T-minus 12 days until I leave for Zurich and start on my way to Konstanz! I will be living and learning at the university from September to August and cannot wait to see what’s in store for me. While incredibly nervous, I know that the experiences I have abroad will be so beneficial and impactful to my worldview!

I chose to study in Konstanz because of the amazing learning opportunities presented there. While there, I will be working on requirements for my Political Science and German degrees. My decision was also heavily influenced by the beautiful scenery surrounding the town, as described to me by several of my German friends and teachers.  The decision to study in Konstanz was not easy and I consulted pretty much all of my close friends and family about it. I read all of the blogs from previous students abroad and researched Konstanz for hours on end! In the end, I think my choice was a great one.

Leaving my friends and family for eleven months will not be a simple task. One of the hardest realizations of studying in Germany for a year was I would be missing a year at UMass with all of my best friends there. Eleven months of no Antonio’s pizza will be a difficult and trying period of time for me, but I will try to persevere. Living in Germany will also be the longest I have been away from my parents in California. Even though I already attend college so far away from them in Massachusetts, going to another country is an entirely new and unique experience. Frequent Skype calls and social media posts will definitely calm some of the nervousness I experience. Besides my human family and friends, I will miss my beloved dog, Rudie, for the time I am gone. If there are any dogs smart enough to understand studying abroad, I am sure Rudie knows where I will be.

Despite all of the people and things I am leaving behind, I am still so incredibly excited for the experiences I will have in Germany. A full year abroad is a privilege I will not soon forget. Check back here periodically for updates on the things I am doing, the places I am seeing, and the subjects I am studying!