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My Journey as an Erasmus Student in Leipzig: A Tapestry of Adventures, Challenges, and Growth

  A Tapestry of Adventures, Challenges, and Growth The prospect of immersing myself in a new culture, language, and academic system ignited a mix of excitement and nervousness within me. Little did I know that my journey in Leipzig would be a tapestry of unforgettable experiences, numerous challenges, and transformative growth. Academic Adaptations and Insights: One of the first challenges I encountered as an Erasmus student was adapting to the German academic system. With a strong emphasis on independent study and final exams shaping the entire grade, I had to develop a disciplined study routine to excel in my courses. This shift from the continuous assessment approach in the U.S. to a more exam-focused system required “Widerstandsfähigkeit” and adaptability. However, as I embraced this new approach, I found myself engaging more deeply with the subjects I was passionate about. The opportunity to delve into research projects and collaborate with international classmates broadened my pe
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Navigating Leipzig as an Exchange Student

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  Navigating Leipzig as an Exchange Student The prospect of language barriers seemed intimidating at first, but as I immersed myself in the experience, I quickly discovered that overcoming these barriers not only allowed me to communicate effectively but also opened doors to deeper cultural understanding and personal growth. Arriving in Leipzig, I realized that English was not as widely spoken as I had anticipated. At first, simple tasks such as ordering food, asking for directions, or engaging in everyday conversations became daunting. The unfamiliarity of the German language made me feel like an outsider, and it seemed like this would be a huge barrier to my social life in Leipzig.  However, as I ventured beyond my comfort zone and began to embrace the local language, my perspective shifted. I realized that by making an effort to “kommunizieren” in German, even if it was just a few basic phrases, locals were more willing to assist and engage with me. It was through these initial stum
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Leipzig Student Life

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  Leipzig Student Life As an Erasmus student from the U.S., my journey to Leipzig was a chance to immerse myself in a vibrant student life. From the bustling streets filled with cultural events to the unique academic system, Leipzig offered a whole new world of experiences for me to embrace. One of the first things I noticed about student life in Leipzig was the level of independence expected from students. Unlike the structured academic environment in the U.S., where grades are often determined by a combination of homework, assignments, and exams throughout the semester, the German system places heavy emphasis on a final exam that determines the entire grade. This meant that I had to be self-motivated and disciplined in managing my time effectively to prepare for the exams. At first, this change seemed daunting, but it quickly became a positive experience. The freedom to structure my own study schedule allowed me to follow my own pace, and when well managed gave me more opportunities
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A Tale of Two Transit Systems

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   A Tale of Two Transit Systems: Leipzig, Germany vs. the U.S.A. One aspect that stands out above all is the stark contrast between the public transportation systems in Leipzig and the U.S.A. In this blog post, I will delve into my personal experiences and highlight why life in Leipzig has been significantly easier and more enjoyable, all thanks to the city's well-planned and efficient transportation network. Just like most European cities, public transportation in Leipzig has been deeply thought about and built delicately throughout the city. It provides travelers with efficient and simple transport which intensely reduces any need of a personal car. Trams, buses, and metros provide transportation within the city and the S-Bahn, U-bahn, and Trains are usually more practical for inter-city travel.  Excluding some major cities, in the U.S. the main form of transportation is a car. Living in Leipzig has truly opened up my understanding to all the benefits of public transport. Below
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Graphiti in Leipzig

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  Graphiti in Leipzig One aspect of German culture that has truly captivated me is the presence of graffiti, particularly in  Leipzig. In this blog, I will share my personal experiences and reflections on the graffiti scene in Germany, from the eyes of an international Besucher (visitor). Upon my arrival in Leipzig, I was immediately struck by the colorful and dynamic street art that adorned the city's walls. Everywhere I turned, there were striking murals, intricate tags, and thought-provoking pieces that added a unique charm to the urban landscape. It was as if Leipzig had become a living canvas, with each stroke of paint telling its own story. The more i learned about the German culture, I found the graffiti in Leipzig to be an intriguing reflection of the city's identity and culture. The street art seemed to embody the spirit of artistic freedom and self-expression that is deeply rooted in German history. It was a way for the local artists to communicate their ideas, belief
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American College Campuses versus Leipzig University Campus

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  Hallo! When it comes to university campuses, there are a lot of differences between those in Europe and those in the United States. In this post, I will be comparing the campus of Leipzig University to American liberal arts college campuses. Leipzig University is one of the oldest universities in Germany, and this can clearly be seen in the architecture of the university. With some buildings dating back to the 15th century, the university has truly become a historic site. The university's main "Bibliothek," which is known as Bibliotheca Albertina, was founded in 1542. It is a stunning building and is always my first choice if I need to get some work done. While the university hosts a bunch of historic buildings, there is also a good mix of modern architecture, such as the newly renovated Paulinum. What used to be the university's central church (or Kirche) has been turned into a museum in 2007 after the demolition of the church during the communist regime of East Ge
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Döner Kebap in Germany

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  Döner Kebap in Germany As someone who grew up in Turkey, I have always been a big fan of Döner Kebap. However, when I visited Germany for the first time, I was curious to see how the Döner here compares to my home country. To understand the history of Döner Kebap in Germany, we need to go back to the 1960s. At the time, Germany was experiencing a labor shortage, and the government signed agreements with Turkey and other countries to bring in "guest workers" to fill the gap. Many of these workers brought their families and settled in Germany, and with them came their culture and cuisine. One of the most popular dishes was Döner Kebap, which originated in Turkey in the 19th century. It was originally made with lamb, but in Germany, it's more commonly made with beef or chicken. The meat is marinated in spices and cooked on a vertical spit, which rotates and allows the meat to cook evenly. The first Döner Kebap shop in Germany opened in Berlin in 1971, and the dish quickly
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