Orientation in the Schwarzwald

This weekend was the orientation for the UMass program in Germany. Being the only student to go to Konstanz, I was worried that I would be the only one who didn't know anyone else. I took the bus instead of train, as it was a direct route and much cheaper than the train, and I was bummed to have to leave before the ending ceremony of my Konstanz orientation celebration.

Once getting to Freiburg, I found it hard to find the rest of the group, as I didn't know anyone studying abroad in Germany. It wasn't until I saw Regine that I knew that I was in the right place. Making international friends was incredibly easy, but would I make friends with people from my own university who already knew each other? Americans are known for being cliquey. And I was not the "American girl" anymore.. How would this go?

At first I found it difficult to get to know everyone, as groups of them lived in the same town here or very close. I just kept at it, and talked about how beautiful Konstanz was and how everyone should travel the few hours away to come visit. I told them how much I enjoyed visiting Heidelberg and Tubingen. After awhile, it was clear that these fellow travelers were just as excited to be here as I was, and the comfortable clingyness people exhibit when they know each other faded away. After the first night was over, and a few beers, I knew I had made some new friends from an old place.

The next morning, we went to a farming museum in the hills of the Black Forest. I won't mention how we got there, not to ruin the surprise, but it involves a bit of a hike and a stay in a cabin. The tour was all in German, and there was a mix of people who fully understood and some who understood even less than me. I understood only when the tour lady gestured to what she was talking about. Even then, it was only by common sense that I got any of it. Life was rural and difficult in the mountains up til the present, but most of the houses had electricity and even internet there now- most likely due to the proximity to Freiburg and the services provided by the lower part of town.

It was a weekend of beauty mixed with some boredom, but it was comforting to get away from the cities for awhile. Until then, I had been in mostly rural places, so it was a welcome change (for the few days!). 

Picking classes with the advisors was the best- most (actually, all) of the other exchange students in Konstanz were left to struggle through that process themselves. Many of the EU students even had to travel home to fill out documents because of it, or at least mail away. We are very lucky to have a program that not only helps pick classes, but takes us on a trip while doing so.

The cukoo clock downstairs in the hostel/cabin will most definitely keep you awake/wake you up. Bring earplugs for the nighttime!

The food is good (and free), but be prepared to be surrounded by beer that you have to pay for to touch (UMass being UMass, will not pay for any of these drinks)

Make sure to try a piece of Black Forest cake in the Black Forest! It's nothing like we are told it is when we see the cake mix in the US.

Enjoy, and don't forget to bring thick socks and hiking shoes. Really. You will need them.