While heading home from this trip, I am overwhelmed with final reflections on my last 5 weeks in Germany. To put it simply, I have made some of the best memories of my life while being here. I am eager to head home and be with my family, but I am also not ready for this experience to end. However, I can walk out of this trip satisfied, knowing that I have made wonderful friends that I will see again in a matter of weeks.
One of my biggest takeaways for this trip is kindness is universal. During long days, it sometimes felt like there was no way around language and cultural barriers; however, some of my favorite memories were of interactions with locals who went above and beyond in their hospitality. German culture is quieter and more to themselves than American, so it meant even more to me when I had a genuine and friendly interaction with a stranger.
This trip definitely changed my perspective on work culture. My first few weeks here, I thought it was strange how often stores were closed, and it often seemed like the locals didn?t work at all. However, over time it made me question the nonstop working culture of America and if that is something that truly makes people happy. I still value H.E.B being open late into the night for last minute trips or going to eat with my friends at 2 a.m., but I think I will be a lot more aware of my work vs leisure balance from now on.
Overall, I had a fantastic experience, and I highly encourage anyone to go abroad if given the chance. I had so many amazing first time experiences with super cool people like going to Prague or Amsterdam, but I also had chill nights playing cards in the lobby into late hours of the night that I won?t forget.
