Exploring the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan

By Eugenie Zhu, Summer Global Research in Taiwan, Summer ’26

When Professor Chang first asked us if we would like to visit the Legislative Yuan in Taipei, my classmates and I eagerly took the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan’s government. Hoping to make the most out of our visit, we read up on Taiwan’s history and prepared questions to ask government representatives, honored that we would have the chance to directly speak with them. Having never been to Taipei before, I was also personally excited to just see the city and explore. Even with all of this anticipation, the trip far exceeded my expectations, leaving me with memories I’ll never forget.

Fresh off the 8:13 a.m. train from Tainan, we first visited Taoyuan, located around one hour away from Taipei by bus. The Taoyuan City Council graciously provided transportation for the day and met with us to talk about their work. Chaperoned by Councilor Chao Wei Yang and Mrs. Chao Wei Yang, we learned about the government’s unique Youth Affairs Bureau from Career Chief Section Ling-Pang Shih, who shared with us the department’s initiatives (such as Plug and Play) to improve youth play areas and support budding entrepreneurs. We also got to hear from researcher Gui-Ying Huang, who discussed how Taoyuan is becoming a “smart city” and is using AI to solve daily issues; for example, traffic lights can be turned from red to green or vice versa to accommodate an ambulance’s travel. We were even fortunate enough to meet Deputy Mayor Jun-Bin Su, who gave us a warm welcome to the city. As a token of our appreciation, we elected co-captains Nancy Chen and Riley Becker to represent our cohort and present Deputy Mayor Su with Tufts baseball hats.

After visiting Taoyuan, we headed to Taipei, where we first met with Legislator Dr. Chien-Chi Lin, a Kuomintang member who holds a degree in music from Boston Conservatory and a PhD from the University of Washington. We chatted with Dr. Lin about her interests in both music and sports, as well as her experience living in Boston and Seattle. Dr. Lin also touched upon her identity as an indigenous Amis legislator and how she uses her position within the government to improve the lives of indigenous populations.

We also had the chance to meet Legislator Hsu-Ting Niu, a Kuomintang member with a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He provided very insightful answers to our questions regarding US-Taiwan relations and Taiwanese independence, as well as university reform and the education system (earning a Master’s degree is standard in Taiwan as opposed to a Bachelor’s in the US). Having the opportunity to speak to Taiwanese legislators was greatly informative and engaging, and we especially appreciated everyone’s efforts to accommodate us within their busy schedules.

Outside of learning more about the governments of Taiwan, we also had the chance to explore Taipei for fun! Following our conversations with the legislators, we visited Shi-men Ting, where we walked along streets full of shops and tried Taiwanese snacks and boba. Dinner was also generously provided by Professor Chang’s friend, Mr. Stone, at a Michelin Star Cantonese restaurant called 3 Coins (大三元) . The food was delicious and unique, ranging from roast duck and Japanese curry soup to seafood served in papayas and red bean Mahjong tiles for dessert. It was the perfect meal to end our trip and we were so grateful to Mr. Stone for treating us!

Overall, it was both a fun and informative day; I’m so thankful to everyone we met for arranging such a wonderful trip and putting in so much effort to welcome us with open arms. It was a great experience, especially for my first time visiting Taipei. I hope to visit the city again one day and explore even more of it!

Learning to Live Spontaneously: How Chilean Culture Influenced my Pace of Life

By Greta Traver, Tufts Global Education Ambassador, Tufts in Chile Fall ’25

Shortly after I landed in Santiago, my host family excitedly let me know that they would be having an asado, a cookout akin to a barbeque, to celebrate my arrival. After hearing that the asado would start at 3 pm, I figured that I would share a mid afternoon meal with my host family and then have some time to see some local sights in the evening. Little did I know that I would still be laughing, comparing cultures, and eating steak at 10 pm. 

While in Chile, my worldview slowly switched from one of calendars and rushing from one event to another to one that valued spending however much time was needed to truly enjoy the event I was attending and develop profound relationships with the people present. Asados became so much more than a meal – they became a space to slow down and really get to know the people with whom I was sharing the food. 

