Hello again, everyone!

This week was a little on the tougher side, with work at my internship becoming a bit more hectic as projects continue to pick up. While it has been exciting to take on more responsibility, it has also meant spending more time learning new skills and figuring things out as I go.

That being said, I did manage to check out an international food market, which was definitely one of the highlights of my week. I got to try African fufu and Turkish dumplings called manti, both of which were absolutely amazing. I am definitely planning on going back the next chance I get. One of my favorite things about Berlin so far has been how easy it is to experience cultures from all over the world without ever leaving the city.

Unfortunately, all of this happened before I came down with an illness on Friday and ended up spending most of the weekend indoors recovering. It was harder than I expected. My body was telling me to slow down and rest, but my brain kept reminding me that I am in this incredible city with so much left to explore. Thankfully, I am feeling much better now and cannot wait to get back out there and continue making the most of my time here.

When it comes to adapting to German culture, I think Berlin being such an international city has actually made the transition much easier. There are fewer rigid social expectations than I expected, and because so many people here come from different backgrounds, it often feels very welcoming to newcomers. Most of the adjustments have come from the smaller everyday things—remembering to ask and pay for tap water at restaurants, specifying whether I want still or sparkling water, and getting used to different shopping and dining norms.

The biggest challenge for me, however, has been the language barrier. Growing up between India and the United States, I was always in environments where I could understand at least some of the local language, even if I was not completely fluent. Here, there are many moments where conversations are happening all around me and I have no idea what is being said. At first, that feeling was surprisingly isolating. It made me realize how much I rely on understanding the language around me to feel comfortable and connected to a place.

I have noticed this challenge in the workplace as well. While my internship is conducted primarily in English, there are still occasional conversations, side discussions, or cultural references that happen in German. It can sometimes make me feel like I am missing part of the picture. At the same time, it has pushed me to become more comfortable asking questions, seeking clarification, and navigating situations where I do not immediately have all the information. In that sense, it has been a valuable learning experience both professionally and personally.

Despite these challenges, I think one of the most rewarding parts of this program has been learning how to immerse myself in a culture that feels completely different from what I am used to. Every day brings something new, whether it is a food, a custom, a phrase, or simply a different way of looking at the world. It is not always comfortable, but I think that is exactly what makes it such a meaningful experience.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be here, and I cannot wait to continue exploring, learning, and growing over the next few weeks.

Until next week