Week 2: Culture Shock


Even though this isn't my first time to Germany, every visit here brings brand new experiences. While traveling internationally a week ago, I was excited to see Germany through a different pair of eyes. Instead of coming to Germany and staying with family, it was time to be independent. My independence started the moment I stepped off the plane and walked over to baggage claim. My main suitcase was left in the United States. There was nobody to cry or complain to, I had to just accept what had happened and deal with it.

Chapter 13 focuses on a process called the Sojourn Experience. This is a process of someone who travels to another country for an extended period of time, no shorter than six months and no longer than 5 years (Ward et al, 2001). Culture Shock then soon follows with the Sojourn Experience. Culture Shock just has to deal with feeling lost because there are all these new experiences coming your way.

There are four different phases of the Sojourn Experience. They are, Pre-Departure Phase, Arrival and Settling-In Phase, Living in the New Culture Phase, and Returning Home Phase. According to the Phases of Sojourn Experience section of Chapter 13, one way to get ready to study aboard is by studying the language. I have definitely succeeded in this. Back at WVU, I took two semesters of German; and it has somewhat helped me around the city! The Arrival and Settling-In Phase hasn't left me yet, because every morning I am excited to wake up and see what the day has in-store for me. Being a student here in Erfurt is such a great opportunity, because not only do we get to study in such a beautiful city, but we get to live here. We get to have experiences first hand, almost like we are citizens of this country. Soon we will know where the best places to eat, drink, and get ice cream are! Our exploring won't stop after the first week, we have so many experiences to have on this trip and people to meet! I also have the hope of becoming somewhat fluent in German! There is no better place to learn!

Erfurt, Germany


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