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Interview With An Expert: One Student's Experience in Eutin, Germany
Geoff Coburn participated in the Summer Language Institute in Eutin, Germany in the summer of 2002. In a recent interview, he shared his study abroad experience with us.
Why did you decide to go on the Summer Institute in Eutin? Did you consider other study abroad programs?
Being a German major made my decision to go to Eutin easy. I was not comfortable with going for an entire semester, so the Summer Institute fit perfectly.
What fears or uncertainties did you have before you left? How did you deal with them while abroad?
This was the first time I'd ever been overseas. So naturally, I had many fears. Mostly, I worried about my flight and arrival. But once I was there, my worries soon faded.
How would you compare the experience of studying German abroad versus taking German classes on the Lawrence campus?
There really is no comparison. Although I feel the language departments at KU do a great job of teaching us what we need to know, the first-hand experience is truly the best way to study. The total immersion in the language and the culture gave me an understanding I could never have hoped for only taking classes.
What was the experience of living with a host family like?
To me, living with the family was the best part. They taught me the really important things of the culture. The relationship I shared, and still share, with them made the experience truly wonderful.
What surprised you most about your study abroad experience?
The most surprising thing was how easy it was. I doubted at first I would be able to do it, but in the end I laughed at how silly my worries had been.
If you could re-live your experience, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I enjoyed every aspect of my trip.
What was the hardest thing about your study abroad experience?
Leaving my host family. I really felt like part of the family by the time I left. I even miss the family dog. But I continue to keep in touch with them, which makes it easier.
Is your life any different, or do you see things differently now that you are back? I realize how strange our own culture is. I have to laugh sometimes when I think of what my host sister would think of some of the things we say or do.
What did you get out of your program that you value most?
Friendships--with students, teachers and my host family.
Is there anything else that you would like to tell other students about your experience, or about the experience of study abroad as a whole?
Now is the time to take advantage of these programs. The value for the dollar is unmatched. Everyone should do this!
Sister City Relationship enhances German Summer Language Institute
For seventeen years, Professor Frank Baron led students to Eutin, Germany for a Summer Language Institute. Eutin may not be a city that many Americans have heard of, but it is a city with a special tie to Lawrence and the University of Kansas. Since 1989, Lawrence and Eutin have been sister cities. Professor Baron says, "I believe strongly that the sister-city connections have made an ideal context for the students to live in. They are always welcomed to homes, schools, and offices of the city as if they were closely linked to Eutin--even though we always have students who have never been to Lawrence." Former student participant Matt Roth also said, "The sister-city relationship and the community spirit in Eutin created a friendly atmosphere and made us feel at home."
The summer of 2002 was Professor Baron's last trip to Eutin as director of the Summer Language Institute. The city of Eutin recognized Dr. Baron's contributions to the sister city partnership and as an educator at a German-American evening on June 26. An article in a local newspaper covering the event quoted the municipal politicians as saying that, "In his low-key, modest and yet determined manner of supervision of his charges and because of his constantly grateful interaction with Eutiners, he found great acceptance here and won many friends." Professor Baron helped establish the sister-city relationship, though he's quick to point out that "it wasn't a single person. It's something
that evolved."
The University of Kansas has maintained an intermediate-level summer language program in the northern German city since 1966 as a compliment to the advanced language program in Holzkirchen in southern Germany. The sister city partnership as well as the longevity of the program has been beneficial for students." What we offer is special," Professor Baron says, "because they live in homes of families who've had students before or heard about it. The families enjoy it. Some of them have been to Lawrence."
Though Professor Baron is retiring as director of the Eutin program, the program will continue under the leadership of Professor Arne Koch. The Summer
Language Institute is for students who have completed at least two college semesters of German, or the equivalent. Participants earn nine hours of academic credit from KU in German language. While in Eutin students live with host families, take classes, and make study trips to local sites, including "a lot of cities Americans don't see," says Professor Baron. In addition to the six-week stay in Eutin, the program offers a concluding tour of other German and Austrian cities, including Berlin, Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. More information is available in the Office of Study Abroad or visit the website at:
http://www.ku.edu/%7Egerman/Eutinlevel1.htm
by Anne Wallen
Jayhawks Abroad
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