Now that I have arrived in the U.S. after being in Munich for four months, I am beginning to realize how aspects of German culture have stuck with me. During my first few days back, I experienced reverse culture shock when I was faced with having to drive nearly everywhere in my suburban hometown. In Munich, I became accustomed to using the U-Bahn system for travel within the city, which is very efficient and usually reliable. Though I considered myself a navigation expert by the time the Junior Year in Munich program ended, navigating public transportation was initially confusing for me. I had to completely familiarize myself with the train network system in order to get my way around Munich, memorizing the routes which would take me to and from school. In addition to navigation on German public transportation systems, I also had to familiarize myself with the ways in which people are expected to act on the U-Bahn. Germans typically make no conversation on the U-Bahn and avoid small talk. I noticed a difference between German and American customs particularly while taking the U-Bahn, because when I was with a group of my American classmates, we always seemed to be the loudest on the train which felt uncomfortable for me.
My time in Germany has been the most enlightening period in my life. My study abroad experience has incited personal growth and independence as I have had to deal with difficult cultural differences. In my pre-departure blog, I wrote that I tried not to stereotype the German population, but after spending four months in Germany I notice that some of those generalizations are often true. German people tend to be harder to interact with because they are not as open as the American population I am used to. Though Germans tend to be more reserved, I have met many kind and welcoming Germans in Munich, especially through my internship at a German Gymnasium. I believe that a German person would respect my experiences and take interest in the culture shocks I have experienced as an American in Munich. I spoke the language to the best of my ability with all native speakers I interacted with in a daily setting and managed to feel almost like a local, which I consider an impressive success. Though I maintain certain generalizations about the German people, I know that they also feel a similar way towards Americans. What makes study abroad so special is how different cultures challenge these generalizations by interacting with each other.
Reflecting upon some cultural differences and misunderstanding during my time in Munich, I will embrace the fact that the environment is not exactly the same as what I am used to, but that is what makes travelling abroad exciting and important. I must enter every new place I travel to with an open mind and with acceptance directed at my host culture. Though I may have frustrations or may not agree with every cultural aspect, it is ultimately not my place to judge a particular culture from an outside perspective. I have learned so much from studying abroad in Munich, and I hope that I will be able to take these valuable lessons with me as I continue my travels.