Asados are not the only way that Chilean culture forces you to slow down. Small stands that sell books and flowers can be found on many corners and are surrounded by tables with patrons playing chess and reading in the afternoon sun. Coffee shops stay open until late at night as they are a place for community, not just a morning dose of caffeine. Streets are lined with art and pedestrians pausing their walks to admire the ever changing works. 

A Corner Flower, Book, and Art Shop in Santiago

As I learned to slow down and savor what I was doing instead of thinking about what was next on my calendar, I quickly found a deeper layer to my everyday life. Instead of pausing briefly to photograph a good sunset, Chilean culture pushed me to pause what I was doing and watch the whole of the sunset, savoring every last color in the shifting sky. While traveling around Chile, biking quickly became my favorite mode of local transit as it allowed me to pause wherever I wanted, unconstrained by bus timesheets or train schedules. 

A Chilean Sunset

This mindset of slowing down to savor the people and the experiences around oneself was also a central theme of the classes I took while in Chile. In my medical anthropology class, we did the traditional class things, like readings, writings, and presentations, but we also spent a lot of time sharing stories of how our own lived experiences tied into the themes we were learning in class. While the readings made the themes clear, the stories from my classmates and the time that we spent comparing our cultures gave meaning to what we were learning. Our professor’s willingness to stray from the timeline on the syllabus deepened the course so much more than would have been possible with a fixation on the pre-planed pacing. 

Going into exam week at Tufts has again reminded me just how different my paces of life abroad and in the US are. I have to consciously remind myself to pause to watch the sunsets, but it is much easier to do now that I have seen the beauty of these small spontaneous moments while abroad. 

Interview with Kevin Xia from Hong Kong University

By Daniel Bethke, Tufts Global Education Ambassador, Tufts in Tübingen Full year 24-25

D: What experience did you have with America before coming to Tufts? How did that inform your approach/outlook coming into Tufts?

K: I’ve been to Georgetown for an international case competition. It was also during that time I received my exchange offer to Tufts, and with many things I did not get a chance to explore while I was in DC, I decided to come here for exchange.

D: Have you encountered any classes, professors, or teaching styles that surprised you? What about social life? If so, what stood out, and how?

K: In general, I think the American teaching style is quite different from that in Asia; there are more hands-on experiences here and more on continuous assessment. Personally, I do like this style more.

Nothing really surprised me from the social life aspect.

D: Have you tried any “American rituals” for the first time, like football games, traditions, etc.? What was that experience like?

K: I went to an American-style pub, not sure if that counts. It was in line with my expectation of how it might be, but I’m not a big fan of it personally.

D: Is there a particular spot on campus — a bench, library corner, or cafe — or a quirky tradition or event that has unexpectedly become meaningful to you? Why?

K: I think a gathering at the beginning of the year organized by the Tufts international club was quite memorable. I met two Asian friends there, and we had hotpot during the Chinese New Year.

D: What do you miss most about your home university or country while being here, and has being at Tufts changed how you view them?

K: I think I miss the easy accessibility and great food choices back in my home country. I never really appreciated how efficient the transportation network in Hong Kong is, but being at Tufts really made me treasure it a lot.

D: Has living and studying in a new academic and cultural environment taught you anything new about yourself?

K:I think studying at Tufts has allowed me to take a break and explore my hobbies, which are things that I might not necessarily have time for when I am in Hong Kong.

Exploring Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with Students from the University of Hong Kong

By Mark Schaffler, Tufts Global Education Ambassador, Tufts in Hong Kong Fall 2025

Boston is a classic American city. Arguably, as historic and patriotic as it gets. Besides the snow, it really does seem like there’s something in the air here, and Tufts Global Exchange students from the University of Hong Kong have come to see for themselves. On a Friday afternoon, I found myself riding the Green Line with them into the Fenway area to see the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Though the humble MBTA is a peg or two below Hong Kong’s famous MTR network, the “T” still pushed us along, all the way from Medford to Fenway.

