As promised, here is some more information about my internship this summer.
Location:
A town called Magdeburg. It is located in former East Germany. At first there was some apprehension about this location, due to some people thinking the town is rough and there being bad neighborhoods and I quote, old 'skin heads' running around. I had some reassuring to do, saying that I know the language, this isn't my first time in Germany or former East Germany, and that if not more politely said, I'm not stupid. But it's good not to be naive, and being aware of the towns perceptions is a good thing. But there is river flowing through the town and a huge University. Magdeburg was pretty much destroyed after WWII, so most of the buildings were built up pretty poorly by the Russians. More than that, I really don't know.
Living Arrangements:
I'll be living in Magdeburg, approx. 2.7 km [1.5 mile] away from the Hauptbahnhof [train station] at one of the student dormitories for the local university. I'll have my own room and bathroom, with a shared kitchen down the hall. I have been assured by dear friend Liz (See below), that these kitchens are indeed used by the students. There is laundry in the basement. Well see how much I eat in the Mensa [cafeteria].
Internship:
Here is the website of the Engineering firm I will be working at- ITG Plaungs und Energieberatungs GmbH. From the looks of it, they are a pretty broad consulting firm, doing projects that incorporate high-efficiency energy-saving designs into their building plans. The main branch is located in a suburb of Magdeburg, called Schönebeck. I'm pretty sure they have an office actually in Magdeburg, and this is where I'll be working. I received a two page project description, all in complex technical German. The main gist of it is that I'll be working with a group of other interns deciding if it's worth it or not to start putting solar panels on buildings that ITG renovates.
I'd like to make a couple of personal shout-outs.
First, to my German professor at Calvin, Corey Roberts. He has been an incredible presence this semester, basically setting up this experience for me. All the phone calls and emails arranging this for me.... geesh, what a blessing. And the countless emails reminding me what forms to turn in and documents to write. And then the editing of these documents that were to be sent abroad. I am eternally grateful.
Second, to my grade school friend Liz Ludwig, who is studying abroad in Göttingen. She has already been a great resource for my dumb little questions, and hopefully she will continue to be. We are going to try and meet up sometime!
Third, to the Hekman Library at Calvin College, specifically the Theological Seminary Library. The overwhelming support I have received from this department has been delightful. I hope to make good use of the knowledge and resources they have provided me while I am in Germany.
Still packing,
Katrina
German Word[s] of the Day:
das Praktikum- Internship
die Praktikantin- Female Intern
Example-
Ich bin eine Praktikanin. [I am an Intern]
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