by Michaela Lamb |

Three flights, including a nine hour trek from Chicago to Düsseldorf, Germany were the beginning of a journey for students studying German in Europe right after school let out in May.

The language  experience began on Lufthansa, a German airline, where students were completely immersed in the language and culture before even setting foot in Europe.

Students began their tour in Berlin and spent two days in the capital of Germany, seeing famous historical sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Check Point Charlie, and the Berlin Wall. Berlin also offered students a glimpse into urban life in Germany.

Unlike America, there are no towering skyscrapers because a law requires that buildings in Germany be no taller than five stories. Ancient architecture flowed seamlessly into modern projects.

People’s main mode of transportation is biking and walking. Dogs are not required to be kept on a leash and graffiti is a form of artistic expression.

Taking a day to explore the World War II-ravaged city of Dresden, the group battled constant drizzle and chilly temperatures on their way through the perfectly preserved, picturesque medieval towns of Nuremberg and Rothenberg. They sampled local specialties, like German ice cream and drei im weckla, three sausage links on a roll with catsup and mustard.

Students toured World War II concentration camp, Dachau, as well as the BMW world headquarters in Munich before moving on to see the famous “Disney” castle, Neuschwanstein, in the foothills of the Alps.

After visiting the scenic village of Oberammergau and the salt mining town of Berchtesgadenm, the group made their way into Austria through the Alps, stopping to tour Adolf Hitler’s mountaintop bunker, Eagle’s Nest.

In Saltsburg, the setting of The Sound of Music, students were shown a city full of art, with living statues, musicians and art venders on every corner. Saltsburg was the home of composer Mozart and his influence is reflected in the city’s cultured atmosphere.

From Saltsburg, the group transferred to Vienna, the capital of Austria, their final destination on their 12-day overseas adventure.