Stepping into the museum, we were greeted with a tour guide who knew more about the museum than we could ever hope to hear. This afternoon, we journeyed from Boston to renaissance Italy, Qing dynasty China, and more, all from the comfort of the museum’s toasty heating. What makes the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum so unique is their curation. The paintings and works were entirely arranged by Isabella Gardner, and, under contract, must remain in their exact configuration, or else be sold at auction with profits going to Harvard. Such interesting stipulations make this museum an incredible time capsule; none of the works leave, and no new works come. That is, except for the Dutch room, which suffered one of the largest unsolved heists in known history, where thieves stole millions of dollars’ worth of paintings. The stipulations remain, though, and painting frames must remain in place despite being entirely empty.

Throughout the journey, we “ooh-ed” and “aah-ed” our way through centuries and thousands of miles. Each room was more impressive than the next. At the end of our voyage, we were led to the courtyard, which may have been the greatest sight of all. It was filled with light beaming through hundreds of glass panels several stories above. Underneath lay exotic plants and greenery of all kinds, a sight for sore eyes in what has been a very snowy winter, even by Boston’s standards.

As we disbanded for the evening to explore the downtown, I left feeling like I’d just taken a mini trip around the world. More than that, however, I had learned a little more about what makes Boston special. Through decorated curators, heists, snowy winters, and even slow train rides, Boston unapologetically shows its wise old bones. To those who love authenticity, look no further. Hong Kong and Boston are very, very different places, but if they have one thing in common, it’s how straightforward they are. For cities like this, I’ve found that the best way to learn is to get out and explore. Thanks to our time in Fenway that Friday, we got to do just that.

Next up, we’ll be attending a Red Sox game, where the weather promises to be much warmer!

Tufts Global Education checks out the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum!

Making a New Home: Louna Crety on Culture Shocks, Thrills and Joys Abroad

By Daniel Bethke, Tufts Global Education Ambassador, Tufts in Tübingen Full year 24-25

One may study a country through coursework, readings, and conversations for hours upon end, but it is an entirely different experience to physically immerse oneself in that country. Such is the task, and perhaps also the reward, of the student who chooses to study abroad; yet this is particularly true when one’s very major is the country in which they study abroad. Louna Crety, an American Studies master’s student from Science Po in Paris, is doing just that. In her program’s final year, she decided to come to Tufts for a new experience and to truly immerse herself in her academic discipline.
Before coming to Tufts, Crety had not heard much about the university other than its private status and its general rank. And although she confessed that she was particularly excited for the professional aspects of the Global Exchange program (e.g. serving as a TA for Tufts French students), she has also learned a lot just through experiencing different university norms.
“Unlike in France, [here] you can’t really get out of the readings, especially if you have to write a response to the materials,” said Crety. “But the biggest difference is mostly how open the teachers are; sometimes you can even call them by their first name, which was weird for me.
And also the email culture here is much more relaxed. They’re so nice. Everyone’s so nice when they write an email.”
Crety feels that this more personal aspect of American universities like Tufts extends not just to individuals and professors but even to the sense of “school pride” as a whole.
“School in France is not part of your identity,” said Crety. “It’s something separate from who you are… When you go to college, especially around Paris, there’s so many, and you know the establishment doesn’t really make a difference. The program they propose is similar to 5 or 10 other universities right there. For example, I chose my universities based on how far they are from my home and not what they offer because they all offer the same thing. So there’s no identity or school pride with the school there; it’s not as important there, in my opinion.”
Precisely for this reason, Crety feels, school merchandise is far more common here at Tufts than at her home university. This contrast may also reflect differing attitudes toward the very purpose of university in France versus America.
“It’s really different from my home university. There you basically go to your classes and then you go home. There’s no clubs or fairs,” said Crety.
Out of this differing attitude comes what Crety views as a much stronger sense of university community at Tufts.
“You’re always surrounded by people who don’t [necessarily] study the same stuff as you, but you’re sharing the same experience on some level, living in the same space, eating in the same space,” said Crety. “There’s a real sense of community. Even the way the campus is shaped looks like a small village. This is definitely [not as common] in France, especially in Paris. ”

