Abroad Experience Reflection

As the summer semester comes to a close, I have decided to do one final reflection on my incredible experience abroad.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Engineering the German Way 2.0 Program, which took place in Munich, Germany. The program focused mainly on the cultural differences between Germany and the United States, and how these affect business and industry. There was also a heavy focus on the automotive industry, as this is widely regarded as the major strength of German engineering. Learning about these cultural differences was extremely interesting, as these were variables I had never truly regarded. Ironically enough, they are extremely important. In addition, the opportunity to learn about the automotive industry in Germany, specifically BMW and Audi, was awesome.

However, the trip was not all sunshine and rainbows. I faced a couple of challenges, in addition to the expected language/cultural barriers that were inevitable. The main challenge I met was in regard to my personal routine. I lead a healthy lifestyle, in regards to eating and exercise, while at home. For the first 3 weeks, I stressed myself out immensely by trying to uphold this lifestyle. It was simply impossible, yet my efforts stressed me out to the point where it was hindering my experience. Fortunately, I was able to overcome this challenge by simply letting go. I realized that this was a once in a lifetime experience, and I needed to immerse myself and enjoy it. Did I stop waking up early to get a quick bodyweight workout in? No. Did I start to actually enjoy the German cuisine of pretzels, pork, and beer? Absolutely. I learned that its ok to let loose a little, control what you can, and have fun. I would tell any other person in a similar situation to do the same!

We took company visits to BMW, Audi,. Siemens, and Bertrandt. They were all incredible, for different reasons. At BMW we saw the underbody production of their vehicles, and we saw the painting of Audi vehicles. Siemens showed us the manufacturing of their trains, and Bertrandt showed us (as much as they could) their prototyping process. The variability of these visits gave us a comprehensive understanding of the complexity regarding German engineering. Each visit, in a different way, was invaluable to our overall education. However, nothing I learned really changed the career/educational goals that I have established for myself.

Interacting with the locals was interesting to say the least. The Germans are "no nonsense" type of people, and frankly it was obvious we were Americans. They don't do small talk, nor do they bother each other. This was definitely different, yet, it didn't propose any challenges. We had two students from the Munich University of Applied Sciences (where we were studying) who took great care of us. They took us out on their own time as well, to local restaurants, bars, and clubs. Marcel and Tim/T-Rex were great!

Being an American in Germany was very interesting. In Munich, most of the locals know English, or know it well enough so that we wouldn't have issues communicating. Other than the cultural differences (food, social, and drinking age), I would describe Munich as an area very similar to America. This helped evade any issues about being an American.

What surprised me most about Munich was how "American-ized" it was. I was expecting something completely and utterly different, yet found solace in so many similarities. The one thing I wish I knew beforehand was that ALMOST EVERYTHING IS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. The first weekend, we all had these personal plans for Sunday, and were stunned to find that the only things open were the laundromat and Greek eateries. Sundays were THE day to get laundry done!

The main differences between Munich and home were, again, the food, the social interactions, and the drinking culture. The food was heavy on pork, bread, and cheese (something I had originally struggled with), but was nonetheless good. By social interactions, I refer to the "no small talk", or the lack of friendly "Hello's" as you enter somewhere. The waiters at restaurants also don't check in on you like American waiters do. The difference in drinking culture is so much more than just the difference in legal age (16 for beer and wine, 18 for everything). Beer is more-so in the realm of daily health and nutrition for the Germans. Beer with meals is recommended, and extremely common, much like a glass of water is for us. This is a COMPLETELY different view from how Americans view the topic.

Most importantly, studying abroad taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I put myself in stressful situations by refusing to lay back a little and enjoy life. I am so grateful for having learned this, as I can now address similar situations in the future. I also met new people and have made new, incredible friends at Pitt as well!

My time overseas was a rollercoaster experience, full of ups and downs. Nonetheless, it was an experience I am so thankful to have had, and one I will never forget.

The past couple of days since returning home from Munich have been a whirlwind. I had to re-acquaint myself with my family, U.S. time, and start a Co-Op in Pittsburgh. However, the long flights and long drives have allowed me to fully evaluate just how incredible of an experience my month in Munich was.

I arrived in Munich not knowing anything about the city, Bavaria, German culture, or the other students on the trip. I was a little intimidated to say the least. I was under the weather for the first week. I was struggling with adjusting to German culture, especially the food. The first week or so I spent in Munich was a challenge.

However, as I became healthy, I truly begin to discover the city of Munich. Through classes, planned trips, and spent free time, the trip began to turn. I can now honestly say that my trip in Munich was the best experience of my life.

Yes, I'll admit, I had a lot of fun...maybe a bit too much some times! But, I also learned A LOT. The classes we took were extremely informative, engaging, and truly interesting. The company tours we took gave us invaluable insight in to how the companies operated and manufactured. I learned about German history through our scheduled tours, by visiting places like Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee, Dachau, and Obersalzberg. However, I also learned quite a bit about myself. Some internal issues came to light while I was in Germany, and I am very glad that they did. I can now move forward with obtaining guidance in these aspects of my life.

I arrived to Munich not knowing anyone else on the trip. I spent my last night there with 7 others at a Spatenbrau, and I am extremely fortunate to say that these 7 people have become my good friends.
Its a shame 2 of them go to school in Germany!

This experience was incredible. It definitely had its ups and downs, but I cannot truly express how grateful I am for having went!

Auf wiedersehen! 

