Natarlya is facing her final days in Aurich as she is heading back to New South Wales and her life on a rather remote farm there (nearly no internet). Thanks to Lina’s and Kira’s interview Natarlya shares her experiences with us. All the best to you, Natarlya, and regards to your favourite wallabies Down Under, please!
Natarlya, do you think you will adopt any German traditions and habits and take them back to Australia?
Natarlya: “Yeah definitely, for example the idea of an Adventskalender. From Australia I only knew Chocolate Adventskalender but now my host mum made me one with hand-sewn bags. I also like the tradition of an Adventskranz. But there are also every-day things I will try to do more often back home, for example riding the bike and I also bought a Brettchen.”
What was the biggest culture shock when you first came to Germany?
Natarlya: “Everything was very different. But I especially noticed the Germans dedication to their work and school. I was astonished seeing that they for example got the sidewalks done in one week. At home it takes them forever to build a new street and stuff like that. And I noticed you do eat a LOT of bread.”
Meeting of exchange students in Cologne
What was the strangest food you have eaten so far in Germany or Europe?
Natarlya: “There was nothing really disgusting but the strangest thing probably was Grünkohl. But I love it now and I will definitely miss it. Eating Blutwurst however was an interesting experience as well. However, the stereotype of Germans eating a lot of sausage did not turn out to be true, though that may be because my first host family was vegetarian and in Australia we also eat a lot of sausage.”
What do you think you will miss most about Germany when you return to Australia?
Natarlya: “My host family, especially to my current one I have a deep connection. And as I said before I love Grünkohl, I will miss that and the cold!”
How many badges can you actually stick to a jacket? Natarlya hides hers (second left, back row)
How do you think you have changed during your year abroad?
Natarlya: “I think I changed a lot. I was independent in Australia but coming here I learned to ask people for help and lean on them. The change really started three or four months after I arrived. First I was very shy but then I became more confident and open and stopped caring about what others thought.”
Do you consider coming back to Germany or Europe in the future? If so only for holidays or can you imagine living here for a longer time again?
Natarlya: “Yes, mainly for holidays to visit my host family again and friends. I am very loyal to Australia so to move here it had to be a very good reason like a job or husband. But still Germany is my second home now.
What is your final impression of Aurich or Germany in general after you have spent a year here? How is it different from your first impression?
Natarlya: “It has improved. I think Aurich is cool and I like it a lot. At first I thought it was big, compared to my hometown, but I soon noticed that there was nothing really to do and there is no train station so it is hard for me to meet with friends living in Bremen or elsewhere. However, it is very different to living on a farm, I enjoy the quiet knowing I am in the middle of the town. I just love Aurich.”
Lina & Kira