Don´t mess with Texas

Cowboys, cattle, farms, oil, J.R. Ewing, wide and sandy land... that´s what I knew before I went for a semester abroad to the largest state of the US, Texas. I spent a great time at St. Edward´s University in Austin, Texas.

The university itself was established in 1885 and hosts between 3000-4000 students. From the first day, everything was well organized for the incoming students. Welcome-parties, an introduction-week and ongoing activities made it easy to adapt to the new culture and to meet new friends (the Office of International Education did a great job!!). I also attended the "International Student Association" where I got the great chance to meet people from countries I never was in touch with, i.e. Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Korea, and Mexico. During the week, I was busy with my studies. My focus was on Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and Marketing Promotion. The organization of the studies were different than ours in Germany. We had continuously homework to do, reports and midterms to write.

Nevertheless, I took the chance to travel as much as possible during my leisure time, too. And that's a MUST in the US. I was impressed by the contrast of the gorgeous landscape and the huge cities. Before my studies started I traveled along the east coast and visited Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City. During my studies I went with a group of St. Edward's students to Monterrey/Mexico and with friends to Houston, Dallas, New Orleans/Lousiana, Las Vegas/Nevada. It was also great to visit some old German cities like Fredricksburg and New Braunsville. Guess what, on the traditional "Wurst"-or "Okotberfest" you will find old traditional German music, German styled people and Texan-German food! Funny to see where our traditions are celebrated so far from home.

All in all, I enjoyed my semester at St. Edward's university. It was a great challenge and an amazing time with many new experiences. Take the chance and go abroad!! But don´t forget: Don´t mess with Texas!!

Silvia Klewer, November 2002