Bulldogs Abroad Blog

Written by: Brynn Cumicek  |  Spring 2024
Wells in Florence

This semester I am studying at Lorenzo De Medici through the Wells in Florence program, and I love it! I would recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad in Italy. I have traveled to many cities in Italy during my time here, and Florence will forever be my top choice for where to study abroad. While being in Florence, I have been able to explore and try so many new things that it’s starting to feel like home, which is not something you would get studying in a bigger city.

While studying abroad, I am making sure I take advantage of all the opportunities given to me and really get to know Italy during my time here. The Wells in Florence program does a great job of offering trips and activities for their students to really dive into the Italian culture. I will be attending two overnight trips put on by Wells: an overnight trip to Venice and an overnight trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco, and the Italian Riviera. Along with the two I am attending, they offer many more, such as hiking in  the Alps and Lake Garda and a day trip to Cinque Terre. Planning these trips on your own can be very stressful, and you may miss important activities you wish you would have done, but Wells does this all for you and takes the stress away. All you have to do is pay a certain price, and the transportation, hotel, and activities are all planned for you, along with some free time to get the most out of these trips. I am also participating in activities such as climbing the duomo, visiting museums, wine tasting, cooking classes, farmers markets, food tastings, and more activities offered to me through this program.

The Wells program has an awesome relationship with many landlords around Florence that allows them to offer us apartments in the most amazing locations. I love where I live. I am a 2-minute walk from the Duomo, 12 minutes or less to all my classes, and within walking distance of any stores, museums, restaurants, tourist attractions, and public transportation if I want to go on any trips. Being so close to everything I need makes me feel safe, knowing that if I ever need something, I am only minutes away.

When I first arrived in Italy, I had no idea what to expect because it was my first time in Europe. I didn’t know any Italian, and I thought the language barrier was going to be a very difficult thing, yet it was not. To my surprise, most people I talked to, whether it was at a restaurant, school, or just out in public, spoke a good amount of English, and I was able to have conversations with everyone. I also started learning Italian while I was here for one of my classes, and it’s also something that’s helping me communicate and learn more about Italian culture.

Throughout my time here, I have made lifelong friends and memories that will stay with me forever. It is a very strange yet happy feeling to walk down the street in Italy and recognize people or have others recognize you; it has made it feel like a second home to me. The relationships I have made abroad are so special and something I will never forget. I had the opportunity to meet so many people, travel, and start seeing the world, which has been a dream of mine. This experience has taught me how to be more independent and how important it is to take all the opportunities given to you. Italy has become such a big part of my life that it is going to be a hard goodbye, but I’m also looking forward to coming home and seeing my friends and family.

Written by: Gabi Mathus  |  Spring 2024
IFSA – University of Edinburgh

To say that I am having difficulty wrapping my head around how it has been 4 months since my arrival is the understatement of the century. Yet, despite this feeling, I have also been reconciling with how comfortable I feel in my routine at this point. This experience has been a whirlwind, so let me give you the CliffNotes version of my experience in what I have been envisioning as “The Top 5 Weird, Wonderful and Whimsical Realities of Studying Abroad”.

1. Meeting new people

This piece feels like it is the most important thing to address, so I will say it right out of
the gate: it is SO easy to make friends while you are abroad. No, seriously. If you are
reading this in an attempt to decide whether or not it is a good idea for you to study
abroad I am sure the prospect of finding new friends has been weighing heavy on your mind. I am here to assure you that not only have I made friends, but I cultivated such an incredible support system since being here. Pictured here are my absolutely incredible flatmates (Left to right: Gabi (the only one of us who is a full time U of E student), Heather, Me, and Evelyn behind me). This is one of the first photos we took as a “family” or a “kitchen” as we also refer to our unit. We decided very early on that it would be fun, and also honestly just practical, to make the bulk of our meals together and split the cost of groceries evenly. Together we have made so many memories (and meals!) that made me feel like I have known them my whole life.

Moral: Trust in the people around you and know that you are all in the same boat.

Outside of flat 5, I met the lovely Maaheen, a fellow psychology nerd. She continues to ground me and remind me of the beauty in the little things (often those little things are cups of coffee at a new cafe she brings me along to try out).

