#exchangestudent

[wereallinthistogether32]

tips for learning japanese?

I'm looking to be an exchange student in 2 years time.

[arwenincanada]

SECOND WEEK IN CANADA

making friends, making friends and making friends,

just to find my people very soon. Going out of my comfort zone and doing many things alone.

Theres a heavy weight on my chest but I need to ignore or it might affect whatever my future has to hold

#trulylockedin

[crazdwriter]

Scaled to Death

Chapter 2 - Part 2

"Oh, sounds like someone had a good day," his dad says as he walks into the dining room. He sniffs the air. "Let me guess, spaghetti?" "Duh, dad," Ronny says and sits down. "So, we have a new student that started today." "Hold inn, bud. Let us put out stuff down and sit first before you tell us everything that happened today." His dad laughs and heads to the office to put his suitcase down. His mom disappears into their bedroom, followed closely by his dad. Ronny gets up and goes changes his clothes in his room. He slips into a pair of sweatpants and a shirt he'll sleep in that night. He heads back to the table and dishes out the salad and spaghetti. He sits down, sipping in his milk while he waits for his parents to join them. They thank Ronny for making dinner and grab some garlic bread. "Okay, Ronny, now about this new student?" his dad asks before he shovels a fork full of spaghetti into his mouth. He chews and swallows, looking around for something on the table. "I forgot to add parmesan cheese." "Oh, shoot," Ronny says and hops out of his chair. "I knew I forgot to grab something." He grabs it from the fridge and hands it to his dad when he returns to the table. He takes his seat. "So, today Ingrid from Holland started school." "So close to the end of the year?" His mom shakes her head. "That wasn't very smart." "Mom," Ronny says while rolling his eyes. "She probably has good grades from her last school so they're okay with it." His mom shakes her head. "I'm just saying if she's from another country, she'll have a lot of catching up to do. Especially if she doesn't speak English." His dad looks at Ronny, sighing. "Tell us more about Ingrid, son." "Well, there isn't much so say about her. I showed her how to get to her second class since she's in my first class. Then Wallace and Titan took her to her locker after her second class since they're all in the same class." Ronny sabs his salad. "Never saw her after that though." Ronny shrugs and shoves salad into his mouth. "You boys are so sweet helping her out like that," his mom says, smiling. "I'm sure she appreciated it. But you said two things. What is the second good news?" She bites into her garlic bread. "Rachel finally texted me and she said she's going to try and visit this summer." Ronny nearly hops out his chair from excitement. His parents look at each other in shock then look back at their son. He shows them Rachel's text and they look excited. "Oh, Hunny, that'll be so amazing if she does come back for a visit. I know you and the other guys have missed her so much." His mom takes the phone and rereads the text. "Nothing about her parents? It would be nice to reconnect with them again. I lost contact with Rachel's mom, Sadie, this past year." She hands him his phone back. "I can ask her since she's texting me again," Ronny says. "Would you please?" His mom claps her hands. "Thank you, Ronny." His mom washes the dishes after dinner while Ronny heads to his room to finish his homework. When he finishes, he lays in bed and texts Rachel. It felt like it used to back before she left. They text each other until well past midnight. Ronny finally ends the chat even though he doesn't want to and closes his eyes with a smile on his face. Read the full article

[hunnothyun]

Stunning Conversations

I decided to document these passing conversations I encountered at my destination.

The travel destination was filled with diverse conversations.

I embarked on a trip to Belgium with my friends from Turkey. Brussels had a beautiful square. Upon entering, the sound of vibrant bells filled the air. The weather was exceptionally pleasant. During my previous winter trips to Europe, I often encountered cloudy skies, so it was refreshing to see the square basked in sunlight after a long time. The square was bustling with people. In a few days, 2021 would come to an end, and I wondered how I would feel about the new year in this place.

Entering a café, I heard someone say, "Bonjour!" in French. Belgium is a place where French is commonly spoken. My friend from France effortlessly placed an order. I, on the other hand, ordered in English. I opted for a sandwich. Through the café window, I observed the streets of Brussels. The weather soon turned cloudy again. It seemed that sunny days in Europe didn't last long. Conversations began to unfold, and I thought of capturing these passing exchanges at my destination.

One of my Turkish friends brought up a topic. "Is your country's currency stable?" He mentioned how the Turkish exchange rate fluctuated. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the political leadership, stating that the consequences of poor economic management by the country's leaders could be catastrophic. It intrigued me. The difference in currency value was something I had only experienced when exchanging money, but for my friends, it directly affected their lives. I heard stories of the hardships caused by fluctuations in currency value.

Over the next few days, the value of the Turkish currency sharply declined, throwing the national economy into turmoil. My friends even suggested that now is the best time to visit Turkey. With the devaluation of the Turkish currency, one could travel relatively well with the same amount of money. Indeed, the euro had much higher purchasing power in Turkey compared to Germany. Similar products could be bought for about half the price.

