Why am I here?

Moving anywhere requires a period of adjustment. Even for me, the person who tends to be more outgoing... My first semester here was spent going to the bar with some of the American students, traveling to Germany to visit my host parents, going on a few trips to Vienna, traveling to England, and, being lonely. If it hadn't been for my German friend Kerstin, who lives nearby and came to visit when she could, it would've been really hard.

I was angry. I wanted to know why I was speaking English most of the time. I could've just stayed home and done that! This year is costing me a lot of money. What is the point?

After having been here for about 6 weeks I decided I needed to be more proactive. I found out that there was a trip for exchange students, but after after e-mailing to inquire, I heard it was full. They suggested I go on a trip sponsored by the Catholic group at the University. So, not knowing anyone, I did! Through that trip I met Tobi, a German guy that has become a good friend of mine. We met up after the trip for drinks and then went to the theater with his friend Verena, who I also get along with very well.

In January, after 3 months of being here, I finally began to meet Austrians. I joined a student prayer group, and got along with the people right away. I would be hesitant to join such a group in the States, as people who identify themselves as religious tend to be a little on the extreme side (no drinking, no sex before marriage, a little less open to people that are different than them, etc). I feel really at home in this group. I showed up at the first meeting, not knowing anyone but Verena, the girl I had met through Tobi. They welcomed me and invited me to eat lunch with them a few days later.

Since then, it has really been a much more enjoyable experience. I am speaking German most of the time, and I have people to go places or just hang out with. Some people have been nice enough to take me home with them on weekends, which has allowed me to see how "typical" Austrian families live.

There is a reason why study abroad directors tell students to spend a whole year abroad, and it's not just because they want the university to get more money from you. It's because it take a while to get used to a place, to meet new people. If you are here for 4 short months as opposed to 8 or 9 you have much less of a chance of meeting natives and getting the "real" experience.

He sent me here for a reason! :)