Summer in Dortmund, Germany
Gavin Glenn (CIT, '27) spent his summer studying abroad with TU Dortmund International Summer Program in Dortmund, Germany. Gavin says:
What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?
Experiencing Germany with friends from the summer program - we went down to a different city and went kayaking for the day, and it was amazing to hang out, have fun and see a new place with found friends.
How has living in a different culture challenged or expanded your perspective on the world?
Definitely. I think I'm more knowledgeable about world cultures and the experience brought me out of my bubble that I grew up in. It also taught me different ways to learn, and forced me to make friends in a completely new country and environment.
What were some unexpected challenges you faced while abroad, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?
The study style in Germany is very different - namely, there is no actual homework or practice; instead, all of the grade of the class is in the final. Thus, I needed to adapt to the new way of doing work and self-study for a lot more of the material.
What personal growth have your experienced during your time abroad and how has it impacted your future goals and aspirations?
I discovered independence, self-reliance, and other similar ways of seeing myself. I think it lent me confidence in my ability to be an adult and really come out into my own.
Any advice for other students thinking of studying abroad?
Go out and experience the place you're living in! It's not solely an opportunity to study and see different perspectives, but to see a different part of the world.