Through studying and living abroad, I’ve learned to navigate uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations. This summer has been my first time leaving the United States, and my first time being somewhere where the language and customs are not the ones I was raised with. In learning to navigate this environment while balancing schoolwork, new friendships, and taking care of myself, I’ve gained a newfound sense of confidence and control in my own life.
I’ve used my time in Germany not only to improve my language skills but also to explore nearby countries such as Austria, Italy, and The Netherlands. What better time to explore Europe than when I’m in Europe! Through my travels so far, I’ve learned that the only time I consistently struggle is when I step into a new situation without confidence.
Be Confident
I’ve never been a very bold person, but when you have to walk through foreign streets and rely on a faulty GPS to guide you home, sometimes you have to find your own route and stick with it, even if you later learn you should have turned left a mile back. Whether I was traveling alone, with a friend, or in a group, I learned that if you start in a direction and lead with confidence, others tend to follow.
This extends beyond navigation, obviously. My studies in this program taught me better grammar and vocabulary, but what has helped me the most is gaining the confidence to converse with native speakers around me.
Admittedly, I still make some basic mistakes when speaking, but I’ve learned that if I go into a conversation with confidence, I’m 10 times more intelligible than when I’m so hesitant to make mistakes that I slow down my speech and avoid talking unless I’m certain of what I want to say.
Make Mistakes
From being fined €100 for forgetting to check a box when booking train tickets to using informal conjugation when interviewing a police officer, I keep making mistakes. Every day I make mistakes, with varying levels of severity, but it’s never the end of the world when I do. I use these mistakes to grow.
I try not to make the same mistake more than twice, and the setbacks from these mistakes teach me how to deal with hardships while I’m distanced from my usual support network. Knowing that the only way forward is to pick myself up and keep moving has instilled me with a new sense of self-assuredness.
Immersion has been one of the best ways of learning both the language and the culture of Germany. In making simple grammar mistakes or cultural faux pas, I reinforce the correct way of doing or saying things for myself, so long as I have the right sense to keep moving and not get caught up in my mistakes. As long as you make a genuine effort to do what you can, those around you will recognize it and be there to help you.
Studying abroad has been about far more than just traveling and learning a new language and culture. It’s been about finding my footing and setting off in a new direction with confidence.
This blog was contributed by Alonzo Fowler, Global Ambassador for Summer 2026. Alonzo is a Moody College of Communication junior participating in the faculty-led program “Würzburg Summer Program” in Würzburg, Germany.
