With only a few days to go before take off, I think the biggest thought in my mind is still shock that we've finally gotten to this point! Even with the trip meetings in the first half of last semester and having to plan out flight itineraries and places to go on our free weekends, there wasn't much time to think about the realities of going abroad for three weeks to other countries with all the work we had to do for school. Now that the semester is over and classes are behind us for the moment there's finally time to get excited!
I decided to go on this trip because I thought it'd be a bad idea to miss out on the opportunity. In professional school you get very immersed and bogged down in your studies which leaves little or no time to step back every once in a while and take a look at the rest of the world around you. This program is the perfect solution: you get to go out and learn not only about other countries and other culture but also get a healthy dose of history and art while maintaining a link to veterinary medicine. There are no negative aspects to what we will see and do and learn while we're over there so to me it became more a question of why wouldn't I go on this program rather than why would I.
My biggest anxiety right now is centered around the time we'll be on our own in cities outside the program. I always want very much for things to happen smoothly and without any fuss but, having traveled to other countries before, I know that doesn't always happen and you have to stay relaxed and flexible in order to enjoy yourself and appreciate everything. I am most excited right now about getting to know some of my classmates much better and getting to meet and spend time with the German veterinary students we'll meet because it'll like meeting extended family. We're people from very different places who all love the same thing and who are all lucky enough to be doing what we love which makes for good learning experiences and relationships. I can't wait for all the new experiences ahead of us!
:)
Sarah
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Look out, Europe...I'm Baaack!
Now that I am finally getting my act together and solidifying plans for our free weekends, I am realizing how truly excited I am to go back to Europe. I have been to many places there, but never to Germany, Switzerland, or the Netherlands before, and I absolutely cannot wait. My mother, on the other hand, is pretty much dreading my departure (this is typical behavior, however...just wait until my grandma finds out I'm going...oy!). Apparently, my "wait and see" approach is not helping to calm her nerves any, despite the fact she knows exactly where I'll be and what I'll be doing for the entire trip.
I have always been eager to learn about others' cultures (I even have a BS in International Studies with a European concentration and minored in French to prove it), but nothing compares to going to the individual countries and exploring them for yourself. I am very eager to see Anne Frank's house and the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, as well as the Bergen-Belsen memorial on the trip Dr. Wasser and co. have planned. The group excursions are what excite me the most (and not just because I didn't have to plan them myself!), for they will give me the opportunity to gain insight into the veterinary world abroad. I am still unsure about what I want to do with my DVM, but if international work is a possibility, I'm all for it!
As to what to expect, I am at a loss. Although I spent a semester in France and traveled a little while I was there, every country is unique in its culture, tradition, atmosphere, etc. I know we will be welcomed with open arms wherever we go, no matter how thick our American accents may be. I am curious to see how the vet schools and private practices compare to ours at home. As for the farms, I know I'll be floored by the amount of hard work they do every day. Having never experienced farm/large/food animal medicine, a lot of this trip will certainly be a great learning eperience for me. Did I mention that I can't wait?!
I guess I should start packing soon?!...A bientot!
I have always been eager to learn about others' cultures (I even have a BS in International Studies with a European concentration and minored in French to prove it), but nothing compares to going to the individual countries and exploring them for yourself. I am very eager to see Anne Frank's house and the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, as well as the Bergen-Belsen memorial on the trip Dr. Wasser and co. have planned. The group excursions are what excite me the most (and not just because I didn't have to plan them myself!), for they will give me the opportunity to gain insight into the veterinary world abroad. I am still unsure about what I want to do with my DVM, but if international work is a possibility, I'm all for it!
As to what to expect, I am at a loss. Although I spent a semester in France and traveled a little while I was there, every country is unique in its culture, tradition, atmosphere, etc. I know we will be welcomed with open arms wherever we go, no matter how thick our American accents may be. I am curious to see how the vet schools and private practices compare to ours at home. As for the farms, I know I'll be floored by the amount of hard work they do every day. Having never experienced farm/large/food animal medicine, a lot of this trip will certainly be a great learning eperience for me. Did I mention that I can't wait?!
I guess I should start packing soon?!...A bientot!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Onward to Deutschland!
I can't believe that we are actually leaving in t-minus 5 days! It has been such a roller coaster of finals, moving to storage, and packing for Europe and I'm already exhausted. But in a good way! It's so nice to finally be here at my mom's house finishing up last minute (fun) details... I really do enjoy the planning process so this pre-trip experience is so much fun! Maybe this week I can even lay out by the pool and read my travel guides for Germany, France and Spain...
I decided to take this trip to Germany because I was not able to go abroad during my time at A&M for undergrad... So many of my friends have wonderful stories and experiences to share and I'm looking forward to making memories of my own! I'm so excited about the group of people that I am going with... I know we are going to have a blast!
