Letter from Israel: A Semester Abroad in Germany – by Zohar Funk
My Journey to Karlsruhe: A Semester Abroad in Germany
Hello everyone,
My name is Zohar Funk, and I am a 26-year-old student from Israel. I am currently spending a semester studying at “Karlsruhe University of Education” in Germany. I wanted to share my experiences, challenges, and adventures with you as I navigate this exciting chapter of my life.
Why I Chose Germany
Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by different cultures and the idea of living abroad. Germany, with its rich history and robust education system, always stood out to me as a destination I wanted to explore. Additionally as a Jewish girl whose grandparents were in the Holocaust I had the desire to explore Germany in a different light than the one I grew up watching in movies and heard about in stories. When I got the opportunity to study a semester at PH Karlsruhe, I knew I had to take it. The chance to experience life in Germany, learn from a different education system, and immerse myself in a new culture was too good to pass up.
First Impressions and Challenges
Arriving in Karlsruhe, I was immediately struck by how different everything felt. One of the first challenges I faced was the language barrier. Despite Germany being well-known for its high proficiency in English, I found that many people here do not speak it as fluently as I expected. This has pushed me to learn some basic German phrases to get by.
Another surprise was the weather. In July and August I anticipated warm summer days, but instead, it was still quite cold and rainy. This took some getting used to, especially coming from the much warmer climate of Israel. This has forced me to alter my wardrobe with the help of the local Primark.
Academic Pursuits
At Karlsruhe University of Education , I enrolled in a variety of courses that piqued my interests, from “Decolonize Your Mind” to “Superhero Comics” and even “Going Green”, in which we studied in the school garden for ELT purposes. The academic environment here is stimulating, and I appreciate the different perspectives offered by my professors and classmates. These courses are helping me grow both intellectually and personally, challenging me to think critically and broaden my horizons.
The fascinating short stories we studied during the semester in “Decolonize Your Mind” have left me wondering on many topics .The picture was taken in the school garden in which we studied the course “Going Green”. I chose this course in order to take on the role of Head of Sustainability” in my campus, I gained many tools for this new role.
Exploring Germany and Beyond
One of the highlights of my time here has been the travel opportunities. I have visited Heidelberg twice – once with the International Office and once with my family. Both trips were amazing, showcasing the beauty and history of the city. I also went on an overnight trip to Tübingen, explored Stuttgart and Ludwigsburg, and even joined an Israeli delegation for a visit to the Black Forest and Strasbourg in France.
My favorite trips however were with my wife to Amsterdam in Holland, where we slept in a boat instead of a hotel and made our own Tony chocolate, Basel in Switzerland and Europa Park. Each trip has been a unique adventure, filled with stunning landscapes and new experiences.
Cultural Differences
One noticeable difference between Germany and Israel is the warmth of the people. Israelis are generally very open and warm, making connections quickly. In contrast, Germans tend to be more reserved and take time to open up. This initially felt a bit isolating, but as I settled in, I came to appreciate the genuine and deep connections that do form over time.
During the semester, however, I enjoyed the company of other international students and we became great friends and had many great adventures. Additionaly, I met people in my dorms that study at different universities, and one of the even became my best friend in Germany and we even speak often now after I moved back home.
Embracing Nature and Hobbies
Karlsruhe is a beautiful city with lush parks and green spaces. I fell in love with walking in these parks, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of nature. It became one of my favorite pastimes and a great way to relax and reflect. Additionally, during the semester, one of the classes that I enjoyed most (“Going Green”) took place in the school garden, which was full of plants and even a pond with ducks and dragonflies.
One of my favorite parks I went to on a daily basis was incredible. I do not know its name but it was full of hares and crows and it felt like walking into a fairytale.
Staying Connected with Loved Ones
Staying connected with my loved ones back in Israel was crucial for me. My wife visited me twice, each time staying for about two weeks. These visits were wonderful, providing a comforting sense of home. I also flew back to Israel once to visit my parents. Additionally, my mother and sister-in-law flew over with my wife to celebrate my birthday with me, making it a truly special occasion.
Staying connected was important because of the ongoing war. My family lives in the north, one of the most dangerous parts in the country, which made me worry to no end. For example I onced talked to my mother on the phone and all of the sudden there was a siren and she had to run to a bomb shelter where they have no reception so I could not speak to her and know that they were safe. That was a huge source of concern for me.
Cooking Adventures
Interestingly, I discovered a new hobby since coming to Germany: cooking. When I first arrived in Germany, I loved the food, like the first bratwurst I ate the day I landed in Frankfurt. However, after about a week I could not eat any German food, which felt very fatty and heavy in comparison to the very green and fresh diet I am used to in Israel. So I decided to learn how to cook. This was a fun and rewarding experience, and I enjoyed preparing meals that remind me of home and I also surprised my wife who is a chef and who never thought I could cook anything.
Final Thoughts
My time in Karlsruhe was a mix of challenges and wonderful experiences. From navigating the language barrier and dealing with unexpected weather to exploring new cities and embracing new hobbies, this journey has been transformative. I am grateful for the opportunity to study here.
Thank you for following along with my adventures.
Warm regards,
Zohar Funk
Text by Zohar Funk
Photos by Zohar Funk, Lilach Edman, Chansamone Senxayyachak, Somchai Chuangbaikham, and student members of the PH Karlsruhe International Club
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