Technically, no one has said those exact words to me, but I can tell they are thinking it. You can see it in people's faces -'You are going to Germany? To study English? What?' It's funny really; out of all the things I thought about when making this decision, what I was actually going to study whilst I was over there didn't cross my mind.
And now that I am actually thinking about it, I still don't think it's odd. It will be kinda awesome to see how my native literature will be discussed in a different culture. Things we take for granted here may be more heavily scrutinized. What I am excited for (academically) is the chance to broaden my thinking and to embrace new ideas. I'm also excited for a different way of doing things; after years and years in the British educational system, it will be a breath of fresh air indeed to experience German Higher Education.
For example, on the Erstsemester Universität Leipzig 2012 Facebook page, it's really interesting (read: confusing) to read about people's application process. Aside from the fact that it is in another language, it really is another language - a's, b's and c's? Forget it, there is some heavy number/point system going on that makes me feel very grateful for the old A-levels... But at the same time, I can't wait to find out what it all means.
Also, another reason for putting myself through this is for the future benefits. By this, I mean e-m-p-l-o-y-a-b-i-l-i-t-y. An Erasmus year abroad translates into communication skills, adaptability, independence and initiative, as well as problem solving and people skills. Sure, I get all these things from my Bachelor's degree, but adding a bit of shine to it with practical application might be what get's me a job. Hopefully.
Ah! I'm going dizzy. Must be all the nerdy excitement going on...
-Rae
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