Coming to Allentown, Pennsylvania is for many Americans probably not the most exciting thing in the world. For me though coming from Berlin, Germany it changed my life completely. The language was not the biggest barrier, since I have studied English for over twelve years now. It were rather the cultural differences that were very challenging for me.

For example, in Germany university dorms (Studentenwohnheime) are not very common. Therefore, it was the first time for me to live with other people. Since I live in the International House, I did not only learn about the American culture but also about Dutch and Japanese customs. I know now for example, that the best cookies come from The Netherlands (thanks to Brian and Jamila) and that the Japanese language has over ten words for 'you' depending on the person to whom they speak (thanks to Akiko and Saori). My four American roommates (Galen, Mel, Dave, and Meg) made me feel welcome from the first day on. They introduced me to their friends and the American campus life, and made it easy for me to integrate myself into the Muhlenberg community (although I still don't like peanut butter and root beer!).
Fortunately, I have the opportunity to help students to learn my language, since I am working as a German tutor. This helped me to gain a better understanding about German, English, and language in general. The American students made me think about features in my native language that I have never thought of. I find that very interesting and now decided to take a third major as soon as I get back to Berlin: German as a Foreign Language. With this additional course of study, I hope to be able to work in other foreign countries to teach German in the future. Moreover, my second job in the Language Learning Center made me want to learn a third language and therefore I have made arrangements to take Spanish classes when I get back in Germany next semester.

Being here in this particular time of war is really interesting for me. I became an information source for my friends and family in Berlin about the public opinion here in America. Also I tried to talk with my American friends about the German perspective on this war. Hopefully, these kinds of exchanges can help us all to understand each other better and to be more willing to listen to other people's concerns.
I will certainly never forget this year I spend in the United States and I am grateful for every experience I have gained. I would advise every student to participate in an exchange program. This will not only teach you about a different culture and language but you will also learn a lot about your own country and about yourself.

--Hannah Podlesch '04

Hannah visits us this year from the Universität Potsdam in Germany.