Why Germany?

My name is Emily and this December I will be traveling to Germany with a group of students from North Central College. I am currently a sophomore studying computer science and interactive media with a minor in math. I am also a member of the College Scholars Honors Program. Since I am not studying German and know very little about the country, you may be wondering why I have decided to spend almost three weeks there.

In the spring of 2011 I had the opportunity to travel around Ireland for seven days and visit London for two days with a group from my high school. This trip abroad sparked a desire to travel and to learn about cultures different from my own. Upon my return, I could not wait for the chance to study abroad in college. I was especially excited that studying abroad was part of the honors college requirements. I had initially planned to spend an entire term abroad, but my decision to add a second major at the end of this past fall term made scheduling around an entire term abroad difficult. I decided to continue with the double major and instead travel abroad during D-Term.

Out of all the D-Term programs offered, I chose Germany. The need to fulfill the intercultural all college requirement certainly narrowed my options significantly, but Germany stood out to me among the others offered. Many of my friends and family have traveled to Germany, and they encouraged me to go. One of my good friends has spent summers doing missionary work there and has told me many stories about the country and its people. I know a few people who went on the Germany D-Term trip in the past. They also told me what a wonderful experience it was for them.

The Brandenburg Gate, an iconic piece of architecture in Berlin, the capital city of Germany. 

In addition to all the positive things I have heard about Germany, I am also interested in traveling there to learn more about its rich history. When I think about Germany my mind immediately jumps to Nazis and the Holocaust. I would like to expand that limited mental picture through my travels there. I anticipate learning more about not only WWII era Germany, but also about the nation’s lesser-known history. As a reformed Christian, I am eager to learn more about the history of my faith through the life of Martin Luther and the impact of the Protestant Reformation on Germany.

Market Square in Wittenberg, the city known for its connections to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.

I am also excited to learn more about Germany’s culture, perhaps pick up some of the language, and to learn more about my fellow travelers. I look forward to meeting new people and making new friends. Traveling to a place where I do not speak the language and I know little about is a leap outside of my comfort zone, but I welcome this fantastic opportunity to learn and grow. 

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