What did a typical day at the college look like?

I often started by planning my tasks for the day: these could be office hours where I helped students with their homework, supporting German teachers in class, or preparing events or guest lectures. In the evenings, I often did sports or spent time with friends on campus or in the surrounding area.

What image of Germany did your students have?

Whether Germans are always punctual. When I once apologized five minutes before class for being late, the question answered itself. I then added that punctuality is still a German virtue, but also that unfortunately, you often miss the oh-so German punctuality in public transport. Even my mentoring teacher, who was born in Germany, was amazed.

What things did you miss most in Gettysburg?

Three things come to mind:

• German bread: I often raved to my students about our over 3,200 types of bread.
• My bicycle: In Münster, it’s like my second pair of legs. Fortunately, I always got from A to B through numerous invitations to carpools from the incredibly hospitable Americans.
• Christmas culture: The sunny climate of California is definitely a welcome change from rainy Westphalia. But before Christmas, I missed getting in the mood for the end of the year in frosty temperatures with a hot drink at our Christmas markets.

What misconceptions about the USA were you able to correct?

I often heard that people here are excessively friendly and don’t really mean what they say. But I find it incredibly refreshing to have small talk with people on the street and to embellish even the shortest encounter with a smile and “How’s it going?” You quickly feel like part of the community, and even the most fleeting encounter remains positive in memory. Even the worst day can turn around positively in an instant.

Do you have any tips for future foreign language assistants?

• Network with other German or international FLAs. Having people to exchange ideas with who are experiencing the same tension, anticipation, or anxiety – and who have to fill out the same paperwork – is invaluable.
• Hunt and gather: Whether it’s German sweets on offer, info flyers from your hometown, or self-taken pictures – anything that seems particularly German to you or reflects your everyday life is perfect for authentically conveying German culture. Plus, this way you create a buffer in your luggage for souvenirs and teaching materials on the return journey.
• Making a bucket list for your time there increases anticipation: Time passes so quickly here that it’s good to have a rough plan beforehand: Think not only of places but also of personal goals. What have you always wanted to do but have always hesitated? The changes of place, culture, and language provide the perfect context to rediscover yourself.

More information about the foreign language assistant program is available here.