Hamburg has become more of a home to me than I could ever have imagined. Reflecting on the past year I have spent there highlights just how quickly the time has flown by since I arrived at Hamburg Airport, dragging a cumbersome bike box and far too many bags. I have immensely enjoyed the opportunity to study at the Universität Hamburg for the full year, supported by the John Speak Trust. The scholarship has enabled me to focus on studying and developing my academic abilities in a challenging environment, which has undoubtedly contributed to my dramatically improved German proficiency. Writing regular reports acted not only as a linguistic demonstration of my progress, but also as a diary and a way to keep track of the chaos that often ensued when I launched into each new month. Without these monthly check-ins and audio reports, it would have been more difficult to appreciate my progress and realise how comfortable I had become in my everyday German life. It is hard to understate how thankful I am for the Trust’s support.
Student life in Germany differs in surprising ways to what I was used to, such as when people spent comparatively more time on campus socialising and eating in the Mensa (cafeteria) together than they would in the UK. Studying with native speakers forced me to step out of my comfort zone every lesson, putting myself out there when answering questions and concentrating not only on what I was saying, but how I was expressing it. Giving hour-long Referats (verbal presentations) on complex topics in front of a class was nerve-wracking, yet hugely rewarding when I delivered them confidently. I never thought I would learn so much about niche German linguistic phenomenons, like the Teutschübende Gesellschaft of 1715, which promoted and discussed the usage of German in everyday and literary language. In addition to normal uni classes, I took an academic writing seminar and a C1 language class, both of which stood me in good stead to write a 15-page Hausarbeit (essay) at the end of the second semester.
Aside from the university, I joined the oldest rowing club in the world outside England, the Hamburger und Germania Ruder Club. Continuing with my rowing was important to me, as it acts as a good outlet from university and would give me shared interests with other Germans, something that I knew was vital to making friends. Attending the Club’s evening events and dinners offered opportunities to engage with important traditions specific to Hamburg and the Club, such as Labskaus (herring, mashed potatoes and beetroot, pickles and a fried egg), Grünkohlessen (cabbage and sausages), the Siegesfeier (awards evening/celebration of achievements), and the Kirschblütenfest Feuerwerk (cherry blossom firework display). Speaking German made it possible for me to talk to many people of varying ages, which definitely made the whole experience more enriching. Through rowing I got to go on trips across Germany and a two-week training camp in Italy with the Hamburg Performance Centre. It did feel rather absurd that I got to train with and compete against German U23 athletes, but this was as a result of organising and negotiating everything in German, which seemed to make people far more willing to accommodate me.
Over the course of the year I have made lifelong friendships and experienced how kind Germans are. Visiting Lisa and her family in Prieweg was a great insight into German family life. Going to the Hamburger Dom (fairground) and the Schlepperballett (large ships manouevreing around each other, mimicking ballet) with my Austrian flatmate Leonie was also lots of fun. Although I didn’t venture too far afield with my culturally enriching activities, one of my favourite trips was to the Treppenviertel (stair quarter) in Blankenese, because it was so peaceful and the buildings were beautiful to look at. Taking my parents to the Loki Schmidt Botanical Garden in Klein Flottbek was also a highlight. Overall, I have learned so much about Hamburg’s harbour and maritime history through numerous tours, walks, boat trips and museum visits. This fascinating, often underrated city has so much to offer. Inspired by this year and buoyed by the progress I have made with my German, I would like to move to Hamburg after I graduate, which I view as a clear sign that this year abroad has been a success.