long as I can remember, I have had a list of things I want to do, see, and accomplish at some point in my life. One of my goals has been to become fluent in a second language and this is one of the reasons I decided to study in Germany. During these four months I am able to hear, speak, read, and write German constantly, because I am surrounded by the language. This complete immersion will allow me to get closer to my goal of fluency than I ever could just studying in the classroom. Another reason for coming is the fact that I have also always wanted the chance to live in a foreign country. Studying abroad is an opportunity to live in Germany, become part of a German family, become familiar with the culture, and continue school.
Not only is this semester important to me personally, but also academically. I am a German minor and all the classes in the Köln program transfer directly to Allegheny. Because I will spend this entire semester focused entirely on German courses, when I return to Allegheny in the spring, I will have taken almost all of the necessary courses needed to complete my minor.
As for my development, I think that studying abroad will definitely be an experience that will change me. So much of life in Germany is different from what I am used to and will challenge what I have always thought and known. Because of this, I think that by the end of these four months I will have discovered more of who I am and what I want out of life.