Wow....this past week was amazing!
On Tuesday, we had a Case Competition, where 4 groups competed against each other to solve a real-world problem. The problem pertained to BMW and Brexit, and the problem was extremely interesting. My group managed to finish tied for first!

We didn't have class Wednesday or Thursday, so a few of us capitalized on this free time!

We bought tickets and travelled to Neuschwanstein Castle on Wednesday. This castle, the third and most fantasy-like castle built by King Ludwig II, was used by Walt Disney as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland, CA. The trek up to the bridge across from the castle was a long one, but it was absolutely worth it! This castle is one of the most beautiful sights I've seen while on this trip!

On Thursday, we went to the BMW World. This building houses display models of all the current BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce cars the BMW Group is currently producing, some of which you can even sit in! We were fortunate enough to catch the last day of their "100 Years into the Future" Concept Cars display, which was CRAZY! These cars were incredible.

Seeing the i vehicles, like the BMW i8, was also a major highlight. Additionally, we received a tour where we were shown the underground area, where they house vehicles that are going to be presented to their new owners. Overall, I LOVED BMW World!

 For Saturday, we had scheduled trips to Obersalzberg and Salzburg. Obersalzburg is where Adolf Hitler built a major Nazi complex during his time in power, and we received a detailed tour of what the Obersalzberg area was like during WWII, as well as detailed information about the Third Reich. The most interesting part of this was the tour of the underground bunker system built. Seeing Obersalzberg, as morbid as the area may be, was nonetheless intriguing.

After lunch at Obersalzberg, we arrived in Salzburg. It was beautiful! Some friends and I explored the city, stopping into shops while admiring the gorgeous architecture of the town. As small as Salzburg is, its definitely an experience I am glad I had!

Today, a group of us are planning to tour Allianz Arena, where Bayern Munich plays soccer.

Cannot believe I am entering my last week in Munich!

Week 3 in Munich is in the books!

In addition to continuing my interesting classes, I got to see so much this week.
It was a beautiful day outside on Tuesday, so after class, I went to the English Gardens to capitalize. After sitting in the sun and reading, I rejoined the group for our first company visit. We went to BMW, and were given a extensive behind-the-scenes tour of the Production Plant. I saw all of the automated machinery that made the front, back, and floor of BMW's SUVs. This tour was absolutely incredible!

The fun continued on Wednesday, where my fellow classmates and I participated in a dinner cooking event. Different teams made different courses, and the food included: lamb patties, beef patties, potato salad, soup, and ice cream. Dinner really does taste better when you make it with friends!

On Saturday, we visited Lake Chiemsee! After having a fantastic lunch on Frauenchiemsee, we took a ferry to Herrenchiemsee to visit another palace built by King Ludwig II. This palace, Herreninsel, was intriguing because it was modeled after the Palace of Versailles. There was even a model of the famous Hall of Mirrors! After a tour, and exploring the grounds, we made our way back to Munich after the long day.

Cannot wait for this week of classes, as well as the trips that are scheduled. Stay tuned!

We had our first trip this weekend! I got to see Linderhof Palace, which is 1 of 3 of King Ludwig II's palaces, and was the only one finished before his death. The Palace and its' grounds were absolutely gorgeous! The Palace has 5 main rooms, which were all elegant. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take any pictures of the inside.

After visiting Linderhof, I rode an alpine coaster in the Swiss Alps. This was a great way to finish our trip!
Looking forward to another week of classes!

One of my biggest fears about coming to Munich was how it would affect my nutrition/fitness. I eat a very specific way, and like to hit the gym almost every day. I knew that being in Munich would vastly inhibit my ability to maintain this lifestyle completely.

Sure enough, I did not sign up for a gym membership here, nor have I been able to eat as healthy as I would like. I struggled with this for the past week, but then asked myself: Why let something like this ruin your month-long visit in Munich?

I'm only in Munich for a month, I might as well enjoy it! Free pretzel? Sure! Beer sampling? Absolutely! Heavy Bavarian cuisine? In moderation! I can only worry about what I can control. I've ordered/made salads when possible, and that's ok with me!

I've been lucky enough to make Munich my gym. I've used local parks, streets, and even the hotel hallways to get early-morning workouts in! It's been a great change of routine/scenery. Come on, who wouldn't love knocking out an early Tabata in this setting?

Making all these compromises, and working with what I have been given, has truly made me appreciate the healthy lifestyle I try to maintain. I workout because I want to, not because I have to. I eat healthy when I want to, not because I have to. This lesson, in addition to my class lessons, is among the things I hope to bring back to the US with me!

These first couple of days in Munich have been an experience to say the least! After landing on Tuesday morning, I spent the rest of the day meeting the other students on the trip. We all get along well, and spent the rest of the day adjusting to the 6 hour time change! We went to Augustiner, a famous Munich brewery (1 of 6), and had a great German meal.

On Wednesday, we toured downtown Munich. Marienplatz is the central hub of the city, where a lot of cool sites are located. On top of the historical sites, there are also numerous shops and restaurants as well.

We finished the night with our Welcome Dinner, where we joined our professors at an Augustiner for a fantastic traditional German meal!

Thursday was our first day at the beautiful engineering building on the University of Applied Sciences Munich campus! We were treated to white sausages, lebercäse, and other traditional Bavarian breakfast foods. Our first class was a lesson on the dense German history from the 1940s-1980s.

So far, Munich is great! I cannot wait to see what the rest of the trip holds!