I think my expectations are pretty typical for a trip of this caliber... I think we will be able to see lots of really unique and gorgeous places and I know that not everything we plan will go accordingly. I do enjoy planning, but part of the fun is making decisions as we get there. Exhibit A: We are taking the first weekend trip to Amsterdam which wasn't originally in the plan, but will be much more affordable than going to Rome. I think we are still going to have a blast and probably be able to see more of Amsterdam because it is a smaller, more intimate city. I'm excited to see Anne Frank's house! How interesting! As for the bulk of the trip, I am very much looking forward to all the programs that Dr. Wasser and AIB have put together. I know that we are in good hands and I love the veterinary relevance. Afterall, that is why we are taking this trip right?
I don't have too many concerns on this trip, however I really do hope the weather is nice! I think no matter how many times you pack and repack your bag, there will always be something that you wish you had more of. For example, the forecast says 70 degrees for the next 10 days in Hannover, so I'd like to pack less long sleeved things, but the minute I do, they will have some freak blizzard. Ha! That's the fun of it I guess... I know there is also the anti-American sentiment that has been circulating around Europe, and so I will just need to be extra aware of my surroundings! Luckily, we will have a great buddy system and Kati and I stole Chris for our Amsterdam weekend!!
Here is a preview of the Cologne Cathedral!
I decided to take this trip to Germany because I was not able to go abroad during my time at A&M for undergrad... So many of my friends have wonderful stories and experiences to share and I'm looking forward to making memories of my own! I'm so excited about the group of people that I am going with... I know we are going to have a blast!
I think my expectations are pretty typical for a trip of this caliber... I think we will be able to see lots of really unique and gorgeous places and I know that not everything we plan will go accordingly. I do enjoy planning, but part of the fun is making decisions as we get there. Exhibit A: We are taking the first weekend trip to Amsterdam which wasn't originally in the plan, but will be much more affordable than going to Rome. I think we are still going to have a blast and probably be able to see more of Amsterdam because it is a smaller, more intimate city. I'm excited to see Anne Frank's house! How interesting! As for the bulk of the trip, I am very much looking forward to all the programs that Dr. Wasser and AIB have put together. I know that we are in good hands and I love the veterinary relevance. Afterall, that is why we are taking this trip right?
I don't have too many concerns on this trip, however I really do hope the weather is nice! I think no matter how many times you pack and repack your bag, there will always be something that you wish you had more of. For example, the forecast says 70 degrees for the next 10 days in Hannover, so I'd like to pack less long sleeved things, but the minute I do, they will have some freak blizzard. Ha! That's the fun of it I guess... I know there is also the anti-American sentiment that has been circulating around Europe, and so I will just need to be extra aware of my surroundings! Luckily, we will have a great buddy system and Kati and I stole Chris for our Amsterdam weekend!!
Here is a preview of the Cologne Cathedral!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Are We There Yet?
Are we there yet? Seriously. It feels like I 've been waiting for this trip for years, not six months! With only 4 more days until lift-off, I'm more excited and impatient than nervous. Second year at A&M Vet school was fun, but taxing, and I'm ready for the real learning to begin.
I decided to travel to Germany because I don't believe an opportunity for such an experience will occur again in my lifetime. Also, I have always been interested in different cultures and history. So many of my friends have travelled abroad and had a great time that I didn't want to go through my college career without trying it myself. Plus, this strip wouldn't look too shabby on my resume.
My main concern is being able to efficiently manage my time and arrive at the appropriate locations without too much hassle. I do not travel much, and this trip will be the biggest one I've ever been on. As long as I have my list of contacts, though, and classmates, I don't think that I'll have a lot of trouble.
As far as expectations go, I think this trip will completely blow away any expectations! I'm booking on getting lost at least once, losing some important item, or unintentionally offending SOMEBODY. But this will all part of the experience, I suppose. Ohh I also need to pay homage to the airline gods so they will not loose any of my luggage. This opportunity given to me by the Vet School is one in a million. I don't plan to waste it.
Signing off.
Lindsey Sampson
I decided to travel to Germany because I don't believe an opportunity for such an experience will occur again in my lifetime. Also, I have always been interested in different cultures and history. So many of my friends have travelled abroad and had a great time that I didn't want to go through my college career without trying it myself. Plus, this strip wouldn't look too shabby on my resume.
My main concern is being able to efficiently manage my time and arrive at the appropriate locations without too much hassle. I do not travel much, and this trip will be the biggest one I've ever been on. As long as I have my list of contacts, though, and classmates, I don't think that I'll have a lot of trouble.
As far as expectations go, I think this trip will completely blow away any expectations! I'm booking on getting lost at least once, losing some important item, or unintentionally offending SOMEBODY. But this will all part of the experience, I suppose. Ohh I also need to pay homage to the airline gods so they will not loose any of my luggage. This opportunity given to me by the Vet School is one in a million. I don't plan to waste it.
Signing off.
Lindsey Sampson
Pre-Germany Prep/Jitters
Okay, so I've never posted on a blog, so you'll have to excuse any potential faux-pau on my part.
My decision to take part in this program stemmed from both a desire to do something fun for my last summer (ever!) and the fact that my curiosity has been peaked by the German vet students that came over here last year. After hearing a little bit about them, I wanted to learn more about Germany, the people there and how vet medicine is the same/different there as it is here. Also, the furthest I have traveled all my life is to Mexico, so this is going to be a bit of an adventure for me.
