Leanna Oen

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Location: Tübingen, Germany

Time Abroad: Summer 2007

Major: English and Art History

My arrival in Tübingen was full of challenges and unexpected difficulties. My German was terrible and everyday was a struggle. By the end of my semester abroad, however, I never wanted to leave and could not imagine my life without speaking German daily or my new found friends.

My average day in Tübingen would consist of stopping by the bakery before going to my classes and then spending the remaining sunlight hours in the park reading or socializing with friends. Sometimes we would eat lunch together at the Mensa despite the mediocre food because it was quite cheap, convenient, and filling. During the night we would gather together again for the occasional potluck or campfire. The sense of community was something I had never encountered before. I consider these times spent with my international friends as part of my overall educational experience because I had to communicate with them in German, I learned about their cultures, and began to understand how America is perceived in the world.

I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to travel around Germany and Europe during my semester abroad. I was able to visit Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome. Being able to see, firsthand, the amazing architecture and artwork of these cities is something that has enriched my education beyond belief.

University of Denver

Leanna Oen