Time for a Tour.

 

We are proud to announce that the ESC now has a YouTube channel. Check it out here 

http://www.youtube.com/user/EuropeanStudyCenter 

Our premier video is a virtual tour of the ESC. Be sure to stay tuned for further videos which will help you get to know the ESC better.

Home is where the heart is...?

When you're thousands of miles away from the home, it's not so easy to go back for a visit whenever you want to.
So, how can you battle homesickness?

A good way to ward off homesickness is by making a concrete list of things you want to do while in Heidelberg. Search around the internet or look in travel guides for information about museums, festivals, important landmarks and other local activities, that interest you.
By setting specific goals to go out and experience something new, before you even arrive, you greatly minimize the chances that you'll find yourself with nothing to do but think about how much you miss home.

As soon as you arrive: Just be open-minded and adventurous. Take every chance you can get to try something new and enjoy the time abroad as much as possible. If you miss your family and friends at home, you can always call them or send letters. We recommend limiting the time spent doing this, though, so that your thoughts are focused on enjoying your time in Europe and not what you're missing back home. Do not forget your motives for going abroad and you will feel much better again.

You will see...at the end of your stay, you might even not want to go back home again. :-)

A great day at an internship

We currently have a student from Illinois College, Meagan Donahue, completing an internship at the FUU Academy in Heidelberg. Yesterday, she had this to say about her day at work:

"I had to do a huge project today! At least 100 kids or so had to take a test today, the DSH Pruefung. Well I had to manage it all, I had to call out their I.D. numbers, line them up, check their passports, everything. Don't forget though that I had to do all of this speaking German. It was quite a task, but boy am I glad that I got assigned it. It helped me so much with my speaking, and leadership skills, and the best thing ever happened because of it.. BOTH of my bosses complimented me on my work ethic, they told me that I am a very good and strict leader and that my speaking skills have really improved, but most of all that they were proud of me!"

Just another example of a life-changing moment that makes the tough times while abroad worthwhile.

Goals and Reflection

One of our students, Eric Scala, wrote the following about his goals for his time at the European Study Center:

"Ever since the beginning of my college career I had the desire to study abroad. I had the desire because I wanted the chance to become a more cultured person. Living in another country for four months is a great way to gain a better global perspective. Studying in Europe also gives me the ability to travel to neighboring countries and gain knowledge about their culture and way of life. After my second year of studying in New Jersey I felt that I needed to explore other options. Studying in another country was something that would provide me with the exciting college experience I’ve always wanted. It also sets me apart from others who may be applying for the same occupations.

My sister studied in Australia for a semester and was always encouraging me to do the same. I also had friends who chose to study abroad and claimed it was the best semester of their life. I chose to study In Germany because I’ve always had an interest in the country. I hadn’t had the chance to visit before so I knew it would be a new learning experience. I am fascinated by the German culture because they love soccer, the have beautiful cities, and I find the language to be intriguing. I had heard the people were very friendly towards Americans, which I have found to be true.

            Before going to Germany I knew there were certain things I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to travel all over Germany and get a better sense of the country as a whole. Not only will I travel in Germany, but all over Europe to see the sights and learn the history. The German language is very difficult but I still want to learn it the best I can, within the period of my stay. If I do gain a grasp for the language I would like to intern sometime in the future. Since I am very interested in cuisine I wanted to learn how to cook traditional German meals. When I return I would like to be able to recite the History of Heidelberg. I want to be able to have a conversation in German and be able to direct someone throughout Germany. I am also very interested in the business sector of Germany which I intend to learn more about during our excursions. I like to run a lot so I also feel it would be a good experience to participate in a half marathon through Heidelberg.

            I know that after this trip I will be more independent, as well as more confident in my ability to travel alone. I also feel that being apart from friends and family will make me a stronger person and open my eyes to working internationally one day. Since I don’t know much about the German government system I would like to learn more about it. I would also like to learn more about the top German corporations as well as other large corporations in the European Union. I think this experience has already made me a more outgoing and personable human being. Since I have been given the opportunity to meet lifelong friends from other countries, I’m giving my best effort.

            During my study abroad experience I want to have as much fun as possible without sacrificing grades or participation in my classes. I began the semester with two extra classes for no credit and intend to continue them simply for the extra knowledge. My grades aren’t the only measure of my success, because I would feel unsuccessful if I left without meeting friends from other countries. I hope I don’t get homesick even though I know it is very possible. This experience will probably be the most memorable of my life so I plan on taking full advantage of it."

Mercedes-Benz

 One of our students, Christine Sandoval, wrote the following about her experiences in the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart:

"On Friday, January 18, 2013, we took an awesome excursion to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.  We learned how the company started, the story behind the name, the innovations, and technology that this company uses. 

            When you walk through the door of the Mercedes Benz Museum the first thing that draws your attention is this brand new beautiful candy apple red sports car Mercedes.  That’s what gets you excited about the rest of the tour to come.  Once we met our tour guide he handed us our equipment and then we proceeded to the highest floor of the building which is where the journey begins.  Once you’re on the top that is the beginning of the over 125 years of history.  It is there that we learn about the two inventors who used two different approaches to create the first automobile, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz.  Gottlieb Daimler was not only responsible for inventing the automobile but also for the inventiveness of travel by air, sea, and rail.  His work can be seen on that top floor of the museum.  Carl Benz was also responsible for inventing the first automobile; his approach was more inspired by the fact that the automobile could run more like a locomotive.  Then in 1886 when he completed his work he applied for a patent of this individual design, The Benz Patent Motor Car. 

            Once you spiral down to the next couple of floors you are able to chronologically see the collection of vehicles that have been created since the beginning.  Those vehicles include: passenger cars, racing vehicles, and commercial vehicles.  We viewed the safety concepts and innovations that were then used on the vehicles, as well as the upgrades to the engines of the automobiles.  After that portion it was then that our tour guide told us the story of how they came up with the name of Mercedes.  In April of 1900 a man by the name of Emil Jellinek, had the largest dealer of Daimler or DMG vehicles.  Jellinek raced cars and his pseudonym name was Mercedes, it was also the name of his daughter.  Once Daimler reached an agreement with Emil Jellinek, Mercedes is now known as the brand name of all of the Daimler passenger cars.

            As you continue to spiral down you see all of the rare and first commercial vehicles they have created.  One that stood out the most was the vehicle that was used to drive the pope around, there was a car that belonged to a royal family and where it would normally have the Mercedes-Benz logo, is was a logo of their family crest.  One of the last stops on the tour is where you can view the “Silver Arrows – Races and Records” that’s where they have all of the racing vehicles as well as uniforms that were created for the drivers and then there is the big display of trophies that have been won over the years. 

            My favorite part once the tour was over was the visit to the gift shop!  It was there that I bought a couple of things to take back home to the family.  The store had an abundant supply of books that all had to do with Mercedes-Benz, there were plenty of replica scale cars as well as toy cars, apparel for both men, women, and children, and there was also your typical gift shop items like pens, postcards, and posters."