Germany: Claudia Loppnow
Program: CIEE Berlin Open Campus, Spring
Claudia’s Major: Global Health
What is the moment you are most proud of?
I am most proud of using my German to communicate with native speakers while volunteering. In order to volunteer, I had to do an interview and I was able to complete it very successfully all in German. I built relationships with people in that community and I am proud I was able to create those
friendships through German.
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience was getting over my anxiety about traveling. Chaotic airports, squished airplane seats, and fear of disaster made me stay awake in the night before a trip. Now, I confidently and peacefully can travel alone and I will utilize this freedom for the rest of my life.
I built relationships with people in that community and I am proud I was able to create those friendships through German.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
This experience has emphasized that positivity shapes everything around you. I saw myself turn to instant problem-solving when something went wrong; whether that be missing a train, communication barriers, or getting lost on public transportation. Meanwhile, many people turn to negativity and give up on the situation quickly. Studying abroad made me more grateful for this innate characteristic in myself and I will continue to live positively, making every experience a good one.