Exploring Germany this summer has been truly incredible. I started my time in Germany by attending a German language course at the University of Heidelberg. I had language classes every morning and then optional seminars in the afternoon which comprised of cultural and literary studies. In the language classes I studied Grammar, improved my pronunciation and expanded my vocabulary. My classes were, put simply, difficult. These were generously made more challenging by the average temperature of 36 degrees with no form of air conditioning in sight. I can quite readily confirm that there was blood, sweat and tears in my class.
Perhaps the most important and certainly most difficult aspect of my time in Heidelberg occurred outside the classroom. The guided tours organised by the university took place outside of Heidelberg and were conducted completely in German. Whilst initially this immersion was a huge shock it helped me overcome significant hurdles and I now speak the language with much greater confidence and fluency. Other activities the university organised were numerous and highly varied, these included sport days, film nights and concerts. They provided me with relevant, everyday vocabulary which I was lacking prior to the course. Surprisingly, having fun whilst using the language was something quite new to me and has refreshed my energy and motivation for learning German.
Heidelberg is a beautiful city. Relatively untouched by the world wars, the city boasts an old, beautiful German architectural style. The most rewarding view was at sunset on the Philosophenweg, a picturesque route that the eminent philosophers of Heidelberg once traversed when seeking inspiration for their works. The setting sun would illuminate the red sandstone of the buildings to give the most wonderful, exquisite glow. The ruined castle, which overlooked the city, was breathtakingly beautiful and this scene, combined with the spires of the many churches, made the sight of Heidelberg one could have thought to only experience in old fairy tales.
The university, founded in 1386, has buildings dotted all over the old town and has an esteemed academic tradition, with 56 Nobel laureates associated with the university. The friendly students and academic staff give the city its lively, welcoming and liberal setting. It was an inspiring location to learn German. Despite my accommodation having distinct similarities to the Studentenkarzer, the old student prison, I loved spending my whole days out exploring new places, meeting new people and practising my language skills.
After having passed the final test and finishing my classes, a fellow Hatfielder, William Panton, joined me in Germany and we explored several major cities together. We met in Frankfurt and continued to journey through Munich, Nuremberg, Berlin and Hamburg. It was interesting to see the differences both historically and culturally between the cities. Through visiting countless museums and conversing with a few locals, it was certainly a special conclusion to my time in Germany. I will undoubtedly return to Germany soon.