Ruby's time in Dresden

Before my time in Dresden, I could have never imagined how much I would learn, experience, and grow in just three weeks. I arrived with hopes of improving my German skills and exploring a new culture, but left with so much more; memories, friendships and a proud sense of accomplishment. 

Adjusting to a new school on my own was both exciting and daunting, but I was warmly welcomed into all of my classes at St. Benno Gymnasium. Although the environment was quite different from what I was used to with no uniforms and a wide range of subjects for example, the open and friendly atmosphere made it an enjoyable place to spend most of my days. From originally understanding about half of each lesson, I impressed myself as this amount increased and I gradually gained the courage to participate, such as sharing my thoughts on the play we were reading in German class.    

My days quickly developed a rhythm. I became familiar with the Straßenbahn, to the point where I could probably recite the stops on my route to school by heart. After school, I took part in a variety of activities from youth-group preparations for the Herbstball to joining the Theater-AG (drama club). These experiences, despite pushing me outside my comfort zone, were also a unique opportunity for me to connect to a wider range of people than just those in my lessons. My experience was undoubtedly made so special by the kindness and generosity of my host family, who put in so much effort to make me feel at home. I loved spending time with them, especially during dinner. Music was always playing, and thanks to all their recommendations, my German playlist easily tripled in size! Hearing fast-paced, funny anecdotes from everyones days taught me not to stress when I didn’t understand every word, but to enjoy the jokes (and even dancing and singing!) which I did manage to grasp. They were very patient with me as I sometimes took longer to find the words I was looking for. I was far from perfect, but I was understood, and that was really rewarding, motivating me to keep learning and working to improve. 

Naturally I fell in love with Dresden itself. I was enchanted by the Altstadt, with its stunning architecture and sense of history. Visiting the Frauenkirche, a powerful symbol of restoration and reconciliation, left a lasting impression on me. I also enjoyed wandering through the Großer Garten, visiting museums such as the Grünes Gewölbe, the Militärhistorisches Museum, and the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, where I explored the “Freiheit” exhibition, but I must admit, the children’s section was equally fun and memorable. As part of adopting the German culture I gladly took part in the tradition of having Kaffee und Kuchen in a cafe in the Neustadt with my host family. They also took me on a breath-taking hike around the Sächsische Schweiz, exposing me to Germany’s natural beauty. To end a busy day, watching German films and TV shows with my host sister was a great way to unwind while also helping me pick up some more colloquial phrases and better understand cultural nuances.

By the end, I was exhausted in the best possible way. It was a sign of how much I was constantly taking in and learning, exercising my courage and curiosity. It was not only beneficial for my language skills, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for German culture beyond the classroom and a new sense of confidence in myself. The connections and endless memories I made will stay with me for many years to come.

You can read Ruby’s essay on ‘Versöhnung’ (‘Reconcilation’) here!