2. Seeing the sights and learning about local culture

Edinburgh is undeniably beautiful, I knew this and found it extremely motivating when I was first applying to come here. However, I still find that every single day I am unlocking a new route or connection to a part of the city I haven’t explored, big or small. A definite highlight of Edinburgh for me is the absolute majesty that is Arthur’s Seat. I am writing this from my kitchen in my flat, but if I gaze out the window I can see this absolute behemoth of a dormant volcano that is under a mile away.

In terms of the other big markers of the city, I would be hard pressed to not mention
Edinburgh Castle. It is such a solid and beautiful piece of architecture, and as a history
nerd, it is kind of hard to reconcile with being in the presence of something so old and
grand. Looking back on these pictures, I still feel so overwhelmed by how happy I was,
and how new everything felt. Even though both of these places are relatively touristy
spots, I feel such a deep love for them and the joy they brought me.

That said, I would be failing to give you a full picture of the city if I did not talk about the
amazing nightlife here. My top 3 recommendations if going out is your kind of thing are 1.
The Doghouse (ironic, I recognize), 2. Whistlebinkies (live music and fun!), and 3.The
Frankenstein pub. Okay, so to be totally honest, that last one is more so just for the
novelty, but if you love Halloween like I do, it is absolutely worth it (they play the original
movie over and over again, which provides hours of entertainment if you ask me). I have
had some amazing nights dancing and laughing with friends, so I cannot recommend
enough pushing yourself to explore these areas of wherever you might visit (even if
going out isn’t normally your thing as is the case with me).

A personal highlight of the city for me is this sweet little angel, Greyfriar Bobby. He is a
statue of a dog who waited in this exact spot hundreds of years ago for his owner who
was a sailor to come home and people would feed him and remind him of how sweet he
was. Now, he is immortalized with a statue that people like to pet on the nose for luck
(although some have strong feelings about not fading the statue) and to show
appreciation to the most loyal and sweet dog there is.

Moral: Be it pubs, dog statues or volcanoes, the world around you is full with gems big
and small that are waiting for you to explore.

3. Food and feelings

Looking at this photo, this is still some of the most beautiful food I have ever seen haha. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but Mary’s Cafe and Bistro was a huge pivot point for me at the start of this adventure. Sitting opposite of me in this photo is the lovely Maaheen, and at this point we had just finished our orientation for IFSA. Given the fact that we live in the same building and were in the same orientation group, we spent the entire week together. In that time, we got lost, shared our worries, talked about our universities, and shared so many laughs. When I took this photo, I felt like I was sharing a meal with a lifelong friend. At this point as well, we had been to this restaurant I believe 3 times, to the point where the owner welcomed us like we were local. It feels silly looking back on it, but that genuinely meant so much to have an anchor in Maaheen and in this space. Plus, the food was absolutely divine, 10/10. Food has really been a source of great comfort since being here. I have always enjoyed cooking, but with my flatmates and I acting as a “kitchen” to support each other in outlandish recipes and the same 5 comfort meals, I feel like food has really facilitated so many of the connections I have made here.

Moral: Embrace group activities or something you like doing, but maybe are not the best at. It is so fun to watch yourself grow and evolve because you decided to take yourself less seriously.

4. Seeing the world

If you get the chance to go abroad, familiarize yourself with RyanAir and EasyJet. These cheap airlines are responsible for some of the most valuable memories I have made + they are the reason I could afford to plan a 2 week getaway to Copenhagen and Amsterdam with my flatmates. Getting to see pockets of Europe, places I have dreamed of going for years, was so incredibly rewarding. My friends and I had spent a full night just ironing out the details of our trip, and it really was like our Herculean test to prove how much we had learned at that point. There were some hiccups for sure, but it was so gratifying to have all of the pieces come together.

Outside of our European escapade, our IFSA trip to the Highlands proved to be just as thrilling. You can only imagine the pure unbridled joy I had seeing a castle straight out of Lord of the Rings. Getting to travel outside of the bubble that is the city to explore a more remote part of Scotland made me feel like I had time traveled, and with our history tour, it sort of felt like we had!

Moral: Do not feel limited by your main area that you are studying in. Even if you cannot afford to go far, go on those silly weekend trips with your group and take the opportunity to be as touristy as you feel like!