Tufts Global Exchange Students 2025-2026 (Crety pictured fourth from left)

However, she also admits that this sense of complete togetherness can be a bit overwhelming, and it still takes some adjustment.
“I feel sometimes I need to get out of that atmosphere, but in general it’s really good,” said Crety.
Another point she emphasized was the difficulty in determining whether common occurrences she saw were really more idiosyncrasies of Tufts or of America as a whole. Crety believes that by second semester she will better be able to differentiate the two. Nonetheless, she has noticed several things that stand out, be they common across America or just Tufts.
“The biggest difference [compared with Paris] is just the way people dress,” said Crety. One culture shock I had is people wearing flip flops to class. Everyone is relaxed and casual. Honestly, I think it’s good.”
Crety already feels she is getting into a sort of “groove” and developing habits and preferences for academic and daily life here.
“I really like the Presidential Lawn because you can sit there and just look out,” said Crety. “I also like Bowen Gate and always pass by that little route because it’s quieter and like a secret passage and a faster way to reach buildings.”
Overall, Crety has made a sort of home for herself in this new and starkly contrasting environment, and she remains very thankful for this experience; the journey may be unique to her, but these lessons are widely applicable.
“I think it’s really important to change environment and go out of your comfort zone,” said Crety. It makes you really appreciate what you study.”
I myself, having also studied abroad (albeit in Germany), couldn’t agree more.

An Interview with Exchange Students from the University of Hong Kong

By Gigi Copeland, Tufts Global Education Ambassador, Tufts in London F’23 and Tufts in Hong Kong S’24

I first met the members of HKU’s spring exchange cohort on a classic Boston winter day during a visit to the Prudential Center organized by Tufts Global Education. With snow on the ground and a temperature hovering just above 30 degrees, it was a chilly but fitting welcome to what would be their home for the next few months.

Fast forward to last week’s Tuftonia’s Day carnival, and the weather had warmed to a balmy 53 degrees. I had the chance to catch up with three of them—Robert, Heidi, and Jingni—as we enjoyed food from local vendors and chatted about how their spring semester has been unfolding.

Have you found a go-to spot on campus or in Boston?

Jingni: Stratton’s kitchen and the lower-level cozy common space. Cooking familiar dishes and sharing them with friends makes me feel like I’m at home. On weekends, my friends and I play poker games in the common space all night.

Robert: A Mahjong place in Chinatown. At that place I can play the traditional Chinese game and experience a wave of déjà vu, transporting me right back to Hong Kong.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you?

Robert: I think the most unique part of the education at Tufts is that we have homework almost every week, or even for every class. This is quite different from my experience in Hong Kong, and it took me some time to adjust to the study habits here.

Have you made any unexpected friendships or connections?

Robert: Yes, the entire Tufts community is very friendly, and I made a lot of friends here. It has generally been a great experience.

Heidi: Yes. At Haskell Hall, one of the RAs invited me to a cooking night. Another student taught us how to make a traditional Indian curry from scratch. There were so many ingredients, and it took quite a bit of effort, but it turned out tasty. While cooking, we also talked about our hometowns and shared stories. It was a great way to connect and make friends.

Jingni: In the first month, I got to know people on the same floor when being locked outside of my room without a phone. I asked her for help to call the RA. When we later met in the kitchen, “You were the one locked out of the room,” she said. Then conversations started.

It’s my first time living in a shared student residency community, and my experience is enjoyable. I like how the Tufts community overall is so friendly and sociable.

What have been the highlights of your Tufts experience so far?

Heidi: One day after finishing a quiz at JCC, I saw a Mental Health and Wellbeing Fair. At first, I joined just to get a free açaí bowl. But once I walked around, I found it really meaningful. Different departments had small activities like drawing positive messages on stones and writing cards to support different communities. There were even therapy dogs. They were so calm and friendly. I talked with one of the staff about how the dogs were trained. It was a simple but surprisingly relaxing and supportive moment.

Jingni: SMFA classes for sure. I’m learning printmaking, which I had no prior experience with. Everything to me about it is new and super interesting. The instructors are always friendly and helpful. I’m glad I could walk away from Tufts with prints that embed memories in Boston to share with my friends and family.

