Gaining confidence through travel
Abigail Gujuluva
Studying Abroad in Germany in 2022 at age 20) and again in 2024 at age 22
Before I ever set foot outside of the United States, I thought I understood the world fairly well. I was raised identifying simply as “American,” without a strong connection to my ancestral roots. My parents told me we were mostly of German heritage, and my maiden name reflected that. But I didn’t know what it truly meant to be European-American. That began to change when I studied abroad in Germany—first during my undergraduate program for three months in 2022, and again in graduate school for six months in 2024. Both journeys deepened my empathy, broadened my perspective, and gave me a level of self-confidence I hadn’t known before.
One of the first moments that shifted my worldview happened during my first trip to Germany. I had always wondered why museums used such simple, plain English on their exhibit signs—until I saw a young Italian girl translating a museum description to her grandmother. In that moment, I realized that accessibility and simplicity in language aren’t signs of dumbing down; they are acts of inclusion. That small observation opened my eyes to how much I had taken for granted in my own experience of the world.
My second study abroad experience in Germany was even more impactful. By then, I was more confident navigating unfamiliar places, and I had improved my German enough to read local headlines. I lived just a mile away from a U.S. Army base—something I hadn't expected. Suddenly, the frequent German news coverage of American politics, especially about President Trump, made much more sense. It was eye-opening to realize how interconnected our countries are, and how deeply invested people abroad are in U.S. affairs.
I had conversations with students from all over the world—Turkey, China, Russia, the UK, India, Nigeria, and beyond. We discussed how the U.S. is portrayed in their media, how COVID affected their families, and what they thought of American leadership. These dialogues were some of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad. They helped me understand global perspectives and made me reflect on the lens through which I see the world. I found myself listening more, judging less, and appreciating the complexity of global issues. These interactions didn’t just expand my worldview—they made me more empathetic.
At the same time, I felt my self-confidence growing. I was learning to communicate in another language, forming relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, and navigating life in a foreign country on my own. I even came to appreciate the practical details of German life, from their innovative recycling systems to their clever “tilt-and-turn” windows. During my stay, I witnessed a national election and observed the stability of a coalition-based government—a striking contrast to the political polarization I was accustomed to. I also noticed the trade-offs: Europe was often less wheelchair accessible, yet the younger population appeared much healthier. Higher education in Germany is free for citizens, though it lacks many of the amenities offered by American universities. Ultimately, I realized that every society has its own strengths and shortcomings, and I’m grateful that such different systems can coexist in our world.
Most importantly, traveling gave me a deeper sense of identity. When I was young, I asked my parents what culture we were part of, and they told me “American.” But I always wondered—was that all? Didn’t my family culture start before 250 years ago? While abroad, I began to learn more about German culture and history—beyond the World War II narrative taught in American schools. I saw myself as part of a longer, richer heritage. I wasn’t just visiting Germany—I was connecting to a forgotten part of myself.