The travel destination offered various conversations. I engaged in a discussion with my friend, who was an exchange student in Spain. We talked about people's indifference towards COVID-19 quarantine policies. "South Korea has very strict measures, and everyone is vigilant about it," he remarked. The conversations I encountered during my travels made me reminisce about Korea. As the sun set, night approached swiftly. The last day of 2021 in Belgium passed by in this manner.

The Grand Place Square, situated in the heart of the city, showcased a dazzling light performance. Excited for the New Year's countdown, we patiently waited in the square. However, it appeared that the New Year's event had been canceled due to the pandemic. Leaving behind a sense of disappointment, we made our way back to our accommodations, and the light performance commenced. The unexpected encounter with the illuminating spectacle at Brussels Square on New Year's Day was truly magnificent.

[hunnothyun]

If You're Alive

As I embarked on my journey through Europe, moments of walking naturally led to engaging conversations.

Genuine and unhindered conversations. It was possible.

During my visit to Paris, I sought a company within the travel community. By sharing my itinerary and location, I was able to connect with individuals who had similar plans. On this occasion, a friend of mine, who was of the same age, reached out to me. Let's call her A. A was studying in Germany and had been to Paris before. We decided to embark on this trip together, expecting wonderful weather and unforgettable experiences.

As we walked through the streets of Paris, conversation flowed naturally, filling the long days of exploring that often surpassed 30,000 steps. We delved into topics ranging from politics, society, and the environment to spirituality and beyond. I found joy in asking thought-provoking questions at each destination, as the answers often presented a whole new perspective, distinct from my own. The conversations we shared during our exploration of Paris, France, transformed the city into an unforgettable space.

The openness and honesty of our conversations stemmed from our willingness to share pieces of our lives. We have talked to each other without hesitation, and the books each has read before became a prominent topic of discussion. A was an avid reader, consuming around 80 books a year. Despite my relatively smaller bookshelf, I recommended books that had left a lasting impression on me. A listened intently, showing genuine interest in my stories.

Located near the Pont Neuf Bridge, Shakespeare and Company is a bookstore that has been enchanting readers since 1919. It remains a vibrant hub of ideas, with post-it notes adorning its walls. Adjacent to the bookstore is a cozy café, where people gather to discuss the books they have just bought. Observing them, I contemplated the power of writing.

"If you're alive, you have to write." Writing allowed me to piece together and organize my world. Sharing fragments of my worldview during conversations brought me immense joy. It was during these captivating exchanges that I found connections between various life experiences, gradually painting a vivid picture over time. The moments when conversations sparked with fascination were akin to appreciating each other's artworks.

This journey to Paris reaffirmed the importance of continuously stepping out of our comfort zones. The beauty I encountered during my travels was not solely derived from the grandeur of the scenery itself, but rather from the unconscious contrasts it created with specific aspects of my own life. In Paris, these unconscious comparison occurred frequently, sparked by passing movie scenes and igniting diverse conversations.

[hunnothyun]

Musical

In my eyes, they represented different forms of love.

I already knew what the next scene would be, but the scenes before me felt always new. 

I watched the musical Les Misérables for the first time. I had previously encountered this work in a movie, and it had touched me deeply. The fact that it was presented as a musical added a refreshing mood to the experience. The performances by the actors were outstanding, and I was captivated by the various ways in which the characters lived amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution. In my eyes, they represented different forms of love: love for justice, love driven by desire, love for children, and love for a better life.

From that moment, I longed to visit London and witness the magic of Les Misérables in person. I discussed this plan with my mom during a trip to Italy last year. We contemplated the idea of extending our journey to England. We would take a plane and attend a musical. However, as I was serving in the military at the time, traveling to England was restricted by regulations. I had to abide by the rules and couldn't fulfill my dream of experiencing Les Misérables in London. It left me feeling deeply disappointed.

Preparing for my trip to England, the most crucial wish was to watch Les Misérables. Other plans and schedules seemed trivial in comparison. I believed that witnessing the musical live at a London theater would be an immensely moving experience. So, I booked a ticket for 75£. I watched the movie again and even read the original novel by Victor Hugo to refresh my memory before attending the musical.

The day of the trip arrived, and it felt like destiny was finally on my side. I reached Soho, and the night streets of London displayed their enchanting beauty. December in London was adorned with vibrant decorations, proudly proclaiming the arrival of Christmas. I boarded a red double-decker bus, navigating through the bustling crowds until we reached the theater. Standing in line, I noticed a large poster adorning the theater, igniting my anticipation that soon, I would have an unforgettable memory.

Les Misérables possessed a unique charm. One particular scene stood out: detector Javert's pivotal decision to capture Jean Valjean. The stage backdrop, coupled with a projector, created a mesmerizing visual of Javert descending from top to bottom. It was a creative production that left a lasting impression. Although the stage was quite distant, I held my head up high, fighting back tears of joy. Finally, I was witnessing the musical I had yearned for all along.

As the musical finished, the audience erupted in cheers, offering a standing ovation. The actors acknowledged the applause with bright smiles. Les Misérables had become a remarkable milestone in my life. Although I already knew what the next scene would entail, the moments before me remained eternally fresh and new. The narrative of Jean Valjean, transforming from a vessel of hatred to a life fueled by love, will forever dwell in my heart.

