Speaking three languages or more is totally normal in Europe, so I was very surprised that most American students learned a language in school but didn’t speak it very well.

In Germany, I started learning English at school when I was 9 years old. When I was 12, I started learning French. I had to take both languages until last year. In the three years that I have to study in Germany when I return until I graduate, I have to continue learning one of the languages.

In Europe it is also very easy to travel to another country. So many people do it. Especially in Germany it is very popular to travel to other countries because it is so centrally located. You can be in another country in three hours by car, and thanks to the European Union we don’t need a visa to do it. I myself have been on vacation in Denmark, the Czech Republic, Belgium, France and three times in Spain. My five different countries that I have traveled to are few for European standards, so it was a bit of a culture shock for me that some people I have met here have never traveled to another country before. 

I think it’s important, when you travel to another country, to know a little bit of the language to show that you’ve taken a little bit of time to understand it, even if it’s just hello, please, thank you and goodbye. Learning the language of the country you are traveling to not only shows the people that you are interested in the culture and you can learn more about the culture. It also makes your stay easier because sometimes English doesn’t work so well.

For me, my language lessons have been very helpful so far because I was able to do a little exchange from my school to France for a week and my current exchange year here. I have to say that it is very helpful to know the languages beforehand.