5. Candid moments and getting out of my comfort zone

Speaking of taking yourself less seriously, I have found that so many of the moments that feel representative of my time here were done completely by accident. For one, the entire European escapade was inspired by a notification I got from Spotify informing me that Paris Paloma was going to be touring Europe with Maisie Peters. So, I talked to my flatmate Heather about it who loves Maisie Peters, and thus a magical trip was born🙂

Some of the highlights of the trip also include the chance encounter of meeting Paris Paloma?? That made the entire trip for me to be so honest. Ultimately though, in all of the excursions I went on in my time here, I know they would have been entirely different without the amazing people I met along the way (see to the right our friends we made in line at the concert!)

We arrived very early in the morning with very degrees Given how early it was, we were pretty delirious, but the company of good friends made the early flight worth it.

Moral: At the end of the day, it is the in between and unexpected moments that make the best memories.

Conclusion and my lessons so far

Being in another country has meant so many things for my educational experience and journey toward personal growth. I know that sounds cheesy, but I mean it wholeheartedly when I say I feel like a complete stranger to the version of myself I was when I first arrived in Edinburgh. These past few months have challenged me in ways that I hadn’t expected, and overall I have learned a lot about how capable I am of independence. I found myself challenging what a university experience looked like to me, and I fully feel as though being here has opened my mind to what I really want and value in my life. Suffice it to say, I really do feel changed by this experience, but more importantly I feel empowered. Being away from what I have known for the past 2.5 years reminded me of what made me choose Butler in the first place, but also what I was limiting myself to by getting in my day-to-day routines. If you are thinking about traveling abroad, I can not express this enough, DO IT! Look for those scholarships, fill out those applications and go to those information sessions, it is all so worth it in the end.

Written by: Jessica Wu  |  Academic Year 2023-2024
BU Exchange at University of Tasmania

While I was super excited for my semester abroad, I had many questions and concerns as to what to expect. Now that I have been here for more than half a semester, I thought I would answer some in hopes of helping those of you that are interested in possibly going abroad.

• FRIENDS?!!

One of my biggest concerns about studying abroad was whether or not I would make any friends but it turns out I had nothing to worry about! I made one of my first friends while checking in for my student apartment. They were also exchange students who just so happened to be on the same flight as me from Melbourne! We all clicked right away and since then, our friend group just continued growing! We met people through orientation week activities, student accommodation parties and barbecues, as well as through other friends and students. Since then, we’ve been making trips in and around Australia when we could. 

While many of my friends ended up being exchange students, there were quite a few from Australia. They were all super friendly and welcoming and even offered to give us rides to certain places when needed. One of them even took us on a weekend camping trip earlier on in the semester. On the way to and from the camping trip, we made many stops to see some amazing nature sights and boy were they beautiful. We also found a few friends that took some dance classes at a studio near campus. When they heard about my friends and I’s interest in taking some dance classes, they invited us to join them when they were free and planning to go. All-in-all, I would say that I have many amazing friends while here and I can definitely see them lasting for a lifetime.

• First time traveling alone overseas

It can be a bit scary traveling alone, especially if it is overseas. I wasn’t too nervous about the flights because I had flown internationally before and I had flown alone before, but I was more so worried about the fact that I was quite literally just throwing myself into the unknown. This meant that every problem and situation that I ran into was left for me to figure out on my own, and my anxiety did not like the idea of that. 

I also didn’t like the idea of not having the comfort of my friends and family back home for a long period of time. While I could always reach them through a simple phone call, the time difference made it difficult to do so, and it just isn’t the same as physically being there for one another. Despite my worries, I have managed to do well. After having made some amazing friends and meeting many of the staff and faculty at the university, especially at the student accommodation, I know that I have people there if I need someone. 

I also know that not having enough money for food won’t be a problem because student accommodation does so much to try to provide us with free food. They have found local bakeries and stores that give us any leftover or excess foods, and they also have free Sunday brunches for students. The student hub also provides us with a food hub which is like a small free shop for students. There is limited stock and a limit to how much you can take but what they do is still very much appreciated.

• How will my classes differ from Butler?

Another one of my concerns about studying abroad was how the school and education system here in Australia would differ from what I am used to at Butler and how that would affect me. Unlike at Butler, here at UTAS, we only have class, or tutorials/tutes as they call it, once a week. Depending on what the unit is, the tutes can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. They also have lecture or module work each week which typically consists of readings. The modules typically aren’t open until the week of and oftentimes, the work is supposed to be done prior to the tute that week. 

