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Study abroad? YES.



As some of you may already know, I recently relocated to Germany for four months to a partner university my one at home has. 

My new independence has already taught me so much I thought it would be interesting to share a few pointers with you. 

First of all, when studying abroad make a friend who knows how to cook and doesn't mind making you lunch when you are lazy (which is always). I have accepted that my new diet consists solemnly of sausages, beer, pasta and noodles. Seriously, I rarely eat anything else...oh and kebab! 

Second of all, prepare your little liver for the first few weeks...it turns out that international students are apparently known as the party students. Wonder why? We have this great excuse and we say its necessary to socialise a lot at the beginning to get to know your new 'family' abroad...this of course is true for the first week, not necessarily the first month. 

This one is specific to the south of Germany, or at least to Friedrichshafen you know that thing they say about the Germans being incredibly efficient and extremely strict time management? It does not apply in my town, especially when it come to public transport...you can wait 20 minutes for a bus and miss countless connections but hey, it's normal. Reminds me of home (Spain). 

Joking aside, even though I have only been here for just under a month I would recommend a study abroad period to anyone and everyone. I thought it would be especially difficult for me as I have such a close family back home, and of course I miss them but we have this wonderful thing called Internet and Skype that makes us feel a little closer than 2.207 km apart.  

The cultural differences when studying abroad are inspiring to say the least, it's interesting how different people can be depending on where they come from or where they have lived, eye opening in fact. They say the friends you meet when studying abroad will become friends for life, incredibly cheesy but the daily support they give you in the most insignificant things makes a big difference, I'm grateful to have found such a good group of studious people (I mean exploring and drinking buddies of course). 

Open your mind, it might just surprise you.

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