Placement

As I sit here researching my temporary 'homes' for the next year, I think it is an appropriate time for a second post. I can now share the exciting, and much anticipated, location of where I will study and live while in Germany. As briefly explained in my first post, I will spend two months in one city in an intensive German language school, and the rest of the time will be spent in another location where I will study and complete my internship. This week I learned that I will attend language school (Sprachschule) in Cologne (Köln)! I will then finish out the rest of my year in the state (Bundesland) of Baden-Württemberg, in southwest Germany.

I am thrilled to be placed for the first two months in what I hear is an amazing city. I feel I will have a lot of opportunity to experience culture, art, societal nuances, and some of the most famous landmarks of Germany- such as the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) and the Hohenzollern Bridge.

I am particularly excited to have my longer term placement in the southwest of Germany where I am conveniently close to the Black Forest, France, Switzerland and Austria- all places in which I have a particularly strong interest. I will not know exactly what city I will be in until I am actually in Germany but it is a relief to know at least what area of Germany I can begin looking for internships and activities.

Baden-Württemberg is the yellow area in the lower left corner.

I already have an extensive "activities" and "must-do" list for the Baden-Württemberg area-mainly things to do in the Black Forest. I'm always looking for input though, so feel free to comment if you have been in Germany and have suggestions!

As a short  update on what I am doing to pass the time over the next month and a half, (51 days to be exact) most of my days are spent working at my marketing internship in the morning and waitressing at night. I work a lot but I love the people I work for and with and have made a lot of friends who make it enjoyable to come to work. I am also doing the best I can to take time to enjoy beautiful Colorado (hiking, biking, running, etc.) and spend time with friends before I leave. I try to study a little German everyday as well, even if its just my Word of the Day and listening to German music.

It sinks in a little more each day that I will be leaving so soon, and the emotions that come with that vary depending on the day. Today, I'm feeling especially grateful for the amazing people in my life and the incredible opportunities I have because of my supportive family and friends, as well as my own hard work and motivation that undoubtedly comes from the encouragement of loved ones. In the spirit of Father's Day, I have to give a special thank you to my Dad who has been especially supportive and suppressed a lot of his worries (or at least refrained from verbally expressing them to me) since I told him I was participating in this program. I always have to remind myself that this is more than just an adventure for me, it is an experience for everyone who is close to me as well!

As a closing note for the evening, if you have a second after reading this, check out the first link located in the upper right side of my blog (or click here)- this will take you to my fundraising page. If you are interested in donating a little (every bit helps!) it would mean the world to me (in every sense of the phrase) and I would be forever grateful. In return, I will be sending each of you a small gift from my adventures abroad! ;)

I'm sure my next posts will be filled with all sorts of Colorado adventures as I try to check things off of my "Before Germany Bucket-List"...so look forward to that!

Tschüss!