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Voices Abroad: My Time in Germany

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One Last Sunrise in Germany
Today is my last full day in Germany. It feels like the days have flown by. I was told that two weeks would pass in the blink of an...
iylahernden
Aug 246 min read


How the Ocean Connects Us and Personal Action Plans
The day began with a workshop by Salzwasser Verein, a nonprofit organization dedicated to water conservation. It was titled “Marine...
iylahernden
Aug 134 min read


The Hamburg Fish Market and Late-Night Volleyball
Sun Rising at Hamburg Fish Market Today, we woke up at the crack of dawn to visit the traditional Hamburg Fish Market. I was equipped...
iylahernden
Aug 113 min read


Roleplaying Through International Relations
This morning felt like a complete headache. Some mornings I wake up easily and well-rested, but most of the time, I’m half-asleep as the...
iylahernden
Aug 105 min read


Keeping Hamburg Clean: Waste Collection and Street Sanitation
This morning, we departed on a ferry to Hamburg's Waste Management Facility. The focus of today was waste collection, how trash is...
iylahernden
Aug 95 min read


Finding Connections to Our World and a Train Ride to Hamburg.
The Berlin Cathedral This morning, we rushed to the Humboldt Forum, an art museum in the East of Berlin. We were asked to reflect on the...
iylahernden
Aug 95 min read


Climate Migration and a Conversation on the Berlin Wall
A piece of the Berlin Wall Today, we toured the city of Berlin. The tour was constructed around dialogue and focused on the theme of...
iylahernden
Aug 76 min read


Berlin-Bound and Stories of Resistance
After a long train ride, we finally arrived in Berlin, buzzing from energy drinks and too much early-morning Sprite (it's the only thing...
iylahernden
Aug 73 min read


Sustainability from Farm-to-Table to Chocolate Creation
Piggies Today was an adventure, even if it came with a few extra bus rides. Our first stop made it worth it: Hof Eggers, a peaceful...
iylahernden
Aug 54 min read


Dialogue in the Dark: A Journey into Empathy and Perspective
Dialogue in the Dark Every day reminds me of a new challenge, a new way of thinking, and a new experience. Today was one of the most...
iylahernden
Aug 36 min read


Peacemaking and the Hamburg Pride Parade
"No Place for Racists" As Hamburg prepared for its pride parade, one of the more significant events of its kind in Europe, my group and...
iylahernden
Aug 34 min read


Rain-Soaked Journeys: Through Sustainability, Diplomacy, and Rollercoasters
U.S. Consulate flags representing the U.S. and Germany This week has been packed to the brim. Our program leaders have filled every hour...
iylahernden
Aug 14 min read


Hamburg, Through the Sustainable Lens
Hamburg City Hall Just as promised, today we toured the city of Hamburg using public transport and walking, and we shopped and had an...
iylahernden
Jul 314 min read


From Workshops to Plank Competitions: Connecting Across Cultures
This morning started early, with a prepared breakfast of meats, cheeses, green jello (do not recommend), and tea. Then we started our...
iylahernden
Jul 303 min read


Day 2: Flights, Fatigue, and Finally...Hamburg
A perfect, yet fleeting view of NYC I do not know what day it is, but I do know I haven't slept in at least 24 hours. After what felt...
iylahernden
Jul 293 min read


Day 1: Between Time Zones and Take Offs
Documenting my first day of travel from Albuquerque to Newark-a journey full of delays, views, and anticipation. Scroll down to see...
iylahernden
Jul 271 min read
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