Kirstie W - Worms, Germany - Spring 2015

Worms is a very small and very old town.  It is easy to see that it was not bombed during the war.  After traveling around Europe with Elmhurst's other amazing study abroad programs, it was easy to see that Worms is going to be something different.  I went for a short jog and ran into many different kinds of old buildings that look like old castles.  Most of the time they are churches.  The funny thing is, the churches here appear to be wine growers and are very proud of it.  All of the little houses around the churches are so cute and well painted like brick cottages.  I am already excited.  This city seems very international despite it's size.  The best part is, the city is international and it appears well integrated with the different cultures.  The other cities that I visited were segregated and had areas with more of an ethnicity than another.  Here I can see many races living around me.  Everything is within walking or biking distance.  I am enjoying the atmosphere.  I have only been here a few days, but I already know I am going to greatly enjoy myself.  The food in stores is not overpriced like in big cities, and living necessities appear to be a decent price.  My roommate is also going to the same International business school as I am.  She came here to learn English.  The business classes are offered in English and German.  She does not speak German at all.  It will be interesting to go to an international school where anyone from around the world can go even if they do not know German.  From what I have experienced, most people speak English, especially if they wish to travel outside of their country or region.  I am very excited and cannot wait to see what Worms has to offer the students.  The classes are really one of a kind and as an International Business major I am sad to say that I will not be staying the whole year.  All of the classes offered appear to be exactly the classes that interest me and are specific to my field of study!