Have you tried any new foods or activities since coming here?

Heidi: Yes, I tried Peruvian food for the first time, but totally by accident. I was walking past a small restaurant when an older lady stopped me and said the food inside was really good and tasted like home. I was curious, so I went in and ordered randomly. It turned out to be so delicious and even became one of my favorite dishes.

What’s one thing you wish you had known before coming to Tufts?

Jingni: Honestly, I enjoy the process of exploring Tufts with my original sense of delusion. It’s like creating an etching—at first, you’re just wiping away excess ink from a copper plate, unsure how it will look. But once you run it through the printing press, the image becomes clear and detailed. In the same way, I am grateful to be able to experience everything about Tufts firsthand and form my own unique perspective.

A Stocherkahn Adventure in Tübingen

One of the most exciting days of my study abroad in Tübingen, Germany came during the annual Stocherkahnrennen—the famous punting boat race on the Neckar River. While I wasn’t one of the brave souls steering a Stocherkahn through the mayhem, watching this wild tradition was an adventure in itself.
Stocherkähne are long, flat-bottomed boats that glide through the Neckar, propelled by a single pole. On any other day, they’re serene and perfect for leisurely rides. But on Stocherkahnrennen day, the calm is replaced by chaos. Teams of students in elaborate costumes compete to navigate these boats in a high-stakes race that’s as much about survival as speed.
That morning, my friend Joe and I decided to get to the riverbank early to grab a good spot. The town was already buzzing with energy, and the streets were lined with people making their way to the Neckar. Vendors set up stalls selling pretzels, bratwurst, and refreshing drinks, adding a festive air to the day. Joe and I picked up some snacks and settled in along the edge of the river, where we had a clear view of the water and the starting line.
The atmosphere that day was electric. Crowds gathered on the riverbanks, cheering on their favorite teams. The boats were decked out with creative themes—everything from pirates to Barbenheimer. Some teams had even gone all out, creating elaborate props and sets to complement their costumes. It was impossible not to get swept up in the festive energy as students and locals came together to celebrate this quirky tradition. The enthusiasm was contagious, and it felt as though the entire town had united in this one spectacular event.
While I wasn’t in the race, I had the chance to take a Stocherkahn ride later that week. Gliding along the Neckar, I understood why these boats are such a beloved part of Tübingen’s culture. The view of the Altstadt (Old Town) from the water was breathtaking, with its colorful buildings and the iconic Hölderlin Tower reflected in the gentle ripples. That day, I felt fully immersed in the spirit of Tübingen—its charm, its traditions, and its vibrant community. Whether it’s a rowdy race or a peaceful ride, the Stocherkähne are a perfect metaphor for studying abroad: a mix of excitement, challenge, and beauty that leaves you with unforgettable memories.

Living My Truth Across Borders: Navigating Identity as a Trans Student of Tufts-in-Tübingen

Introduction
Spending a year abroad is often a transformative experience, but it was also uncharted territory for me. As the first openly trans student in the Tufts-in-Tübingen study abroad program, I had no roadmap for navigating this journey. From August 2023 to July 2024, I immersed myself in German culture, embraced my identity in new ways, and discovered how empowering it is to step into the unknown. Along the way, I encountered challenges, moments of joy, and a sense of belonging that transcended borders.

Setting the Scene
Tübingen, a charming university town in southern Germany, was my home for the last year. I prepared for this journey with my advisor, discussing how to approach potential challenges and what it might mean to live openly as a trans woman in a new cultural context. While I knew Germany shared similarities with the U.S., I braced myself for unexpected good and bad moments.

Early on, I experienced mixed reactions. One time while traveling, I received odd looks for how I was dressed, and another encounter with a stranger left me feeling uncomfortable. Yet, these moments were exceptions rather than the rule. Tübingen’s college-town vibe offered a welcoming community, and cities like Berlin were vibrant hubs of acceptance where I could fully express myself.

