Hello! Hallo! Guten Tag!
Welcome to my blog! Or, auf Deutsch, Herzlich Willkommen auf meiner Blog... I think? I'm a 4th year Civil & Environmental Engineering student at the University of Cincinnati, and I'm participating in the International Co-op Program. I will be co-oping for a German engineering company (in Germany) from March-August. I am excited and terrified all at the same time.
"Why Germany?" you ask. Well, Germany is known as an engineering powerhouse, so what better place for an aspiring engineer to go learn? Also, Germany (and Europe in general) is a bit ahead of the curve when it comes to environmental and sustainability issues, so I figure I can learn a few things in that department as well. And finally, I come from German heritage and have always been interested in learning more about the German culture.
"But Morgen, you don't speak German!" you say. Well... up until this past August I didn't know German. (Still kind of kicking myself for not taking German in high school...). Over the summer I participated in the International Co-op Program's Intensive German Language course. This was a course that met everyday, from 9-4, for 6 weeks that essentially pounded the German language into my brain. I am still taking follow up German language classes up until the time that I leave. So, you're right, I don't really know German that well yet... but I hope to be fluent by the time I come back to the states.
So, in conclusion, yes I am a little crazy for taking on this challenge. I will probably get insanely homesick and will definitely get very frustrated. However, I know this will be a life changing experience that I NEED to have. I can't wait for the friends I will make and the places I will visit. I'm trying to get into the habit of blogging about my experiences now so that I can document as much as possible!
Welcome again! And, wish me luck?
