Arriving in Munich for the first time at a bustling airport, I was struck by the efficiency and organization in the airport. The cleanliness, orderliness and courteous staff members stood out immediately for me. The bustling atmosphere of locals and tourists created an electric energy that set the tone for my two week stay in munich. As I boarded the train from the airport, I was filled with anticipation of what lies ahead. The scenic lush landscapes and luxurious cars on the streets gave a smooth blend of modernity and tradition. We arrived at our destination at the hotel, where we would spend the two weeks of the course.
The course was structured into daily sessions where each would last about six hours, technically up to midday. It was a supportive learning environment fostered by our instructor and fellow students. We covered various aspects of the language including grammar and conversational skills. It was filled with interactive activities, such as group discussions and role playing activities.these activities were purposeful in keeping the classes engaging and helped to stimulate our learning. One memorable activity involved the presentation of our cultural background and traditional songs from our countries which brought us even closer as a class.
The other half of the day was scheduled for fun activities and tours around the storied streets of munich. Where we got to learn about the city’s origin, that it was found by monks and evolved to such a beautiful place today. The historical significance of Munich deepened as we visited sites related to world war 2 such as NS – Dokumentationszentrum. Accompanied by the city tours through Munich and augsburg. I was thrilled to explore Munich’s museums and art galleries. Not forgetting the Englischer Garten, one of the largest parks in germany, with locals engaging in different activities such as cycling, volleyball, picnicking and playing with their pets, mostly dogs. Where we also got to enjoy the beautiful sight of surfers riding waves on the Eisbach river. The trip wouldn’t be complete if i don’t mention germany culinary delights, with dishes like currywurst served with freshly baked pretzels among other dishes in the bavarian culture. And lastly is the interactions i had with the locals, despite their language barriers, their warmth and hospitality made me feel as if i were part of their community.
At times I struggled with certain grammatical structures that differ significantly from english. Though these were met with encouragement from both our instructor and classmates. I would practice speaking with my peers in small groups which helped build confidence over time. Reflecting on this experience, I can say it has contributed to a significant improvement in my German knowledge. It was incredibly rewarding and grew my passion even more in the language and a greater appreciation for the culture.
