First, some context: I come from Ecuador, the land of bananas, the name of the line that divides the world into two halves, the country with the perfect climate. Or also very well-known as the country that stood up to the Netherlands in the World Cup in Qatar. The country of the Galapagos Islands, in case you haven't realized yet. Where I come from, rice is never missing from meals, parties are celebrated by dancing very closely, and sometimes going out late at night... is not the best idea.
And suddenly, I find myself here, at the University of Stuttgart. 9,962 km away, things change a bit. People look different, speak differently, and behave differently. And so, speaking for all of us who come from abroad, we face the following question: How can I fit in? My first impression may not have been the best; I was afraid of feeling alienated. This was no longer about a tourist trip to the Berlin Tower or the streets of Munich. What I was seeing was my life for the next three years of study in Stuttgart.
“The German language has a reputation for being difficult, especially for those of us who speak languages derived from Latin.”
I read this in an online blog. And indeed, the language sometimes is hard for me; my tongue gets stuck, I forget how to conjugate verbs, and I address people formally, as that is how I used to address teachers in school. (I am supposed to have C1).
And here, making friends is quite a challenge; some, being Latino, have no interest in talking to you. And there are those who, for the same reason, seek to establish a friendship. But conversations mostly end in misunderstandings or the use of English as an intermediary. And that can be frustrating. Tip: If the language is hard for you or the Vorlesungen are very fast, look for someone to study with who speaks German and has time to explain things to you; with that, you are more than halfway there.
“God creates them and they gather” (I think it was like that).
A saying that speaks of human behavior where, empathetically and almost magnetically, it seeks to blend in with the characteristics it finds within itself. My group, so far, is 90% Latinos and 10% German. And something I am grateful for not having closed myself off to the possibility of meeting people from Germany. And that is the first piece of advice.
It is okay to have a group with people from your same background or at least who speak your language. But the best way to enter a new culture is to meet people who are part of it. Stepping out of the bubble allows you to understand and appreciate things that perhaps you didn’t see before for closing yourself off to what makes you feel close to home.
What social gatherings are more important than going to a good party?
During classes, the focus and fatigue may not be the best catalysts for a good relationship among people. But at a party, where the only goal is to have fun, you will be able to meet and share with people not only from Germany but from all over the world. Although the music at first may feel like a bucket of cold water (for me), you will quickly be carried away by the enjoyment in the atmosphere.
The university organizes events like the Erstiparty and Semesterparty, in addition to other activities in bars and outdoors that promote socialization. If you enjoy music, company, and a good liter of beer, I recommend you not to miss any of these events, as they are an essential part of German culture.
In summary, roots are what make up a large part of our identity, but that doesn’t mean we should miss the opportunity to discover a new world. Practice your empathy and push yourself to talk and experience inside and outside the university. Because learning about a new culture is just as important as maintaining your own.
Jose
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