A Language Journey with Personal Roots
Una Gogstetter, a student at Smith College, began learning German in 6th grade after choosing it as their school language. Their decision was influenced in part by their German ancestry, and that early interest developed into years of learning German. Una continued with German throughout middle and high school and took additional German classes in college.
After years of classroom study, Una was eager to take learning further. They had heard that learning German in Germany—through cultural and linguistic immersion—could significantly deepen both understanding and fluency. Supported by a college grant, Una began searching for an opportunity to study German abroad.
Discovering Language Travel Through ILI
Because Smith College is located near the International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI), Una was already
familiar with the school. A closer look at ILI’s German language programs introduced them to the Language Travel department, which supports students in finding study abroad opportunities around the world.
“ILI helped me prepare for my study abroad experience by facilitating my contact with potential study abroad programs and by ensuring I found a program that was the right fit for me,” Una said.
With guidance from ILI’s staff, Una reviewed several options before selecting a program they hadn’t come across during their own independent research.
Choosing the Right Fit
Una chose one of ILI’s partner schools in Germany because it offered exactly what they were looking for: it was more affordable than other programs, included job placement for eligible participants, and allowed for a shorter commitment of seven weeks. It also had a great reputation and was located in Lindau, a picturesque lakeside city near the borders of Austria and Switzerland.
Thanks to support from ILI and their college grant, Una was able to make the trip.
Life and Learning German in Lindau
Each weekday, Una walked from their student housing across a scenic bridge and through Lindau’s cobbled old town to class. Some days included only morning lessons, while others extended into the afternoon. The classes were small and engaging, with skilled teachers and students from all over the world.
At the partner language school, Una had the chance to learn both in and outside the classroom. “All of my teachers were quite skilled at their jobs as well as being interesting people,” they said. During excursions and shared housing, Una also learned from classmates representing many different cultures.
After class, Una often shopped for groceries, experimented with German ingredients, and cooked meals in the student house’s shared kitchen. Some evenings were spent joining cultural activities or exploring the city.
On weekends, Una joined trips to places like Munich, ventured on solo excursions using Germany’s efficient public transit system, or worked shifts at a local Biergarten—an experience that helped them use German in everyday, practical ways.
Learning German in Real Life
For Una, immersion brought the language to life in ways a classroom never could. Tasks like translating grocery labels, planning what to say in stores, and preparing for job interviews were all part of the learning process.
“Rather than only doing exercises from a workbook, I was seeing and hearing German in context as I walked along the streets, browsed through shops, ordered at restaurants and cafés, and so on,” they explained.
This kind of learning German abroad made a huge difference in their comprehension, confidence, and communication.
Cultural Discoveries and Daily Surprises
Even with preparation, Una was still surprised by some cultural differences—like how thoroughly everything shuts down on Sundays, including grocery and convenience stores. Other small surprises included having to pay for condiments, like ketchup.
But these differences quickly became part of the learning journey. “I wasn’t always prepared for the cultural differences I experienced between Germany and the US. While these differences could be surprising, I also found them really interesting.”
They were especially impressed by Germany’s walkable cities and infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians: “The infrastructure there was built to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians, which I loved.”
Navigating Challenges—and Growing From Them
Navigating life in a foreign country, mostly independently, came with its fair share of challenges. Una had to plan ahead more than usual, especially for things like online shopping or doctor’s appointments.
They also described the job search as a process—but noted that program staff were supportive and helpful throughout.
“I think it was helpful for me in handling challenges to view sometimes disorienting linguistic and cultural differences as part of the excitement of being abroad,” they shared.
Language Growth and Future Goals
By the end of the seven weeks, Una’s German had clearly improved—but they also gained perspective. The experience helped them see how much work fluency really requires.
“This experience has also furthered my understanding of how difficult it is to reach fluency in a foreign language. To some extent, the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn.”
Still, Una left feeling motivated. “I’d love to come back to Germany for some time in the future—to pursue a master’s degree, for instance—if that ends up being possible.”
Why Una Recommends ILI
Before reaching out to ILI, Una had already spent time researching summer programs in Germany—but they didn’t come across the one they ended up attending.
“Based on my needs and preferences, ILI connected me with the lovely program I attended this summer, which I might not have found on my own.”
They now recommend ILI to others looking for meaningful language immersion programs, both at home and abroad.
Your Path to Learning German Starts Here
If you’re inspired to learn German—whether for travel, work, study, or personal growth—ILI offers flexible, affordable options to get you started. You can take private German classes online or in person, join small group German lessons or let ILI help you find the perfect way to learn German in Germany.
Whatever your path, ILI’s programs are designed to meet your needs—just like they did for Una.
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