I've always been told there's no better way to learn a language than by surrounding yourself with it. The German Language and Culture in Mayen program was the perfect opportunity for myself to branch out and test my skills.

Prior to the start of the program, I anxiously questioned the extent of my knowledge of the German language. Do I know enough German to "get by"? Do I have what it takes to study abroad?

But shortly after arriving to Germany and beginning the program, my language skills improved in ways I was not expecting - not only in conversation, but also in hearing news, reading menus, and listening to music. It's truly amazing how quickly we are able to connect to a language when we are surrounded by it.

Language classes were fun and engaging, and through them I saw real progress in my speaking and understanding. But what impacted my comprehension most were daily interactions with locals, menus, and street signs. Ordering coffee at the bakery and checking out at the supermarket were both trivial tasks in the beginning, but became routine soon enough, and these small victories are what I am most proud of.

Living with a host family also helped my studies immensely. Conversations over coffee with my host parents and playing board games with their two young children were simple ways to practice vocabulary. From my experience, the host family style of this education abroad program was the best way to truly connect with the culture. I got to explore nearby towns from the perspective of a local, visiting places like Nürburgring (racetrack) and Haus der Geschichte (House of History).

I went to Germany with the goal of improving my language skills, and while I did that, I also learned so much about myself and the world around me. Learning and studying in Germany for six weeks pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I came home more confident and inspired than ever.

Name: Ava Moschet
Status: Senior
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Novi, Michigan
Program: German Language and Culture in Mayen