In terms of assignments, there are 3 per unit and you are told of the due dates and information regarding the assignments from the start. All the information is listed on the unit outline and the lecturers/tutors often mention them in class as well. While in some units, the assignments can be completed during class time, oftentimes they are expected to be done outside of class. Another difference that I noticed is getting extensions on assignments.

While at Butler, typically all you have to do is talk to the teacher about it, here at UTAS, there is a very formal way of requesting one. You have to fill out and sign a form before sending it to the teacher. They then have to sign the form and decide whether or not to accept the extension request. While these differences don’t necessarily seem that big, it has definitely been a bit difficult trying to juggle it all while trying to explore Tasmania.

Having gotten this far into the semester, I am truly grateful with how the semester has gone so far. When walking into this whole experience, I tried to stay as calm and relaxed as possible and I am glad that I did because everything ended up working out on its own. I have made amazing friends and have had amazing experiences in the past few months and I can’t wait to see what is in store for me for the rest of my time here in Australia. 

Written by: Julia Tonacatl Mones  |  Fall 2023
Butler Semester in Spain (Alcala)

Studying abroad was always in my plans while studying at Butler but I needed a program that would best fit my needs. I chose the Butler Semester in Spain program because it was a best fit financially and I would have other fellow classmates who could know what I’m feeling.

The semester in Spain program is set in a small town called Alcala De Henares and this program has you placed with a host family. I was lucky to get a wonderful mom and daughter duo who have been kind to me since before coming abroad. I was able to get my host mom’s number before coming to Spain which was such a huge benefit because I could get to know them a little bit and relive some of the stress my family felt being with another family for a semester. The Franklin Institute is located on a popular spot called Plaza Cervantes, where there are a ton of cafes to hit before school and even after to do some homework.

Alcala is a small town and although there are cute shops and restaurants the best nightlife is in Madrid which is only a train ride away. Luckily for me my host house is close to the train station so I can easily get on the next train headed to Madrid. Madrid is a more populated place with a lot of big stores and popular places to eat tapas and drink sangria. The school in this program has no school on Fridays which is such a big benefit to go out with friends on the weekends to enjoy a little bit of this popular city while having a small town to go back home to. Since Madrid is so big the transportation system can get a little tricky but the best bet if you’re ever lost is to ask someone. Alcala is a small place that the best way to travel is through the bus station and it’s a lot easier to meet you fellow classmates for coffee in Alcala than in a big city like Madrid.

This program has a requirement to have a certain level of Spanish completed because it is a complete language immersion program. You must be able to communicate with your host family, teachers, and other people you meet along the way in Spanish. Your Spanish doesn’t have to be perfect but knowing key vocabulary is important if you ever get lost. The Spanish you learn in a Butler classroom is not the same as the Spaniard slang you hear in streets. Throughout my time here in Spain I have added a couple new words in vocabulary, which is something you couldn’t learn from a classroom. Another big aspect about this program is the fact that you have classmates from Butler to always have a support system. I think studying abroad is such an important skill you can have, especially if you can have fun with friends while doing it.

Written by: Noah Giddings  |  Fall 2023
IFSA – University of Otago

What has my time in New Zealand been about? What is the ‘grand narrative’ I might construct for this time of my life? The main character of my life, what piece of my story will these past few months fill?

In a word, I have found clarity. Over the past few months, I’ve been able to better appreciate what I value and love. Remove oneself from their familiar surroundings, what remains? Only that which is undeniably me.

I am happy that I had the chance to step away from my trajectory of life. To look at the course of my life from 10,000 miles away. Given the distance and perspective, I’ve been able to more freely examine my life without the burden of immediate responsibility. Situated atop a metaphorical Mount Cook, I look down onto the coming years and chart out my path clearly.

When I arrived here in New Zealand, I had only a vague notion for my post-graduation plans and life beyond my degree. Now, after a semester with greater independence and a taste of graduate school, I affirm that the post-graduate trajectory I have charted is the correct one. While my next semester is also abroad, the curriculum and clear academic function will demand a more sanguine bearing. Armed with reflection and careful contemplation, I will dive into the next semester and the ones which follow with a clear vision for myself.

Besides, New Zealand has reaffirmed the importance of taking time away from academic and professional responsibilities. Amidst the endless shuffle of 21st century life, it would be easy to lose your sense of direction and purpose. Time for yourself, whether in the form of a lazy afternoon or several months exploring an unusual corner of the world, best prepares you the humdrum responsibilities of everyday life. Amidst the Kafkaesque slog of forms, assignments, meetings, et all, invariably we ask: why care? Time for yourself, in whatever form, justifies those ever present exertions. Amidst a pause, we assert ourselves as masters of our own lives. “I proceed”, one exclaims, “not by momentum, but by agency”. Choose, choose, choose that path for your own life. After three months in New Zealand, I have chosen.

