Alumni Interview with Myiah Smith

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

Having previously studied abroad my junior year of high school 2014-15 in Germany with the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), a State Department Ambassadors scholarship program, I fell in love with travel. As a low-income young woman of color, there are many barriers of access that I must overcome in order to enjoy the privilege of international travels. Then, and now, I am incredibly thankful to organizations and institutions which make study abroad a reality for students such as myself. I was inspired simply to continue my interest in immersing myself in the global community, committed to becoming a global citizen, to understand the big global problems of today, and to create small simple solutions for tomorrow! 

Why did you choose IES Abroad Freiburg? 

I chose IES Freiburg for a number of reason. I choose IES Freiburg over IES Berlin because Freiburg was considered the “Green City of Germany,” and as a Culture and Politics major concentrating in Ecology & Fine Arts, it seemed appropriate to place myself in a leading city of ecological and green values. I also remember as an adolescent reading about the Black Forest and the German Alps, and I was in awe with the deep green trees set against the foggy backdrop of the forest. I fell in love with the photos, and knew that one day I would hike through them. Never did I imagine I’d study forestry of the Black Forest and Swiss/German Alps! As a native Washingtonian, I also welcomed the allure of a slower-paced city with an open mind. Rest assured that IES Freiburg was my best choice, because really, it chose me! 

What was your favorite part about Freiburg, Germany? 

Aside from being cradled between the Black Forest in Germany, and the Vosges Mountains of France, which meant plenty of hikes, Freiburg was very much a college town. I discovered a college population is an essential aspect to enjoying a city as a twenty-year-old. Having traveled to a few cities in France and Germany, those which stuck out had a predominantly large college-aged population. This is important as the demographics of a city greatly influences what a city has to offer. Things like activities, the types of entertainment and food offered, the nightlife, and even who you see on the tram most frequently can be essential aspects to how well you’re able to transition as an international student. I enjoyed meeting all the international students from countries outside of Europe, and the German college locals of the area. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

IES Freiburg Environmental Studies and Sustainability program, of the three major programs offered the Fall semester of ‘18, was the smallest cohort having 28 students. Compared to the IES EU program which had a stellar 98, I had an opportunity to develop deep ties with my cohort. They were the “study” to my abroad, and made my experience extraordinary. Not only did I learn and grow with them in the classroom, but outside the IES building they were my closest friends and confidants. There isn’t an exceptionally robust environmental studies program at my homeschool university. Being surrounded by other students interested in environment studies made me realize I was never in such a space in the past. I had a community of solidarity which was as passionate about the global environmental issues of the modern world as I was. We reminded one another to continue to pursue our work and interest. It was impossible to feel alone when I found myself apart of such a formidable family. 

How did the local staff support you throughout your program? 

IES Freiburg staffers had warm and welcoming personalities (contrary to German stereotypes) and provided no hand-holding during the program. They acted more as an accessible resource, than that of an in-your-face guidance. I prefer this method, as some programs suffocate students with requirements, rules, and expectations. IES Freiburg staff managed to create an excellent balance that allowed students to create an organic experience. I would bother the staffers every so often with questions like the best restaurants to visit, in which I was provided an extensive print out (in my budget range at that)! When I got sick, they assisted me in the process to find a doctor, and provided information on navigating the German “Apotheke.” The assistance which the staff provided made for a simple transition and development of a normal life in Freiburg. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

Instead of taking the tram to class, I wish I had the courage to ride the $20 auction bike I had purchased. I solemnly rode it, despite Freiburg being a bike and pedestrian friendly city (like really, the city is actually designed around the pedestrian, not the car). I shouldn’t have allowed my fears to get into the way of the commute I’m sure I would have enjoyed. Besides, I could have saved the ticket money and spent it on a trip. This spring I’ll be sure to ride my bike to class! 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

I spent the weekdays in class, waking up at 8am (I am NOT a morning person) to catch the 8:28 tram (I'm very quick) into the city center of Freiburg, Germany. I’d make it to my 9am and spend the time engaging on theories about urban planning and the human scale, how to accomplish the three pillars of economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and have deep discussions about human behavior and its impact on the environment. If there wasn’t an expedition into the Forest, or a field trip around the city, I’d often be done with class no later than 2pm.

