And So It Begins

July 14, 2017

As the day I leave for Germany grows closer, I find it hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I am actually about to study abroad. I took classes during Summer 1 and now my Dialogue is already keeping me busy again! I decided to study abroad because, simply put, I love to travel. During college, it is pretty hard to find the time to go abroad. Dialogues present the perfect opportunity to see a new country without interfering with normal class time. Plus, you’re getting ahead by taking summer classes! Although the classes I’m taking don’t apply to my major, they do count as my mandatory honors interdisciplinary seminar. I’m definitely glad to get this requirement out of the way. Additionally, as a computer science major I am glad to be taking philosophy courses because I wouldn’t be able to fit them in otherwise.

I certainly hope that my experiences will change me for the better while I am abroad. My classes focus on human rights as well as the effects of Nazi Germany. Because of the nature of this, I more specifically hope to come back a more compassionate person. A goal of mine is definitely to take the time and reflect on each lesson. I tend to simply do the work and not put much thought into classes when I get stressed out. I’m hoping that being able to focus on only 2 classes as well as being in the locations we learn about will help me to take more away from this experience. While I wouldn’t say that this trip presents any pressing fears, getting lost does come to mind. I love exploring, but rely on my GPS far too often!

I am so excited to go on this journey, and to share it on this blog. In fact, one thing I am really looking forward to is being able to preserve my memories on this blog. Typically I try and start a blog while traveling, but busyness gets in the way and it ends too soon. I’m glad that this blog is holding me accountable for posting so that I will have many memories to look back upon and share with others.

Written By

Caroline McCadden

My program while on this DOC is Rhetoric & Justice in Central Europe. With my major, I don't have much room to fit in classes on human rights which is a subject I'm very passionate about. Therefore, this program is an amazing opportunity for me to learn more about the influence of Nazi rhetoric and the fight for human rights, while in the locations where it all happened. My grandfather came to the United States from Germany during the Holocaust so I am definitely looking forward to learning more about my own history as well. I can't wait to get a taste of German culture, and on a different note, to try many new foods!