In some ways, my semester in New Zealand has felt like one prolonged send-off party as I embark upon the next era of my life. Once I return from New Zealand, academic research, theses, graduate school, and the like will command my attention. When I return, I will cross that terrifying, but inescapable threshold: adulthood. While a semester’s lark in our Middle [if somewhat Southerly] Earth may perhaps pang pointless, this dalliance has served a vital purpose. As though girding myself in armor for some great battle, New Zealand has armed me with clear direction and a conviction for real life. Fully clad in mail, I stand at the precipice prepared to fight for my life.

Written by: Jonathan Shinn  |  Fall 2023
IES Abroad Milan – Music: Voice, Composition & Instrumental

I will never regret studying abroad. When you talk  to most people who have studied abroad in college, you will probably hear the same few phrases over and over again; “studying abroad changed my life”….“I learned so much”….etc. At first, I didn’t think this would be me, but by the end it was. I thought I would come in and out of this experience mostly the same, I knew a lot would probably challenge me and I was excited for all of the change. However, while I felt prepared for the culture shock (which never really hit in my case) I was not prepared for the more subtle ways studying abroad forces you into a world of self-discovery.

How I was pushed abroad:

Being independent abroad is amazing because you feel as if your fate is finally in your own hands, away from all the pressures of life in the states. With this newfound
independence came more decisions. Do I stay with the Americans in my program and make friends with them or do I push myself to practice Italian and make friends with the locals? What do I do with all of my extra time?

Time, time, time. I haven’t had this much time to myself since what seems like middle school! I don’t have class on Fridays, I have a smaller workload, and I am in class less compared to Butler. As a person who enjoys being busy 24/7, this was a struggle at first for me. I feel as if I have finally found a healthy school-work-life balance and I have Italy to thank for it. In my experience, it seems Italians work to live, not live to work.

I was also pushed to struggle with my identity overall abroad. Interacting with a different culture allowed me to reflect on my own values more. I feel as if my values are more defined than they were before because living in a different culture has given me the opportunity to understand myself better. For example, I identify as a gay man and I feel as if my time here has allowed me to become more comfortable and secure in that identity.

How to accept self-discovery abroad:

1. Let yourself be in new and uncomfortable situations

• You’ll never be immersed in the culture/learn the language if you don’t allow yourself to be embarrassed or uncomfortable.

2. Take time to relax and slow down

• Soak in every moment!

3. Slow down, but also use the extra time abroad wisely

• Use this extra time to explore and learn and engage.

4. Fail with the language

• We learn quicker when we learn from our mistakes, the mistakes eventually work themselves out 🙂

5. Let yourself be comfortable being alone-it might surprise you

• Some of my favorite moments have been meeting new friends and people, but the moments alone have also been valuable.

Studying abroad can be a life changing experience where you can understand yourself and those around you better. Doing this has given me more perspective but it wasn’t always easy. I had to seek uncomfortable and new situations so I could learn and be immersed. Study abroad-push yourself and engage, you won’t regret it!

Written by: Jordan Brown  |  Fall 2023
BU Exchange at University of Zurich

To my younger self,

You celebrated your twentieth birthday on July 14th. On September 1st, you were on a plane heading to Switzerland to spend four months studying in Zurich. Trust me, I am just as shocked as you are, but this is one of the best decisions we have ever made. As I write this, I realize we have much to catch up on. I should write to you more often! Anyway, here is what you need to know. We began our junior year of college at the University of Zurich.

I am writing this letter because we’ve been abroad for three months and have one month left to go! Zurich Altstetten is the suburb we’ve called home, situated just ten minutes outside of the city center, which is home to Lake Zurich, where we spent many days eating gelato and staring at the insane beauty it has to offer. These three months have been full of spontaneity, learning, and growth.

