Hi Everyone!

My name is Michael Grande and I am a rising senior studying Finance and Marketing. Tomorrow afternoon I will be embarking on a three month trip to Berlin, Germany where I will be interning with NWTNBerlin.

I am originally from Pittsburgh so traveling to a foreign country for three months is going to be a huge adjustment for me.  I’m definitely going to miss my family and friends, but I’m hoping to immerse myself in a foreign culture and take advantage of any opportunities to further explore German life. Unfortunately, I don’t speak a word of German, so communicating effectively is a challenge I am expecting upon my arrival.

This is my last summer as an undergrad and going to Berlin was never an option for how I was supposed to spend this summer.  I found out about this program at the end of fall semester and was committed to going by the end of January.  So, yes, I am very nervous about what’s to come, but I plan to embrace my spontaneous side and just see where this trip takes me.  Living in Pittsburgh for my entire life has been amazing, but I think I’m ready for a new adventure.

Looking forward to meeting everybody and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!