STUDY AWAY: Germany

A Summer in Berlin

LANGUAGE MAJOR’S FIRST TRIP ABROAD

Annaliese Wagers’ class usually took place at the Freie (Free) University of Berlin but, occasionally, the professor would take them to a local coffee shop, where they’d spend six hours debating real-world issues in German.

“That was definitely something that helped us with our German skills because we had to think on our feet, develop arguments and counter arguments, listen to each other and find the vocabulary,” Wagers ‘24 said.

To get to the cafe-classroom, Wagers, who majors in government & international affairs, French and languages, literatures & cultures at Augustana University, sorted through many available program options to find the best fit — with assistance from the Augustana International Programs Office (IPO).

“They helped me find the perfect program for me, and they were amazing,” Wagers said. “Throughout the entire process, they were just so helpful.”

The summer study-away trip was the Augustana student’s first time leaving the U.S. Wagers spent two months studying intensive language and exploring nearby German cities. She hoped the trip would be an effective way to practice German after six years of study. Although the many English speakers there make it an accessible study-away location for anyone,

many Berlin locals patiently communicated with her — providing her the opportunity to engage in conversations outside of classes and fully immerse herself in learning German. In Berlin, Wagers was placed with a host family that showed her good places to visit in the city, helped her adjust and recommended activities. Wagers’ host sister, who is approximately the same age, took her on a trip to Hamburg to see another host sister. Home-cooked meals, such as a noodle and beef dish, was one of her favorite parts of living with a host family. “They were just incredibly welcoming,” Wagers said. “I absolutely loved it. If I ever go back, I’ll make sure I go and visit them.” During her time there, Wagers was able to travel to Cologne, Heidelberg and Frankfurt with her new friends, as well as her family, who came to visit at the end of her trip. She took advantage of Europe’s accessible train system for a spontaneous day trip to Dresden and Leipzig. It helps you learn how At Augustana, Wagers is to be flexible and part of the Augustana Student Association (ASA) and adaptable and get used IGNITE, a leadership group to new situations. I think it also gives you a more for women. She plans to study in Grenoble, France, in Spring 2024, and recomworldly perspective. mends that everyone who is able to study away goes ANNALIESE WAGERS ’24 Government & International Affairs, French and Languages, Literatures & Cultures Major at least once. “It helps build communication skills,” Wagers said. “It helps you learn how to be flexible and adaptable and get used to new situations. I think it also gives you a more worldly perspective.” Wagers hopes that her travel experience and mastery of languages will help her in the future, with plans of entering international relations with a non-governmental organization, the United Nations or state department.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS OFFICE

The Augustana University International Programs Office (IPO) supports international students, students who study away and those adjusting to life in the U.S. and abroad.