Study Abroad Blog: Exploring Berlin

Undoubtedly one of the best things about studying abroad is the opportunity to travel. I recently spent several days in Berlin, which is situated in the east of Germany. Travelling with a friend from Heidelberg, it took five hours to reach Berlin using Germany's high-speed ICE trains, which can reach speeds of up to 320km per hour.

Boasting a population of over three million people, Berlin is a bustling multicultural city. Its impressive street art and postwar relics, like the East Side Gallery, the Brandenburg Gate and TV Tower give the city a quirky edge.

Staying with friends went a great way towards reducing expenses, and also meant that I got to experience the alternative side of the city. Speedminton was one such activity. It is similar to badminton but is played without a net. This time taking place in a gym hall covered with sand, UV lights highlighted the players adorned in neon paint, as music blared from speakers. Despite being a novice I gave it a good go and made a few rallies. It was great fun in spite of the sand-swamped boots I had to endure for the rest of the week!

That same night I went to a fancy dress party. The costumes were impressive, from hippies and mimes to what appeared to be extras from Moulin Rouge. Sadly I didn't have a costume, but as if my wishes were heard by my fairy godmother, a fellow partier kindly showered me in fairy dust; days later I was still picking odd specks of glitter from my hair.

The monuments in Berlin stand tall in the center of the city. One of the highlights was visiting Museum Island where huge museums are clustered together, making it easy to travel from one building to another. I particularly enjoyed the range of Egyptian art on display at the Neues Museum, as well as the intricate Islamic pieces at the Pergamon Museum, which also contains massive reconstructed buildings from antiquity. Nearby, Potsdamer Platz showcases sleek skyscrapers and its bright lights are akin to London's Leicester Square. 

Berlin once controlled by Britain, France, Russia and the USA simultaneously after the Second World War is steeped in modern history, and its various monuments are scattered across the city. The German Democratic Republic museum gives an insight into what is was like for many citizens in East Germany living in a Communist regime. I was surprised to see just how different the lives of people living in the East were from those of their counterparts in the West.

I also got the opportunity to visit the Holocaust memorial near Brandenburg Gate. The expansive memorial is particularly distinctive, as it is formed of concrete structures which progressively get taller as the ground beneath rises and dips at intervals. For me, this created a feeling of being disorientated and overpowered, and prompted me to reflect on the plight of those affected by the Holocaust.

 

The city is also home to a large Turkish population. Visiting the markets in the Turkish quarter and seeing an array of foods, spices and fabrics was a great insight to the city's diversity.

There are many options for traveling in and around Germany at a reasonable price. The InterRail pass for example, allows unlimited travel on a set number of days on all German trains within a month. Passes can include anywhere from two days of unlimited travel to eight. So if you're thinking of travelling around Europe sometime soon, you should definitely put Berlin on the list!

Bis bald!

Study Abroad Blog: Freiburg – Bonfires, Karneval and Faust

Hello blogosphere! Apologies for my recent lack of posts recently, but grovelling aside I bring good news!

Last week I got a short reprieve from term paper stress and travelled to Freiburg, after a friend kindly invited me to visit for the weekend. Located in the southwest of Germany, Freiburg is picturesque. Throughout the year tourists are drawn to the city and the surrounding areas for its vineyards, historic ruins and the Black Forest. 

On the first day we ventured into the city center, where postwar concrete buildings shoulder the winding streets of the Old Town. The Old Town is particularly distinctive as its "bachle" or small streams run along the pavements. A relic of the city's innovative sanitation system during the Middle Ages, the "bachle" are now skillfully avoided by hasty shoppers, while local superstition has it that those who accidentally fall into it will marry someone from Freiburg.

Another interesting site was the Freiburg Cathedral, also known as the 'Minster of Our Lady'. Built in the 13^th century its Gothic style high arches and authentic stained-glass windows stun it's visitors into awe-stricken silence. 

