Lucy Metzger

I am studying abroad through the Freie Universität (FU-BEST) partner program in Berlin. I am taking classes about the mechanics of film music, media politics, and totalitarian experience, as well as learning German. Prior to this experience, I had never travelled overseas, but being able to be in Berlin and travel to other countries and cities in Germany has been one of my favorite parts. It has been amazing to immerse myself in European culture, history, and media, and to meet so many new people from all over the world.

I was not expecting how many different perspectives I would encounter here. It has been very interesting to meet other students from all over the world, my professors, German locals and other people who we have met during our explorations. I have also come to understand the complexities of German history and it has been interesting to see the way that they approach their own history and their application of this to other current events happening in the US and across the world.

I am looking forward to continuing to explore Europe, its history, and the differences in music and pop-culture. This is something that I want to continue to do research about, and in some way connect some of the things I’ve learned here to my honors thesis.

During my abroad semester, I have been able to take classes that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to take. It has been very interesting to learn about German history from a German lens, and even from professors who lived through some of the experiences that we are discussing. We are given many opportunities to learn from our environment in Berlin, and from a weeklong trip to Munich and Vienna. I am taking two classes where I am able to look at totalitarianism and media politics from a sociological perspective which has been very interesting in fulfillment of some of my credits for my minor. Additionally, I am taking a class about the mechanics of film music which has been very interesting, and an experience that I otherwise would not have been able to take but relates to my major and a possible professional path that I am interested in taking.

By receiving an award from Honors, it has given me more financial freedom. Being able to travel, try different foods, go to museums, and overall immerse myself in European culture during my time here with this money has been very beneficial, and helped me to enjoy my time to the fullest.