My class schedule varied greatly, because our program was set with intensive three week courses divided into 5 modules. Each module started at 9am, but day to day it varied. Some days class would end at 12pm and start again at 3pm, and other days there’d be a full day trip. I enjoyed the variability because there wasn’t a dull day in class! After class was complete, I'd often grab a Doner with friends and talk about our day or our weekend plans. I’d return back to my student housing complex where I’d complete homework (if any) with other IES students.

On Wednesday evenings I would cook dinner with a friend I made from the other IES Freiburg program with his cohort of friends. On Thursdays I would cook community dinner at the student housing complex. I usually cooked dinner once every week with a friend. If we weren’t cooking we’d have Netflix movie nights in the lounge, and snack on German chips and cookies. Sometimes we go out during the week to grocery shop together, or go to the various markets. We’d explore the city, try new foods, explored new parks, and ride random tram lines back and forth.

On the weekend I was out dancing. I love to dance, and my close friend did too. Nearly every Friday, ladies night at Mamita Dance Club meant we got in for free. I’d spend the evening swaying, dancing bachata, and laughing all night. Such a great work out! On Saturday I’d sleep in to catch up on the mornings spent up before 11am. Some Saturdays I’d go to the flea market, other days I would cook brunch with the IES students. The weekends consisted of chill outings, homemade food, and deep discussions about the future, our hopes for the world, and what we’d do next weekend. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

I never had much free time between class, having the scheduled weekly traditions with my friends, and the trips taken with IES and independently. If I ever did have free time I would spend it doing something; either taking a hike to a summit in my neighborhood, or going to the town fair. I loved to see, do, experience, and taste something new. I was already occupying my time doing what I enjoyed, and I always felt free in the time I had! 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

I loved my housing placement, and IES filled my initial housing request—a mini apartment place all to myself! It had a bedroom space with floor length windows, a large closet, a full bed, a desk with a chair, and a table complete with seating. I also really enjoyed my electric ceramic stove top, and the microwave was very much like an oven (it cooked pizza and fried fish sticks too!). My bathroom had a shower and standard utilities. It was a spacious accommodation, not too large or too small. I was happy that it was all mine that semester!

The housing complex, the FIZZ, consisted of single student apartments. There was a lounge space, laundry, and study rooms in each building. The tenant assistants and the kitchen were on the main floor of the main building, where I was housed. The tram stop was right outside the door, making commutes to class and into the city very effortless! I really enjoyed the community, which consisted of university students and professors. They were a vibrant bunch that made living in Freiburg a comfortable, yet familiar experience! 

What is one thing every future participant should know about IES Abroad before their program begins? 

Request what you want and advocate for your needs. Speak to a former participant, because IES Freiburg allows you to request specific housing (even rooms if available), so if you know where you want to live, kindly ask they place you there. Same goes for classes. Even if you get on site and find what you're studying no longer fills that annoying school requirement, request to switch out! Study up on what IES Freiburg has to offer, and don’t be afraid to ask for something else.

Would you recommend IES Abroad to others? Why? 

I recommend IES Freiburg to those who are interested in the environment, the European Union and politics, or those who are interested in German language and area studies. IES Freiburg is perfect if you like hands-on learning with lots of trips and activities. If you prefer programs which give you the range to explore and experience without the burden of overhead requirements and checklists, then this is perfect for you. IES Freiburg balances studies, program-sponsored trips, monthly events, and a 24/7 on-call staff that you are free to access at your discretion. Have fun and learn a lot! 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

Cultural immersion. A time to reflect and then recreate the self you already were. To find individuals who are as thrilled about the things you are also passionate about. To debate, but not defend, what you think, feel, and experience. A time to grow and have fun while giving and receiving openly. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

My studies have greatly shaped what I hope to do over the next chapter of my life. Before traveling to Freiburg, the green city of Europe, I was unsure how to convert my passion of environmental sustainability into a career. While abroad I learned about the various sectors and industries that utilize green aspects. I now feel confident to pursue my green interest! 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel is the ability to extract a learned aspect to utilize and practice when traveling throughout one’s personal life.