That evening leaving the coffee shops and ice-cream parlours of the city behind, we travelled out to witness an annual bonfire display. Burning disk-flinging is an age old tradition in Europe. Kids and adults alike use long sticks to heat wooden discs in bonfires and hit them onto wooden planks, launching the discs hundreds of meters into the distance. I watched mesmerised and chomping on a bratwurst, as the golden disks of light disappeared into the night like shooting stars.

On Saturday we visited Salzburg to see the city's annual street parade. The event, which runs shortly after the pre-Lent festival Fastnacht, had attracted various guilds from Salzburg and beyond. Beer, curry-wurst and high spirits were in abundance. Groups accompanied by big bands proudly represented their guilds in creative costumes. From terrifying demons with chiming cow bells to folkloric jesters. During the parade, onlookers are also active participants, and in return for candy they must endure pranks; damsels taken away on wagons, and unlucky spectators with tied feet and hands were common sights!

 

Later that day, we attended a Big Band show organised by the school my friend once attended. Highlights included the choir singing Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and the live band solos of Motown classics, such as 'Aint no mountain high enough'. 

Having not completely zapped all of my energy over the weekend, on Sunday we drove to Staufen, a place widely recognised for its production of wine. On a literary note, Staufen and its medieval castle ruins are also home to the Faust Legend. Dr. Johann Faust the notorious alchemist who made a pact with the devil is known to have lived and worked in the castle. His mysterious demise was picked up by both Goeter and Marlowe during the Renaissance era. 

The weekend was also a great opportunity to practice my German. Especially when the family gathered during meal times, and to my relief I was able to follow most of what was being discussed. Ultimately, it was great to experience Germany from a different perspective and sample a range of fresh and homemade dishes, like kartoffel suppe, pfannekuchen and flammkuchen – recipes I'll definitely be taking home!

Well, that was a snapshot of my weekend. 

Now I'm back in Heidelberg and ready to hit the homestretch! Ciao!

Study Abroad Blog: Freedom?

It's the start of the semester break for students at Heidelberg University, but forget any expectations you may have of Monday morning lie-ins and nonstop traveling, for most students the semester break consists of writing term papers and preparing for the next round of courses.

The summer term doesn't officially begin until mid-April, ( this would normally be when students at Leicester have finished their classes for the year!) so students spend the remainder of their free time handing in essays and collecting credit points. 

Not used to this system of study, it currently feels like I'm competing in a mental marathon. But saying goodbye to fellow international students this week who are returning home has reminded me just how temporary the study abroad experience is.

One of the best things about studying abroad is the diverse range of courses on offer, from the fantasy fiction of Tolkein to plays by American literary greats such as Eugene O'Neille. I've specifically enjoyed courses on postmodern literature, as these writers offer an alternative perspective to the conventionally studied canonical writers. Authors like Zadie Smith, who in NW deftly conveys the diversity of London, and Tony Harrison who has long produced poetry wrought with working class concerns. At Heidelberg, you are given free reign to write on the subjects that most interest you.

Despite the fact that the end of term is like Mo Farah striving to reach the finish line after ten thousand miles, the freedom of choice is liberating and I'm enjoying taking part in the race. 

Side note: This week I had my first experience of visiting a cinema in Germany. The popcorn servings were huge and the seats super comfy, but the pleasantries stopped there. Watching 12 Years a Slave was a harrowing experience. 

McQueen did well to capture the hauntingly beautiful landscape of the American Deep South, and the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer was moving, as was the stellar cast but the end of the film left me deflated. It would have been nice to see more character development and subtle resistance, as opposed to repeated scenes of violence. 

Towards the end of 12 Years a Slave, when the universally liked Brad Pitt strode in as a symbol of idealism against the Big Bad South the film drifted into a simplistic narrative. And the main character Solomon Northup once self-sufficient and quick-witted, was rendered disempowered and dependent.

Whereas Django offers its audience empowerment through comic relief and escapism, 12 Years A Slave's sombre tone and desire to cling to accuracy, ultimately fails to leave its audience uplifted nor with a new perspective on the slave experience.

