Wayne Ryan
Degree and Year of Degree: 3rd year Sociology major
Which university abroad did you attend? University of Cologne, Germany
Where did you live when you studied abroad? Hurth-Efferen, the best student village in Cologne!
What was the easiest thing when you arrived in Germany? The easiest thing for me after moving to Germany was meeting new people. It is impossible to not make friends here.
What was the most challenging thing when you arrived in Germany? The most challenging thing for me when I arrived in Germany was figuring out what courses I wanted to take and how to register for them.
What did you find different about studying in a German University? I find the biggest difference is that attendance is absolutely mandatory but that there is also much more free time to go out and enjoy your time abroad.
What is the best thing about Cologne? You cannot get bored here because there is always something to do. Studying in Europe also means cheap traveling. You can go from Germany to England for 50 Euro! The famous Kolsch beer, food and nightlife isn’t too bad either.
What do you find most interesting about Cologne? The Cologne Carnival is considered the best and biggest one in Europe. You can dress up in whatever costume if you like, (it isn’t mandatory) and have a drink or two with friends.
Which courses did you take? In my first semester I have taken courses on European Union politics and German language courses. The most interesting course I have taken so far has to be Civil Society in Communist and Post-Communist Countries. Getting to know how and why a person comes into power and becomes a dictator is very interesting!
Most memorable experience in Germany so far? The most memorable experience so far has to be traveling to Prague, which is an absolutely beautiful city, with a large group of students and coming home with a lot of new friends.
How did you spend your Christmas overseas? I spent my Christmas with my family in Germany for the first time. It was really special and I cannot wait to do it again.
What surprised you most about Germany? The biggest surprise for me when moving to Germany is that in Cologne, and many other cities, you are allowed to drink beer in public. It was a shock for me at first and more than once I found myself asking why the police don’t do anything. I now enjoy that freedom myself :P
What did you miss about Canada when you studied abroad? The thing I have missed the most has had to my friends and family. You get used to life here and eventually it becomes your home but you will always miss the people back home.
What do you like most about studying abroad? I enjoy being able to do whatever I want. In Europe you can always find something to do that fits any of your interests.
How many other countries did you visit when you were studying abroad?
I have visited the Czech Republic, France, Netherlands and I have plans in place to visit England and Ireland next!
What have you learned so far about being abroad?
It is very easy to get distracted because there are so many things to do and people to meet so you have to manage your time to get school work in or else you will fall behind.
What are your future plans?
I will be visiting Berlin in one week and spending my time in between semesters traveling around Europe. First stop Ireland!
Do you have any advice to future students, who may wish to study abroad?
Plan your finances for your time abroad accordingly and you will be able to enjoy it much more.
