German

I want to study abroad in Germany, but I decided that this year so I have no experience in learning the language or preparation for it. There is no time in my coursework that I can take it, but I could do summer courses, I would like to learn the language regardless of studying abroad. I was wondering if anyone knew how to speak German or has taken classes that could give me some insight on how difficult it is or whether or not it is incredibly time consuming. I also have a full-time summer job, so I would have to take evening classes also. Another option that I was thinking was taking two semesters of German during my sophomore year here at Purdue, because if I remember correctly there is an elective spot open in each semester. After doing that I would take even more classes while studying abroad my junior year.

Winter Break and Dead Week

Dead week is finally here. This semester has flown by a lot faster than I would have liked, but it is time to get studying for my final exams. I am lucky in that I only have 2 finals, so I do not have much studying to do and I am pretty happy about that. I just can't blow off my two finals I have now. They are very important to my final grade and I am on the edge of a grade in both of these classes. Although winter break is coming and I am very excited to get home for longer break than thanksgiving. I do not get to sleep in though unfortunately, I took a job for winter break where I will be working from 8am-5pm every day full-time, I am not excited in the least, but it pays good money so I'm satisfied. I hope you all enjoy your break, Happy Holidays!!

What I will do having been in this Learning Community

Well, having been in the 'Global Engineering Cultures & Practices learning community has made me feel like I want to go out and have a 'new' international experience. Because of all of the experience I have had in Europe, I believe that I came here thinking that I was fully versed in everything international.....NOT TRUE! I have learned much more about some of the countries that I have never been to, and one thing in particular that I want to do is find some kind of internship or semester study abroad in China. It would be a completely foreign experience, which I think is a big part of an education - experiencing and learning things that you haven't before. So, we'll probably look into planning it into my junior year, and go from there! I think that many students have the desire for this type of experience, but I'm sure there are many distractions and other opportunities that keep them from going, so I hope to stay true to my initiative!

Experience from Engr103

I fully plan on exploring every opportunity for me to study abroad in any of my countries of interest. Coming to Purdue, I had not even thought of it yet and did not imagine myself doing something like that; by both engineering 103 and interacting with students and faculty I became very fond of the idea. Professor Dare opened a new world of opportunities for me by having me meet with Mary Schweitzer. The meeting was very valuable to me and really was the confirmation I needed to want to make studying abroad a reality. International experiences are so valuable in both academics and growing as a person, engineering 103 not only got me hooked on the idea, it brought me within reach of it. With this class under my belt I am also more prepared to become an engineer or work internationally. I learned all about how different cultures have very different views on even engineering topics. For instance, the average German engineer is much more focused on producing a sustainable and quality product, while the American engineer focuses more on how quickly and cheaply the product can be produced.