Study Abroad Blog: Heidelberg Library Goers

It's the middle of the examination period at Heidelberg University, and students in ritualistic fashion have descended on the library; stalking through the halls in search of their own corner of quiet to cram for exams, write term papers and finish a plethora of uni related work. 

Unfortunately, I'm not exempt from this metamorphoses and for the past few weeks the Bibliothek has become my home away from home. Students at Heidelberg are in charge of their own timetables, and the relaxed atmosphere means you have to be super disciplined in order to independently plan, execute and submit assignments. 

The library has become a regular haunt for me, and from my David Attenborough like observation post I've come to recognise the many types of students that frequent its doors.

The Gamer

Most likely to be: Hunched over their laptop playing the millionth level of a repetitive game, or scoring high on the latest mobile app craze.

Never: Surrounded by papers or work of any sort. 

The Specter

Most likely to be: Invisible. Their presence is marked by their coats, papers and bags that seem to swamp the study spaces and computers that you would otherwise use.

Never: At their desk, or in the library.

The Inadvertent Studier 

Most Likely: On Facebook, YouTube or checking the news to avoid study.

Never: Has an open document, and probably any deadlines either. 

The Zombie

Most Likely: Carrying a large Starbucks cup and dragging their feet. This student is in the midst of a week of insane study and no sleep. Often trying not to fall asleep.

Never: Walking faster than the speed of a tortoise. 

The Computer Whisperer

Most Likely: Responsible for an outburst of swearing directed at their computer after it unexpectedly shut down in the middle of writing their essay.

Never: Has luck with technology. 

"Arnie"

Most Likely: Wearing ear plugs and directing menacing eyes to any student that dares to talk, cough, rustle papers or breathe.

Never: Takes a break. 

The Familiar Face

Most likely: Outside the library. You always run into this person on your way to the library, but can't quite remember how you became acquainted.

Never: Seems to travel beyond the perimeter of the library entrance.

The 99% 

Most Likely: You. Trudging in and out of the library daily in order to meet those endless deadlines.

Never: Without an assignment to complete.

So it's over and out from Heidelberg Library Goers.

If you recognise any of these library-goers, or would like to add ones not mentioned above comment below.

Bis dann!

Study Abroad Blog: Chinese New Year in Heidelberg

Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Chinese New Year Festival in Heidelberg, hosted in the city's ornate Kongresshaus building in the old town the event was a rare insight into East Asian culture. 

This year Chinese New Year falls on Friday. The age old festivity usually lasts for fifteen days and celebrates the triumph of a village over the mythical beast Nian; the townspeople realising the creature was frightened of red proceeded hang bright red lanterns and ornaments outside their homes to repel the monster. During the festival red is often used to commemorate the tradition. 

The Chinese New Year Festival in Heidelberg was an eclectic mix of German and Eastern culture. The presenters, German and Chinese students from the University of Heidelberg, effortlessly switched between the German and Chinese language. 

The talent on display was of a high standard and the performances ranged from high energy rock ballads and comedy sketches, to mesmerising classical music pieces. It was also great to see martial arts acts accompanied by authentic Chinese musical instruments. 

As the event reached its second half the mood drifted into suspense, as a lone Taekwondo performer prepared to break a solid block of wood with his bare heel. Held breaths were quickly released as the crowd erupted into applause. The performer celebrated with spinning kicks as the broken blocks of wood fled with the relieved volunteer backstage. 

2014 is the year of the Horse which symbolises prosperity and friendship. The event was a great chance to experience a little of Chinese culture and it's left me feeling optimistic for the year ahead in Heidelberg. 

Happy Chinese New Year – may the horse be with you!

Study Abroad Blog: Block Seminars - a good option?

When the times comes to select courses for the next semester many students in Germany have the option of taking part in a 'block seminar'. Courses that follow this system take the reading of an entire semester and structure them into several intensive seminars. These seminars usually run over the course of two consecutive weekends, and once completed students are free to carry on with their individual research, handing in their papers at the end of term. 

