Learning the Ropes (and Bus Routes) in Aachen

GRIP: Engineering Research in Aachen, Germany

When I first arrived in Aachen for my summer internship through the GRIP program, I expected the biggest challenge to be the language barrier. I had never studied German before, and while the program includes German language classes, I knew it would take time before I could confidently communicate. During my first few days, I relied heavily on Google Translate, hand gestures, and the occasional game of charades to get my point across. This was especially true when interacting with older residents, as many students and younger people spoke English quite well. Although it was intimidating at first, I quickly learned that communication is about much more than language. A little patience and adaptability can go a long way. Giving up too easily is an opportunity missed. Additionally, the UROP buddy system helped a lot with navigating this barrier at least initially.

Another adjustment was learning how to navigate the city. One of my first impressions of Aachen was how walkable it is and how extensively people use public transportation. Coming from the suburbs in the US, where I am used to driving almost everywhere, it took some time to get used to relying on buses. I definitely got on the wrong bus more than once during my first week. Over time, however, I became much more comfortable navigating the city and started to appreciate the convenience of the system. While the buses are occasionally delayed, they are frequent, easy to use once you understand the routes, and noticeably cleaner than many of the buses I have used back home.

Beyond the practical challenges, I also experienced some culture shock. One of my flatmates explained that Germans are generally more reserved than the stereotypically outgoing American. At first, I interpreted this as people being distant, but I quickly realized that was not the case at all. It simply took more time to get to know people. As the weeks went on, I found my flatmates to be incredibly kind, welcoming, and accommodating. This experience taught me that friendliness can look different across cultures and that first impressions do not always tell the full story.

Outside of work, I have tried to take every opportunity to explore Aachen and the surrounding region. During my first weekend, I visited Aachen Cathedral, wandered through the city center, and explored the shopping districts. One pleasant surprise was the variety of vegetarian food available throughout the city. Before arriving, I was unsure how easy it would be to find vegetarian options in Germany, but I have consistently found excellent choices, including many interesting fusion restaurants.

One of my favorite experiences so far was National Museum Day. Since admission was free, the other UROP students in my department and I spent the day visiting museums throughout Aachen. It was a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Perhaps the most surprising discovery was Aachen’s connection to equestrian culture. One of the museums we visited dedicated a significant portion of its exhibits to horses and horse-related art. It was not something I expected to find, but it gave me a new appreciation for a part of the city’s identity that I previously knew nothing about.

The UROP program itself has also been a major highlight of the summer. There are around fifty students participating from universities across the United States and Canada. Being surrounded by people with different backgrounds, majors (I was surprised to meet many non-engineering majors), and experiences has been incredibly rewarding. Whether we are exploring a new city, trying local food, or simply spending time together after work, I have made a diverse group of friends that has greatly enriched my experience abroad. The program organized trips to places such as Cologne and the Three-Country Point, where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet. These experiences helped me appreciate how interconnected Europe is and gave me opportunities to learn from both the places I visited and the people I traveled with.

Recently, I also traveled to Munich and visited Neuschwanstein Castle, which gave me a very different impression of Germany. Bavaria felt calmer and more scenic, with beautiful mountains, lakes, and open landscapes that contrasted with the more urban feel of Aachen and Cologne. Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle especially felt almost unreal because of how peaceful and picturesque the surrounding area was. It reminded me that travel is not only about seeing famous landmarks, but also about experiencing the atmosphere and pace of a place.

Overall, my time in Aachen has shown me that living abroad is less about one major transformation and more about many small moments of adjustment. Each day has required me to pay closer attention to things I normally take for granted: how people communicate, how cities are organized, how friendships form, and how culture shapes everyday life. Visiting places like Cologne, the Three-Country Point, Munich, and Neuschwanstein Castle also helped me understand Germany beyond just the city I live in. Cologne showed me the scale and history of a major German city, the Three-Country Point made Europe’s borders feel surprisingly close and interconnected, and Bavaria showed me a calmer, more naturally beautiful side of the country. These experiences have made me more aware of how much there is to learn from simply being present in a new environment. I came to Aachen expecting research experience, but I am leaving with a stronger sense of independence, a deeper appreciation for cultural differences, and more confidence in my ability to adapt wherever I go next.