Finding Community
One of the most empowering moments of my year was attending the CSD (Christopher Street Day) parade in Reutlingen, Germany’s version of a Pride parade. I wore makeup inspired by the trans flag and proudly carried the flag with me. Strangers stopped me to compliment my looks, and their warm smiles and kind words reminded me that no matter where you are, there are always people who will embrace you for who you are.

The Pride events in Reutlingen and Tübingen were unforgettable, not just for the celebration but for the connections I made. I met so many incredible people- each one affirming that being true to yourself is worth the leap of faith.

Reflections on Culture and Identity
What struck me most was how familiar much of German culture felt. Like the U.S., it contained many diverse attitudes- some spaces that were wonderfully accepting, while others were less so. Yet, the experience of navigating these differences elevated my perspective. It wasn’t just about being a trans woman; it was about understanding how LGBTQIA+ communities exist globally, even when faced with challenges.

I learned that every culture has its complexities, but there’s something powerful about seeking out and creating spaces where you feel safe and celebrated.

Advice for Others
If you’re considering a global education experience, especially as someone from the LGBTQIA+ community, my advice is simple: take the leap (safely, of course). Research the culture, know your limits, and prepare for potential challenges- but don’t let fear hold you back. The world is full of people who will welcome and affirm you, even in the most unexpected places.

Most importantly, always be true to yourself. When you embrace who you are, you’ll find that the world often embraces you back.

Conclusion
Studying abroad in Tübingen wasn’t just an academic journey; it was a celebration of identity, resilience, and the power of connection. Living authentically across borders reminded me of the importance of global education- not just to learn about other cultures, but to see yourself reflected in the kindness of strangers and the strength of communities everywhere.

So take that leap of faith. You might just find that the world is more accepting- and inspiring -than you ever imagined.

Backpacking in Chile: How I Found my Home Through Adventure

Ever since I heard about the two options for studying abroad in a Spanish speaking country at Tufts (Madrid or Chile), I had a strong feeling that Chile was the place I wanted to be. I wasn’t exactly sure why I felt such a strong pull to travel to South America, a full 18 hour flight journey from my home in Massachusetts, but three months after getting back I am confident I made the right choice. It is safe to say that not everyone’s abroad experience is idealistic and transformative, but, in all the best ways, I got so lucky. I lived with an incredible host family, made lovely Chilean and international friends, got to travel a lot within Chile and to surrounding countries, had family and friends visit me, and got very close with the 10 other Tufts students on my program. What more could you ask for! Over the course of the semester, I journeyed like never before. It was transformative to harness the freedom that I had during my semester abroad to go on adventures that not only built my independence but also my world view. 

One of my most exciting adventures this semester was when I went on a week-long backpacking trip with 5 other members of the Tufts in Chile Program before the semester had even started. This trip was like no other and I will forever remember the long days we spent hiking in the most beautiful scenery I have seen, and then the incredible nights at the campsites cooking dinner together and laughing under the stars, playing long games of cards and connecting to each other for the first time in a totally new place. We were the only people we knew in the country at that time, and all we had was what we were carrying in our backpacks, and that reality brought us closer to each other and was the first moment when I started to fall in love with Chile.

This is a photo of me exploring the sand dunes of Concón, just a few hours from the city of Santiago. I often felt like this, such a small being in the midst of something so expansive there was no way I would be able to see it all. But I sure did try to see as much as I could!

This photo is one that will never get old for me. I was lucky enough to get to travel to Patagonia (Torres del Paine) two times this semester, once in the summer and once in the winter, and this photo was from the winter adventure! The sun didn’t rise until the very late morning and this photo captured that moment in an especially picturesque way. 