Block seminars are a great way to study a subject in more detail and free up time in your schedule, however completing the reading is essential in order to keep up with the fast moving and lengthy discussion. 

For the past two weekends I took part in a block seminar on Romanticism. Although I shuddered at the thought of having class from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, having never previously studied Romanticism, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to fill in a few gaps in my knowledge of English literature, as well as give me an insight to the Romanticism module students are required to study in their final year at Leicester. 

The English course at the University of Leicester is structured chronologically, starting with Old English in the first year, and finishing with a module in Postmodernism in the final year giving students a broad sweep of English Literature. 

On the first day, any fears I had of being stuck listening to a monotonous day long lecture quickly vanished. The weekend was structured into presentations, group activities and discussions on topics as wide ranging as the French Revolution and 'The Gothic'. As a class of thirty we effectively taught each other, and our instructor helped to facilitate discussion by highlight interesting ideas. There were ample coffee breaks throughout the day to keep everyone motivated, and the day long seminars allowed a range of perspectives and opinions to be voiced. By the final day of the seminar we were actively conversing about Romanticism, a topic a few weeks prior we knew little of. 

Pros

- Gives you an in depth understanding of a subject

- Classes takes up a small part of semester, giving you more free time

- You get greater flexibility when it comes to choosing a research topic. 

Cons

– The fast moving discussion can leave you feeling a bit out of your depth.

- Requires a lot of concentration to actively participate throughout the day

- You have to be super-organised, and read the texts on time to understand the discussion. 

Verdict: Overall I would thoroughly recommend at least trying out a block seminar. I found it an enjoyable experience, and good practice in forming and sustaining a verbal argument. The flexibility of the course also appeals to me. Just make sure you read the texts so the weekend isn't lost in a haze of bewilderment!

Study Abroad Blog: Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt

The Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg, Germany is to Christmas what Hollywood is to the movie industry. Everything is big, bold and garishly cliche, but where Hollywood falls down, the blinding lights, gaudy trinkets and seasonal food simply make Nuremberg Christmas markets more impressive. 

As expected the Christmas market in Nuremberg was heaving. The city boasts a population of half a million people not to mention the additional tourists who flock in every December to witness the seasonal spectacle. Luckily a friend from Nuremberg was able to whip my friend and I through the maze of people to the best stalls. 

Unlike many other markets Nuremberg has its own children's' section, catering to visitors of all ages. Avoiding the wooden rocking horses and kinder punch stands I hurried to the main market in search of shopping, hot food and drink. In fact, Nuremberg is well known for its specialty sausages 'nurembergers' and almost all visitors carry 'drei und regular' rolls with a warm cup of gluhwein. Gingerbread is also a firm favorite of the markets; wafting from confectionery stalls through the air to entice passersby like Hansel and Gretel. 

But alas! I've been stamped with a firm reality check: having completed a presentation last week, I was assigned yet another one for the semester, adding to an already extensive list of assignments. But despite the ever so slight risk of embarrassment presentations are a great way of practicing public speaking, helping you to develop your ideas and communicate them with confidence. 

Communication skills are essential to your professional career, and also in your final year when you are expected to present your dissertation topic to academics. It's also a great confidence boost to receive positive feedback from your fellow students. Having gotten to the end of my presentation I was really pleased to see that it had encouraged a lot of debate and discussion in the class. 

As the busiest time of the semester reaches its peak, like many students I am spending increasing amounts of time in the library , finding occasional solace in memes, 'serious news' and ashamedly Facebook. But last week, while wandering through the library I was surprised to discover a wealth of literature from black female writers, from Alice Walker to Angela Davis and black feminists I had not yet heard of. It's refreshing to see a diverse range of writers studied in the English department at Heidelberg University. The opportunity to be exposed to new authors and alternative perspectives is one great advantage of studying abroad. Despite the imminent onslaught of assignments I'm sure I can devote a little time to enlightening myself about my culture and identity. Tschuss!