Then the following day, classes began, and people could meet and interact. Most classes taught the international group by using English in some fashion, and they also used a basic conversational level of German. As everyone learned more and more German, it became more accessible and easier to converse and interact in multiple languages.
Even with both positives and negatives, I have loved my stay so far. With the weeks filled from nine in the morning till four in the afternoon, or nine till one in the afternoon, it takes me back to my high school days, with the constant feeling of fatigue. But just being in the country and focusing only on the language while actively using it has created the perfect learning environment for me. I'm learning German... it's working! Of course, I miss my kitchen and the ability to cook, but it is also nice to taste new dishes and not cook. And with Covid, rules change weekly, so I never know what to expect.
But the negative moments are nothing compared to the positive experiences I have had. Some of my best evenings have been in the activity room (Freizeitzimmer), whether singing random country national anthems and early 2000s American pop bops or having deep conversations about some random thoughts someone had till four in the morning. Being able to meet so many people interested in language has allowed me to create a focal point. I have made key connections and pushed my dream forward.
