When the plane slowly landed at Brandenburg Airport, I couldn’t help but take a few photos. When the words “Flugzeuge im Bauch” written on the corridor bridge appeared in my eyes, I couldn’t help but chanted it under my breath. At that moment, I saw what I had learned on the books and website. All things, including the exotic architectural style, unfamiliar language environment, and different living habits, made me feel excited and challenging.
Located in northwestern Poland, Szczecin is close to the German border and near Berlin. We spent about three hours on bus from Berlin to Szczecin, and then took a taxi to the student dormitory. It was impressed me that the driver responded “have a nice day” to our gratitude when arriving at the destination, which we often heard in Poland after that.
On the fourth day, we travelled around this seventh-largest city in Poland on foot due to its small area and concentrated attractions. Szczecin is situated along the Oder River, which contributes to the city’s liveliness and grace. I took a walk along the riverbank, admiring the boats passing on the river and the distant bridges, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature. In the nightfall, the sunglow sprinkled over the surface of the river, drawing an enchanting picture.
During our time in Szczecin, we got along well with the local teachers and students. Before the classes began, the dean of the Faculty of Humanities received us, bringing the course schedule and holiday arrangements and teaching us how to revise our courses. He kindly introduced Szczecin to us and wished us a pleasant journey. Moreover, he expressed that he was willing to help us as we met trouble.
Studying here was an entirely different experience. It is challenging for us to attend 90-minute lectures in German. However, the teachers were gentle and patient with us. Joanna sincerely congratulated us in holidays; Monika encouraged us to express freely in class; Barbara usually enquired our feeling about living condition in Szczecin. Once I had a presentation to introduce the similarities and differences between Chinese and Polish hospitality, I found that although the two countries existed distinctions, they are both warm and welcoming. In class, teachers and classmates also actively participated in our discussion. I also had a closer relationship with my roommates and classmates. We often shared our hobbies and previous experiences, went shopping together, cooked in the dormitory, and planned travels.
This exchange journey was also a personal growth for me. I gradually became independent whether in jet lag and unfamiliar environment, or daily cooking and expense. By learning how to adjust emotions and searching for practical solutions, I also became stronger and braver when facing difficulties and challenges. The interactions with foreign classmates and teachers taught me how to communicate and cooperate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
Additionally, I took trips to other European countries during breaks between study terms. These experiences not only relaxed my mind but also brought me a deeper understanding to the world. In the future, I hope to integrate this valuable journey into my studies and life and continue to explore the big wide world.”
Wu Binrui, BA(German) Candidate, Class of 2022