I had no expectations of this study abroad experience, which sounds strange. No matter how hard I tried, I could not envision myself in Switzerland. I had no idea what I would do or who I would be. With that in mind, I took the next logical step of paragliding over the Swiss Alps within a week of being there. Anyone who knows me knows that I would NEVER do this. Out of everything I could have done in my first week abroad, no one, not even myself, could think of this. But even though this was an extreme example, it set the tone for the rest of my study abroad experience. I realized this was a unique time in my life, and I wanted to make the most of it. This meant saying yes to almost everything, within reason, of course. I err on the side of caution, to my detriment at times. I steer clear of opportunities that make me uncomfortable. I realized this approach was invalid given that I was more than 4,000 miles away from home with just my good friend Rylie and me for the next four months, so I should lean into this new experience and let it propel me forward. It is not about making reckless decisions; it’s about the principle of challenging things holding you back.

I was eager to learn more about and immerse myself in Swiss culture, which included a lot of looking and listening. I felt like my head was on a swivel for the first few weeks. There was so much to see, hear, and do. Something that I did prior research on but definitely saw in action was Sunday being an actual day of rest. This was something I had to see to believe, but I was interested to see what this concept would look like. To my surprise, almost all of the stores are closed, and those that are open, mostly grocery stores, have shorter hours and do not have the full selection. Most people spend their Sundays hiking or spending time with their families. It is considered rude to make a bunch of noise on Sundays, including vacuuming, renovations, and bumping around. My Sundays became actual days because what I usually do on Sundays (grocery shopping, cleaning, and studying) became things I had to start doing during the week. If I wanted to take advantage of the outdoors, I needed to keep my Sundays relatively open.

Something else I noticed was that people appreciate where they are. On one of the first few nights I was there, there was a beautiful sunset over the lake, and everyone, locals and tourists, got up to take pictures and sit outside. A waiter raved about Zurich’s mountain, Uetliberg, while we were at dinner, wrote it down for us and gave us the location. Classmates recommended good hiking spots and towns to visit. Everyone just took pride in the city, which is something I am not good about when I am at home. It was a reminder to appreciate where I am. I started thinking about how I would describe Indiana to those who asked and began to speak more positively.

University life is a bit different. The University of Zurich is spread out across the city. I usually take the train or the tram to get between different buildings. It requires more time management than being at Butler, where everything is close together. Each class is only held once a week, which is different from Butler’s twice a week. The style and size of the classes are similar to Butler’s in that they are small and seminar style. Something that was confusing to me initially, but it quickly became one of my favorite parts of the class was everyone knocked on the tables to thank the professor when the class was finished. It is like applause. It is something fun to do, and it shows the professor that we appreciate them, their time, and their expertise.

My time in Zurich is ending, but I intend to make the most of my last month here. There are twenty-six cantons in Switzerland, like states. As you know, I have never met a checklist that I have not completed, so we are halfway through all the cantons, and I fully intend to reach twenty-six. I have had the opportunity to visit five different countries (Italy, Germany, Austria, France, and Liechtenstein) and have loved every moment of roaming the streets of small towns and villages. This experience has proven that I can be an adult, as silly as that sounds. I was able to test drive a new life and grow as a human. I am grateful for the enormous confidence I have gained over these past few months and the lasting memories I have made. I will say “see you later” to Zurich because I know I will return.

You grew up to be pretty cool 🙂

Love,

Jordan ‘23

Written by: Victory Sampson  |  Fall 2023
Butler Semester in Spain (Alcala)

I want to know and understand things I am not supposed to—things hidden away from me. Languages spoken away from their places of origin are often like blankets of protection. However, they can also be tarps of seclusion and isolation that cause the understanding of one’s experience to be eluded by others—the soft Portuguese singing of a family member, the raucous inside joke from a Spanish-speaking friend, or even the rantings of a frustrated parent in Haitian Creole. If I cannot understand them, how can I be of service to certain people in my community? Even if I do not speak their language and never will, what about their culture? Could I decipher the small daily actions done without thought? The pointed lip, a high-pitched “eh”, or purposeful contortion of the face? Or, would they all pass me due to my lack of non-stereotypical schemas and lenses to view different cultures? This thought process is why I live my life like it’s research. It is why I learn with such urgency and interest. Everything and everyone has roots, and when allowed, I love to learn more about them.

