Day 1

Today, we were invited to spend the day at the Fulbright Kommission office meeting with representatives from German institutions to learn about the Bologna Process and reforms to the German system of higher education (in the morning). Then, in the afternoon, and we learned more specifically about Career Services, Development/Alumni Relations, and International Relations of German universities, current initiatives and future goals. It was a very enlightening day of benchmarking and sharing ideas through open conversation. There was so much to absorb that I'm sure I'm going to be processing everything for a long time. It's clear how German history and culture have influenced their systems of higher education, and I'm able to see more clearly how the U.S. culture of business has influenced the U.S. higher ed. system more and more in recent years. We didn't talk about this specifically, but our conversation got me thinking about it...

Not to mention the food...the food here has been incredible so far! A welcome dinner was held for us tonight on the top floor of our hotel, which overlooks the east side of Berlin. Back during the Soviet era, this same room was a discotheque overlooking the city. I have to say that the wood floor was a perfect danceable floor! One of my colleagues knows "Steppin'" and agreed to show me some steps...yay! Haven't been out swing dancing yet, but I plan to do more research on places to dance a little bit later.

That's all, folks! 'Til later...

Incredible

It's the middle of the night, but I have a major case of jet lag, so I'm up typing emails and updating my blog. When we arrived yesterday afternoon, we were immediately whisked off to take a guided bus tour of Berlin. The buildings and architecture are astoundingly beautiful here! We have a very full week ahead of us, and I'm not sure that I'll be on the internet that much (which is okay, because I don't want to miss anything!). The quick tour was followed by an introductory Fulbright meeting and then an amazingly huge dinner at an Italian restaurant coupled with great conversation! More soon!

In Berlin

Made it to Berlin, Germany after a long-ish, somewhat uneventful trip! *Yawn* Dramamine still wearing off...

More soon...!

Almost Time!

Eagerly awaiting my flight to Germany on Saturday, 10/27 at 8:01 pm (EST), I'm currently making some last-minute preparations. Clothing - CHECK. Gifts - CHECK. Credit card security notified of my travel - CHECK. Oh, no! Forgot my orthopedic shoe inserts in Queens at work! How can I walk for long distances without those?!! Unexpected last-minute trip back to St. John's University, Queens campus scheduled - CHECK.

I feel excited anticipation and some anxiety as the time to depart for my Fulbright experience draws nearer. I feel honored to be given the opportunity to participate in the U.S.-Germany International Education Administrators program (www.cies.org), the opportunity of a lifetime. I think about all of the new people and experiences I will encounter and wonder how I will change personally and professionally during this trip.