by ACARUSO
During the beginning of my study abroad experience in Germany, I had to apply for a residence permit that would allow me to live and study in Bremen for four months. In a few weeks, I would have to pick it up from the University of Bremen. Once it was ready, I got my appointment and had to go into the city by myself to pick it up, which I was nervous about because I had never took the train into the city on my own. Luckily, the student assistant was helpful, and was able to show me the directions to the University, and showed me how to find the train times. Being able to use public transportation was something I had to adjust to, as I do not rely on public transportation often in the United States. On the day of my appointment for the residence permit, I made it to the University of Bremen on time. However, when I got to the University, I quickly realized that my appointment was the week after. I was so focused on trying to get to the right place, that I had only focused on the fact that the appointment was on a Tuesday, but did not realize that it was for the next week. I had gone all the way there, but since I was a week early, I had to come back the next week, and luckily I was able to get my residence permit then. From that experience, I realized how it is important to stay organized and pay close attention to the times of appointments, as the importance of time is highly valuable in the German culture. I also learned how to navigate the public transportation in Germany which is important, as using the trains and buses was necessary throughout my time in Bremen. Even though I was a bit annoyed at myself for going all the way to University of Bremen without getting my residence permit, I learned the importance of being careful and organized, which is important both abroad and at home, and was able to take the same trip the next week with much more confidence, as I knew where I was going. Someone from my host culture may be less nervous about using public transportation in a new city, because they have grown up where public transportation is very common. However, in the United States, I walk and rely on cars for transportation most of the time. Throughout my time in Germany, I grew to appreciate the buses and trains, and how easy it made it to go not only throughout Bremen, but to other cities such as Berlin, and Hamburg. These reflections prepare me to feel comfortable asking for help, as I asked my student assistant for help getting around a new city in a foreign country. It also helped me learn the importance of staying organized because all though some people may be lenient towards mistakes from being disorganized, it may not happen most of the time. I also learned how freeing independence can feel, and how one may not realize how independent they can be until they are in situations that take them out of their comfort zones.