Since arriving in Spain, understanding this important unspoken part of the Spanish language has aided me in creating connections with many different people. From the barista at a coffee shop who taught me the dramatic disdain of a “tsk, tsk, tsk!”, to my profesora, Ava, that taught me how much more of an amount that a “mucho” with a clasped hand next to the mouth communicates. My advanced proficiency in Spanish has been instrumental, but the more that I learn about Spanish cultural norms and traditions, the more that I understand how much more important cultural understanding is when trying to build relationships in a different country. It made me question why, during the planning process of this trip, I stressed so much over thinking that somehow my nearly seven years of Spanish-speaking experience would not be enough to navigate through the obstacles that everyone faces in a new country. It brought me to this understanding that many of the barriers that held me back, and many people I know, from studying abroad are more mental than they are linguistic. Leaving a comfortable university environment like Butler to go on an eleven-hour flight journey to a continent on the other side of the world was a big decision that can be frightening in many ways. However, it is something that aligns with a vision I have for myself and has proven to be completely worth the effort. One thing that I think readers can take away from this article is that even if you are not a polyglot who speaks every language in the world, learning the commonly utilized nonverbal cues of a different place can permit communication through the most solid language barriers. Do not let fluency be the reason you pass up the opportunity of a lifetime! ¡Que te diviertas, viajero!

Written by: Abi Jacobs  |  Spring 2023
BU Exchange at University of Tuebingen

Before I came to Germany, I was aware that in German they say “Freunde Finden” to describe the process of getting to know people and becoming friends. The literal translation of this is “finding friends,” which is very similar to the phrasing we use in English, “making friends.” These two phrases are almost identical, and as a student studying German at Butler, I did not give any real weight to the differences between the two, however, since coming to Germany, I have realized the importance of the minutiae in this instance. The difference between

“find” and “make” demonstrates the cultural difference in the way one makes friends in the US and in Germany. Similarly to the literal, linguistic difference, the practical difference is also very subtle, but for someone who came to Germany without friends, it became very clear to me. The process of forming friendships is very passive in Germany, like the word “find” is in comparison to that of “make.”

In the United States, especially at universities, I have found the process of making friends to be very intentional. As a first-year student, you come to Butler in part both nervous and excited about making new friends. In your orientation group, on your floor, and in your classes, you make conversation with people to figure out if you have similar interests or if you vibe with the other person. Even when you hit it off with a person without really trying, becoming friends with them beyond that involves effort. Even beyond university life, Americans in general are outgoing, especially when it comes to things like small talk. My hypothesis on the matter is that Americans value comfort above almost anything (take air-conditioning, leggings, and La-Z-Boy, for example) and for us, awkward silence is extremely uncomfortable. In Germany, I learned very quickly that small talk is not as popular. After my initial (failed) attempts when I first got here, the only times I made or heard small talk in Tübingen was when the bus or train was late.

Germans are kind and generous people, just not in the same way that Americans are. One of the things that Germans are not is outgoing. In the first few weeks that I was in Tübingen, I wondered quite often how German students in their first year here made friends. At colleges in the U.S., and especially at Butler, we have what I can only describe as friend-making infrastructure. Our RAs plan events for the floor, Butler University Programming Council holds events throughout the school year, and the entire point of Greek Life at Butler is to find a sisterhood or brotherhood of people to support you. Things such as these are decidedly absent from universities in Germany. Clubs exist at Tübingen University, but only ones that are academically or career focused. Between this and classes which only meet once a week, it is exceedingly difficult to get to know people at university, especially when extraverted Germans are few and far between.

Luckily, I found an American doing her master’s at Tübingen who understood my curiosity about how Germans make friends at university and could explain the process to me, as she had been there longer than I. She explained that often, Students already know people from their high school attending the same university before they come and generally stick to this group and become friends with each other’s friends and thus often do not feel the need to branch out much to make friends. Based on my own observations, a key ingredient in German-German friendships is proximity. Friendships are often formed through things like group projects or living situations, in which they are forced to interact with each other and by the time that the project is over, or their lease is up, a friendship has formed without much effort needed to create it, but as a by-product of a different relationship.

As the English phrase “making friends” suggests, we do not see the process as easy. It is work to “make” and keep friends. We begin each new interaction with the idea that we can become friends with this new person. We do not force friendships if they are unnatural, but if we get a good impression of each other, we try to improve our relationship. In Germany, it is a little bit different, as I have experienced and have tried to explain here. Germans have a mindset that says if two people are meant to be friends, it will happen. In American culture, friendships are an active process: they do not just fall into place, and that is why we use “make” to describe it.