It would be remiss of me to mention the adventures I had in Chile, without talking about my home base. Living with my host family in Santiago de Chile was the first time in my recent memory when I was living with a family and not bouncing between homes living the life of divorced parents. And that was exciting for me! I grew to love my little room whose walls I could touch on both sides when I was standing in the middle. Its coziness was charming and after all of the adventures I went on, coming back to this place brought me a sense of deep comfort. But the best part of this home was the parents whose home it was. They welcomed me in as if I was fully their own child. From the start we shared dinners late into the nights, talking about our different life experiences and perspectives and finding communality in the care we had for each other. Their love was infectious and all of the friends and family that got to visit me throughout the semester were welcomed into their home with open arms. I will always remember my host mom Cecilia telling me one of her favorite lines, “nunca sotano, siempre terraza terraza terraza.” This meant “never the basement, always the terrace, terrace, terrace.” I tried to embody the sentiment of this line, that it is always better to not dwell in the sad or hard things, but always to try and go up and out to the terraza because that is where you will find joy and satisfaction. Thank you Cecilia and Osvaldo for showing me what it means to radically welcome someone into a place where I felt comfortable to go out and explore the wonderful country I got to call home for a short six months.

Following an Unconventional Path to Tübingen, Germany

By April Gao, Tufts-in-Tübingen Full Year 2022-23 and Tufts Global Education Ambassador 2023-24 

Before I came to Tufts, I knew absolutely no German. Except for the occasional “Gesundheit!” when someone sneezed, intentionally speaking German was an idea that was fully foreign to me. Why would I learn such an aggressive-sounding, grammatically hellish language? After years of learning Spanish in grade school, I had never thought to try learning a new language completely from scratch. After all, I had fulfilled my Tufts language requirement, so I didn’t need a new language on my plate—much less a language that was spoken by people whose English was much better than my German. 

Photo of April from Tübingen

It was with this mindset that I registered for German 1 my freshman fall semester at Tufts; I intended to take the class solely for fun, and not at all to gain proficiency. What surprised me was I actually enjoyed learning the language, even over Zoom during the pandemic. The rigid grammatical structure, spit-inducing consonant clusters, and words that looked vaguely like poorly spelled versions of their English equivalents (think Nudeln for Noodles, Maus for Mouse, et cetera…) inexplicably tickled a part of my brain that had been untouched by Spanish and Mandarin. I found myself feeling proud of my ability to string together a three-sentence exchange with my classmates by the end of my first two semesters. 

I would not have thought that I could travel to a German country after only two years of speaking the language, much less take classes and live among Germans for eleven months. But due to the very encouraging words of my German advisor and program coordinator, I decided to take the leap and study abroad in Tübingen, Germany after only four semesters of elementary and intermediate German at Tufts. I was incredibly nervous about this challenge. I had learned past-tense conjugations just a few months before, and now I was going to attempt economics and history courses taught in German? As I sat in the plane crossing the Atlantic, the phrase Can you do it? Can you do it? reverberated throughout my head for the entirety of the seven hour flight.  

In the beginning, everything was an extreme challenge. The impatient taxi driver at the airport complained that he couldn’t understand the address I’d told him aloud, and when I wrote it down on his notepad, he complained that he couldn’t read my handwriting. Procuring a German phone number and plan was even more difficult and was primarily accomplished through broken Anglicisms and aggressive gesturing. When setting up my bank account, the well-dressed German banker spoke incredibly quickly for thirty minutes and then gestured for me to sign a one-inch-thick stack of forms. I obliged—who knows what I signed away that day? Certainly not me. Banking and legal terminology was not a part of the standard German 4 syllabus at Tufts. 

Photo from Tübingen

Bit by bit, though, I began to understand more and more of the conversations and comments in my new environment. A soundscape that originally resembled the speech of the teacher from Charlie Brown (blah-blah…blah blah blaaaah?) became increasingly intelligible day by day. After doing the readings for my Chinese history class taught in German with the help of multiple translators and dictionaries, I began to pick up phrases, names, and words in lecture that sparked connections in my brain. As the language became increasingly intelligible, so did the culture and the customs. By the end of my eleven months in Tübingen, I had even begun to think about certain concepts and interactions in German.  

Four years ago, I never would have expected to have anything to do with German or Germany. The random side quests that spring up throughout life can sometimes create the most interesting divergent paths in life. So, take the leap. Choose the unconventional or unlikely path. Who knows, perhaps you too will end up across the ocean, speaking in a tongue you knew nothing about just a few years earlier! 

Photo from Tübingen