[hunnothyun]

When Your Favorite Travel Destination Changes

London, basking in the sunlight, was a work of art in itself.

Florence had always been my cherished travel destination. However, circumstances led to a moment of transition of my favorite from Florence to London.

Lockdown measures were implemented just as I had planned my trip to England. Until a few days ago, the COVID-19 situation seemed relatively manageable, with no PCR tests required. Unfortunately, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant prompted the British government to announce new guidelines: all incoming travelers must take PCR testing upon arrival and self-quarantine until they receive negative results. With only a week remaining, I found myself in a state of confusion, altering everything planned including the date for the Les Misérables musical.

On December 1, 2021, the South Korean government imposed mandatory quarantine measures for all domestic entrants. The situation changed rapidly, and I began to worry about the feasibility of future travels. The Omicron variant began to spread, affecting my plans to visit countries outside of Germany. The trip was just days away, leaving me with little room for adjustments. However, instead of dwelling on what I couldn't change, I decided to focus on what I could.

I have heard a lot of news of canceled trips within the community I had to postpone my exchange student program by two semesters. The resurgence of COVID-19 in December 2021 made me contemplate whether this moment could be my last chance. In the face of hesitation and potential regret, I infused a sense of urgency into my trip, realizing that the time to embark was now. Fear would not deter me; I resolved to confront the challenges head-on rather than surrender.

Upon arrival at Stenstead Airport in the UK, I promptly underwent a PCR test, adhering to the British government's regulations. It was essential to submit negative results to proceed with my travel plans. Anxiously awaiting the outcome, I marveled at the pleasant weather and made my way to the accommodation. London, illuminated by the sun, captivated me, prompting a shift in my favorite destination from Florence to this vibrant city. Despite the complexity of my thoughts, the streets exuded undeniable beauty.

Finally, the test results were announced, confirming my negative status. With a liberated mind, I strolled through the enchanting streets of London. The shimmering cityscape was a sight to behold. Despite rain approaching, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square were beautiful. I ventured through the streets until late into the night, immersing myself in the essence of London. In crowded spaces, masks were necessary, yet even amid the Omicron resurgence, the city teemed with people.

I fulfilled my dream of watching Les Misérables, a musical I had longed to see. As each act concluded, the audience erupted in applause. Overwhelmed with emotion, I felt privileged to be part of this theatrical experience. The dedication of the actors, the intricate stage sets in motion, and the resounding standing ovation from the crowd created an indelible memory within me. London in December held a special place in my heart, where anxiety and happiness intertwined amidst the sudden resurgence of COVID-19.

[hunnothyun]

On the Border between Memory and Enjoyment

The answer to most questions lies somewhere in between the two options.

Rather than relying on a high-performance and heavy camera, I contemplated whether a lightweight camera with lower performance would be proper for me.

I often find myself standing on the border between recording my experiences and simply enjoying them while traveling. In February 2020, during my time in Italy, I held a camera in my hands. I pondered whether to capture the breathtaking scenery through my own eyes or through the lens of the camera. In the end, I found myself pressing the shutter incessantly. Unfortunately, I couldn't fully relish the moment of recording, fearing that I might have neglected the act of experiencing the trip itself.

The worries start right from the moment you leave your house. With the weight of the camera, I wondered if an iPhone camera would be enough. As the performance of iPhone cameras improved, and the gap between them and professional cameras diminished, these concerns grew deeper. Should I sell my professional camera? This idea persisted while a camera always hung from my shoulder. I believed I couldn't let such once-in-a-lifetime moments slip away without efforts to record them.

At the flea market, I acquired various items free of charge. Among them there were a black leather jacket and some candles. No special process was required; I could simply enter a building on the Goethe University campus, have a look on the items, and take them with me. While looking for some stuff, I stumbled upon a camera. I had little hope for it to function. It appeared to be broken.

Upon returning home, I charged the battery and powered it on. Surprisingly, it made a sound. I pressed the shutter, and it took a photo. It was incredible. I knew I would spend a lot of time with this camera. It was lightweight and simple. The image quality wasn't outstanding, but it had a touch of emotion. The scenery viewed through the small screen appeared different. Perhaps what I needed was a lightweight camera with lower performance, rather than a heavy, high-performance one.

During a trip to Darmstadt with my friends, as expected, the camera encountered issues. The battery drained quickly. Sometimes it would turn off after just a few shots. After reconnecting the battery and restarting it, I could use it again, but just for a few minutes. I observed the scenery closely, knowing that my time to capture it was limited. I aimed to capture only the most precious moments.

I initially believed there was a definitive answer to my question, but most answers reside somewhere in between the available options. The camera I stumbled upon was lighter and smaller than my professional one. It has less pressure on me. The solution to my dilemma was not to choose between recording memories and enjoying, but rather to reduce the burden. I focused on the present moment, creating a comfortable documentation—a record that I could manage.