How Dancing Transformed My German Summer

By: Amy Liu, SEAS ’25

Amy with friends at a Sunset Picnic.

GRIP: Engineering Research in Aachen

I never would have thought a casual text to another intern would have such a huge impact.

Two days into my GRIP internship in Aachen, I found myself suddenly without plans for the evening after work hours. Previous evenings had been planned by the program, so suddenly, I was left with the daunting thought, “Now I have to go out and make friends by myself.” Right, you might think this quite elementary, but back then, I had arrived in Germany only 4 days prior, it was my first time in Europe, and I didn’t speak the same primary language as anyone in the country (to my knowledge at the time). Now, I look back at this moment in appreciation, because it was these miscellaneous thoughts of anxiety that led to my spontaneous text to another intern from the program: “Hey, do you know any school events going on tonight?”

At RWTH, the host university, every Tuesday evening the Organization for International Students hosts a different social event for students, ranging from Karaoke Night, to Global Eats, to, as I found out that day, Professional Brazilian Forro Dancing Lessons. Wanting to meet local students, I tossed aside worries of dance inexperience, and made my way to the event.

At the door, I was instantly put at ease, taking in the familiar setting of cheery little circles of socializing students, seeing the small dance floor with a few people learning Forro, and the all-around warm atmosphere. Almost immediately, I was pulled into a group, being greeted, “Hey, what’s your name?”

Throughout the night, I was approached by many, approached even more, and had conversations about anything and everything. Board members there, upon learning it was my first Organization event, inquired about my first days in Aachen, asked if I needed help with anything, and assured the Organization would always be a source for me. I was even whisked away for a quick minute to learn the ropes of Forro! And at the end of the night, after goodbyes, and “so nice to meet you” ‘s, and social media exchanging,  I was asked, “So, you coming to karaoke tomorrow?”

After that day, at RWTH there were no boring evenings. Every night, I selected from the offerings of food festivals, local concerts, and dinner get-togethers. The beyond friendly student culture there meant that constantly, we were sent texts like, “Want to join us for lunch at the cafeteria?”, “There’s a Summerfest next Monday, want to join?”, or simply, “Karaoke tonight?”. So truly, I have quickly realized, students at RWTH are a family, and I was beyond lucky to have joined it because of GRIP.

The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.