Mira Ehrenfried – Billings, Montana
Tue February 2nd, 2010 by Katie Joy Wicker For The Retort
Mira Ehrenfried – Billings, Montana
Age: 23
Home Country: Germany
Home University: Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg University of Education)
Subjects of Study: English, Biology, & Chemistry for Secondary School
Note: in German Universities one must have three subjects. The first is your “major,” then you have a second area of study almost like a double major and then a third subject which is like a minor.
Prior Language knowledge: I had English from grade 5 to 13, so I could speak & write well
Where did you go: Billings, Montana, USA
When did you go: August-December 2008
Have you studied abroad before: No
Q:
Why did you do it?
A:
I didn’t want to tell my future students about the U.S. without ever being there myself. Also, I wanted to improve my language skills, and gain more confidence.
Q:
Would you do it again?
A:
Yes, because it was an awesome experience! You meet new people and learn about other cultures and/or customs. For me, seeing the other people’s lifestyles and comparing these to mine helped to decide what is important for me in my life and what’s not.
Q:
What was your favorite part?
A:
My favorite parts were meeting new people, visiting Yellowstone National Park, and enjoying life at the University.
Q:
What was your least favorite part?
A:
Sometimes I missed the food I am used to. Also, there were times when people were overfriendly (i.e. fake) without meaning what they were saying.
Q:
What was the easiest thing about the study abroad experience?
A:
That’s a tough question - I don’t know another answer to this right now, but I would have to say that getting to know the other Internationals was the easiest thing about studying abroad.
Q:
What was the hardest thing/challenge you faced studying abroad?
A:
Not having my own friends (from Germany) around, the different food, and being an integrated part in the Volleyball team.
Q:
How has this study abroad affected your life now?
A:
I have more confidence in some parts of my life, I can speak with an American accent, I have improved my language skills, and now I have new international friends.
Q:
What advice/words of wisdom would you offer students interested in studying abroad?
A:
There might be situations in a foreign country that are hard to handle, but you should face them and you should not miss the opportunity of studying abroad!
This article originally appeared in The Retort Volume 2 Issue 4, printed December 11th, 2009.