Like in any new situation, making friends in Germany was difficult. For me, it was more difficult than it was my first year at Butler. Upon reflection, I can now understand the cultural reasons behind this. In German culture, friendships develop passively. But I have made friends! I have made lifelong friends too, because another component of German culture is that once you are friends with a German, you will never not be friends with them. The phrase is not “make friends” nor “seek friends,” but “find friends”: It is something encountered, like a little kid with a shiny object. But after Germans find this shiny object, they will cherish it forever.

Written by: Martine Cardichon |  Fall 2022
ISEP Exchange in France – Institut National des Sciences Appliquees de Lyon

If I could characterize this semester with one song it would be “Down With The Sickness” by Disturbed. Ironically, even as I write this blog, I’m fighting a weird mix of congestion and sinus pain. My semester in Lyon has been a life  changing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world but to say that it was a nice and easy experience would be a flat out lie.

Anxiety

The realization of being in France did not hit me until I had to order something from Charles de Gaulles airport in French (I could’ve easily asked in English but my pride told me otherwise). The newfound self confidence I had from my Duolingo streak had evaporated so quickly. This was the first part of my “sickness journey” if you will. My pisces self being particularly prone to anxiety was even embarrassed to speak the minimal french. The fear of being sneered at (even though most Lyonnais, people from Lyon, would appreciate the attempt) was too great. This fear slightly intensified after my mother and sister left for home after they helped me get settled at INSA. I felt too shy or awkward to speak to the other international or French students even though most of them were in the same boat I was in. When summer school began and I started to recognize some faces, I began to ease up.  I organized my room and bought groceries. I felt that trying to adopt habits similar to what it would be at home. There was a sense of normalcy up until I got sick for the first time.

First Real Illness

It started out as a mild, seemingly innocent cough (one that seemed to spread among some of the summer school students). Thinking it was my asthma, I thought nothing of it until I found myself shivering whilst it was nearly 27 celsius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) outside.

Rummaging through my luggage I realized that I had forgotten my blessed Dayquil. I began to look for the French equivalent of Dayquil and headed to the pharmacy. Once I reached there I was perplexed to see that there were few meds like cold medicine, so I just grabbed the vicks and some cough drops. In France, most medicine is not available over the counter and requires a pharmacist’s assistance. I finally was able to get my hands on some Humex (French Dayquil) and with a little sleep I was able to bounce back.

Homesickness and the Second Mystery Illness 😢

As the summer came to a close, the homesickness and loss of comfortability  I was feeling began to remedy itself. However at the start of the school semester, homesickness reared its ugly head in the strangest form, my appetite. As a connoisseur of all things spicy, the lack of spicy in most French restaurants and at school was killing me. At a certain point I began to skip lunch because the food made me sad. One of the ways I was able to connect with Haitian heritage and with my family was through my parents’ cooking. The lack of goya and maggi cubes really cemented the fact that I was in a foreign country all by myself for the first time. Also I just really missed the familiarity of home. It was a lot harder navigating myself in France. I tried everything, buying various hot sauces, making my own food but nothing really helped. This homesickness began to translate into a physical illness soon after. Thinking that I could handle my sickness with a little bit of sleep, I took the day off and let my body rest. The next day I woke up feeling worse than before. I was coughing up phlegm so hard my back hurt. Soon I could not keep anything down and barely left my room. It felt like my bed and I were becoming one sluggish entity. A sense of panic set in because I was gravely ill in a non-English speaking country. It didn’t help when I called my parents and they seemed just as worried as I did. By the next Monday, slowly but surely, I made it to the Emergency Room (urgent care isn’t really a thing in France). By this time, I hadn’t eaten or drank anything substantial since the previous Thursday.  In all honesty, as grateful as I was for it, my ER experience was frightening. I was too overwhelmed to explain in French that I had international insurance and I could barely explain my symptoms. Luckily some of the staff spoke English so I was able to more accurately explain my pain. After four grueling hours of being poked and prodded, I was released with a prescription for antibiotics. Slowly but surely I began to recover.

Conclusion

To say that my second time being sick would be an understatement. It was terrifying but I was never truly alone. It taught me that I should not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. When my friends found out I was sick, they offered me help, my one friend even bought two bottles of cranberry juice and continually checked up on me. Being sick physically or mentally can be scary but you’re not alone. There are so many others who are in the same boat or care about your well-being. Don’t be afraid to express your feelings or concerns. It can really help alleviate whatever pain you’re feeling.