Well, I leave in 9 days, and I’ve hardly started thinking about preparing to leave. I still have to get an adapter, call my bank and let them know I’ll be abroad, get some euros, figure out what to do about a phone plan, and pack! These are all on my to-do list for the next week.<\/p>\n
Last week, I received an email from API (my study abroad program provider) with the details of where I’ll be staying while I’m in Berlin. When I applied for the program, I opted to do a homestay rather than stay in student housing because I want the authentic German experience, not just another dorm experience. This placement was one of the things I was a bit nervous about because I have no control over where I get placed. API had me fill out a questionnaire that asked about my living habits and interests, but beyond that, there was no input from me. This is also one of the things I’m most excited, so when I got that email, I was so happy.\u00a0Part of me is wondering if I’ll be missing out on opportunities to participate in activities with other students since I won’t be living in a dorm, but I\u00a0 also am aware of the numerous experiences I will be able to have because I am living with a family.<\/p>\n
I found out that I’ll be living with an older family in the Zehlendorf, which is an area within the Steglizt-Zehlendorf borough in Berlin. It’s one of the neighborhoods southwest from Berlin. The family lives close to a lake and a metro station, so there will be plenty for me to do there. While staying in this neighborhood, I hope I can experience as much of the local culture as possible. I’ll make sure to add pictures of it to future posts. That’s one thing I really want to be sure to do; take as many pictures of this experience as I can, both for my own reminiscing and for my future classrooms.<\/p>\n
At the moment, I’m kind of in limbo. I’m so close to leaving, but still have so much to get done here before I leave. I’m getting more excited every day, but not the kind of excited that comes from experiencing a new place; rather, the excitement that comes from returning to a place that holds part of my life.<\/p>\n
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Well, I leave in 9 days, and I’ve hardly started thinking about preparing to leave. I still have to get an adapter, call my bank and let them know I’ll be abroad, get some euros, figure out what to do about a phone plan, and pack! These are all on my to-do list for the… <\/p>\n