My time in Mayen, Germany was truly an unforgettable experience. I made many friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Not only was I able to spend six weeks in Germany living with a host family, but I was also able to travel to different cities and countries on the weekends. I had the privilege of traveling to Amsterdam, Brussels, London, and Paris with friends I made during the program.

Another great aspect of this study abroad program was that the entire group traveled to different cities within Germany during the last week. We went to Dresden, Jena, Weimar, and Berlin. In these cities we went on walking tours, visited museums, and had class discussions all in German because we truly wanted to immerse ourselves in the language.

Personally, my favorite part of this program was living with a host family. My host family was so kind and welcoming, and they always made sure to include me in their activities. We took day trips to Trier, the oldest city in Germany, and I also went horseback riding with my host sister through the German countryside. I was able to practice my German with them because I always made an effort to speak in their language at all times. Of course, this was not always an easy task but everyone I met was very encouraging and never made me feel embarrassed when I made mistakes.

Monday through Thursday I would walk to class in the old city hall building that was built in the early 1700s. On my way I would pass several bakeries, shops, and the open-air produce market. Mayen is a small city located in a rural part of Germany, and it was a very idyllic place with architecture that made it seem like I was in a fairytale. I learned so much about German culture—from food, music, and entertainment, to even the proper way to order at a restaurant.

I am incredibly grateful for my time abroad. It opened my eyes to an entirely different way of living, and I believe I am a better person for it.

Name: Ellie Franklin
Status: Junior
Major: Social Relations and Policy; Minor: German
Hometown: Clawson, Michigan
Program: German Language and Culture in Mayen