Hallo!
My name is Kalvin and I’m studying creative writing at USC Sunshine Coast. Right now, I’m studying overseas at the RheinAhrCampus In Germany.
I live in a little town called Remagen, which is on the glorious River Rhein. Coming to Germany was a surprise because I couldn’t have planned it. When I was volunteering for USC International during Orientation Week, I met a German professor who offered me an academic internship. This is my second exchange, but one a whole other level. Although I’m still studying, I spend half my time working for RheinAhrCampus’ own international department, Sprachen/Internationales. In fact, I managed our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SprachenIntRAC/) and even co-produce a podcast: https://www.absolutely-intercultural.com/– Episode 245 is the best 😉
Coming to a new country gave me permission to be a new person, and I love it so much I’m staying another semester. Actually, I think I’ve gone a little mad, because in a few days, I’m starting a bicycle tour through France and Italy. With a winter sleeping bag, I’ll be camping for one month in bushes and meeting new people with ‘CouchSurfing’ along the way. I wouldn’t have built the courage to try something like this if not for my five months here.
If I can offer something I’ve learned, don’t choose the easy option. If you’re going on an adventure overseas, go wild, go somewhere like Germany. Most importantly, this experience will be more valuable than any course. Come even if it means studying something outside your degree. I wouldn’t trade this for a course with Steven King; I’ll still be better off as a writer because of what this adventure has made me.
Love from Germany,
– Kalvin
International Student Blog 