for Karina Silbermann,a fifth-year environmental science student hailing from Novato,California,Germany has always held a special place in her heart. Fueled by strong familial connections and a deep sense of belonging, Silbermann embarked on a transformative year abroad in Konstanz, Germany. Her journey involved academic pursuits, cultural immersion, and a newfound appreciation for the simple act of sending postcards.

A Homecoming of Sorts

Silbermann’s decision to study in Germany was deeply personal. I chose Germany as my mother grew up in Germany, she explained. Her visits to Germany to see family were always filled with joy, witnessing her mother light up where she felt most at home. These experiences instilled in her a sense of peace and safety,leading her to set a life goal of learning German. The study abroad program presented the perfect prospect.

Academic Pursuits: from Grammar to Plankton

Silbermann’s academic schedule was rigorous and varied:

• First Semester: Intensive German courses,including Grammar,German thru Film,Germany and the World,and Phonetics.
• Second Semester: An internship with the Limnological Institute connected to the University of Konstanz, focusing on plankton ecology in Lake Constance.

Funding the Dream

Financial planning was crucial for Silbermann’s year abroad. Her tuition was covered by a scholarship from NAU, which transferred and continued to support her studies. Additionally, she received the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship, providing 700 euros a month to cover housing and university fees. She also noted that living abroad is also much more affordable than living in Flagstaff. Rent was half the price, groceries were cheap and I did not worry about transportation as I had a bike and a bus pass. Prudent saving the summer before provided extra spending money.

Culture Shock and Cultural Appreciation

The most significant cultural difference Silbermann observed was in public interactions. Germans keep very much to themselves, she noted. Unlike the casual small talk common in the U.S., Germans rarely engage in conversation with strangers. She elaborated:

Americans can perceive Germans as cold and rude if they do not talk to you,but for them,that is just their culture. I personally enjoy both American friendliness and German solitary lifestyles. There is a time and place for both outgoing American conversationalists and withdrawn German personalities. I have definitely learned that Germans are not rude. It is just their culture.
Karina Silbermann

Food and Drink: A love-Hate Relationship

While Silbermann grew up with German cuisine thanks to her mother, one aspect of German culture proved challenging: beer. Everyone drinks beer on almost any occasion, she said. Despite repeated attempts encouraged by friends, she never acquired a taste for it.However, she found comfort in the familiar flavors of German dishes like spätzle, bratwurst, and sauerkraut, which reminded her of home.

The Power of Postcards

Homesickness was mitigated by a unique and personal approach: sending postcards.Something I did while abroad was every time I explored a new city or country, I woudl get several postcards and write about my experience in that city or country or whatever little trip I was on and send them out as soon as possible, Silbermann explained. This activity kept her connected with loved ones, who cherished the handwritten messages. She estimates she sent over 50 postcards, creating lasting memories and strengthening bonds.

A Transformative Experience

silbermann’s year abroad profoundly impacted her personal, academic, and career goals.Living in another country, experiencing new landscapes, ideas, beliefs, cultures, languages and having an internship changes your outlook on life without a doubt, especially if you are an open-minded person like me, she reflected.The multicultural surroundings and exposure to different perspectives broadened her horizons.

Her internship at the Limnological Institute was particularly influential. Being immersed in a very different academic environment gave me a new viewpoint on school and future career opportunities, she said.The experience also highlighted the importance of work-life balance, a value she now prioritizes. This hands-on experience with aquatic ecosystems has steered her toward aquatic-based jobs and research, solidifying her career path.