As far as expectations go, I expect for everything to not go exactly as planned, but I think that it'll be fun overall and a fantastic experience. I'm trying not to have too many specific expectations regarding the trip as my plan is to just go with the flow (which isn't particularly my M.O. as I am generally too type-A for that). Basically I'm looking forward to a good time and learning a lot about a different culture.
My biggest anxieties stem around just getting there as I'm not all that familiar with commercial air travel and I've only traveled alone once in my life so it's a bit nerve racking for me. So here's hoping nothing goes wrong. :) Now I just have to get everything together and count down the days till we leave.
See you all there!
My decision to take part in this program stemmed from both a desire to do something fun for my last summer (ever!) and the fact that my curiosity has been peaked by the German vet students that came over here last year. After hearing a little bit about them, I wanted to learn more about Germany, the people there and how vet medicine is the same/different there as it is here. Also, the furthest I have traveled all my life is to Mexico, so this is going to be a bit of an adventure for me.
As far as expectations go, I expect for everything to not go exactly as planned, but I think that it'll be fun overall and a fantastic experience. I'm trying not to have too many specific expectations regarding the trip as my plan is to just go with the flow (which isn't particularly my M.O. as I am generally too type-A for that). Basically I'm looking forward to a good time and learning a lot about a different culture.
My biggest anxieties stem around just getting there as I'm not all that familiar with commercial air travel and I've only traveled alone once in my life so it's a bit nerve racking for me. So here's hoping nothing goes wrong. :) Now I just have to get everything together and count down the days till we leave.
See you all there!
Monday, August 4, 2008
First August Poster...
Haha...I know I know..it's been months since we've been back now...and I am now finally getting around to writing my summary post. It was actually due to the fact that I kept thinking about posting....and then thinking to myself...I want to go through my pictures....look through my souvenirs....give myself a refresher of what we did there...and then write a super amazing summary post. Back and forth, I wavered about 4 or 5 times, when I realized...I probably wasn't going to have time to go through all my pictures...and now that school's about to start up again...I think I should post something. :)
So here goes,
My European vacation turned out to be as awesome as I expected it to. I still remember how much I wanted to be a participant when I first heard about the program and how exciting it sounded. The program really didn't dissapoint!
The memories I bring back from the trip are mostly of the people and places I saw. There are still days where I sit in silent amazement and think about how big the world is and how much out there there is to see. I'm so lucky that I got a see even a tiny corner of Europe let alone traversing the country of Germany three (?) times. It was good to see a little bit of what life is like in a place outside of America too. Europe has so many centuries of history that is lacking in America. It was so surreal to stand in places straight out of our history texts. Being a big history buff....this was incredible to me.
Both Hannover and Berlin were great as well. It was nice to see that we were so similar to our European counterparts. We're all just a bunch of students trying to make it through our studies and have a little fun along the way.
So...last but not least....a list of five things I think we should bring back to the States...
5. Mass Transportation - It was so easy to get around town and cross country. We definitely need more trains and less cars on the road.
4. Public Art- So nice to see and sit by on an outing. It would really make a nice difference around these parts.
3. Kiba- or Baki....wherever you may be...love the cherry banana....should be a staple here.
2. Doner Kabab- hello cheap street food...I heart you. IMO, we need more food carts around the city in general.
1. Steffi - What a super cool/super patient hostess. Kudos on a great job. I miss seeing you!
Ok that's a wrap.
Look for the upcoming Guide to Germany by Alice and Shana....it's still in the works...but it's coming...the price is still being negotiated. :)
See ya,
Alice
So here goes,
My European vacation turned out to be as awesome as I expected it to. I still remember how much I wanted to be a participant when I first heard about the program and how exciting it sounded. The program really didn't dissapoint!
The memories I bring back from the trip are mostly of the people and places I saw. There are still days where I sit in silent amazement and think about how big the world is and how much out there there is to see. I'm so lucky that I got a see even a tiny corner of Europe let alone traversing the country of Germany three (?) times. It was good to see a little bit of what life is like in a place outside of America too. Europe has so many centuries of history that is lacking in America. It was so surreal to stand in places straight out of our history texts. Being a big history buff....this was incredible to me.
Both Hannover and Berlin were great as well. It was nice to see that we were so similar to our European counterparts. We're all just a bunch of students trying to make it through our studies and have a little fun along the way.
So...last but not least....a list of five things I think we should bring back to the States...
5. Mass Transportation - It was so easy to get around town and cross country. We definitely need more trains and less cars on the road.
4. Public Art- So nice to see and sit by on an outing. It would really make a nice difference around these parts.
3. Kiba- or Baki....wherever you may be...love the cherry banana....should be a staple here.
2. Doner Kabab- hello cheap street food...I heart you. IMO, we need more food carts around the city in general.
1. Steffi - What a super cool/super patient hostess. Kudos on a great job. I miss seeing you!
Ok that's a wrap.
Look for the upcoming Guide to Germany by Alice and Shana....it's still in the works...but it's coming...the price is still being negotiated. :)
See ya,
Alice
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