Why in the World did This Traveler Land in Munich

Formal Name: Katherine Sanderson

Nickname: Kate 

Who am I and where do I come from?

Hi there!  My name is Kate and I study Anthropology, Global Studies, and German at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.  Wayne State University is a Carnegie Classified Research Institute. I grew up in a little town in Northern Michigan called Beulah.  My hometown is very small with a population of around 340 people. The town is located on the shores of Crystal Lake. Where I grew up is also close to Lake Michigan where I spent many days of my summers as a child on the beach.  Lake Michigan is a very large lake that you can surf when it’s not frozen.  

Special Plans for the Next Three Months:

 Over the next three months, I plan on exploring the city of Munich and the surrounding towns.  I am hoping to spend some time this winter skiing in the alps and visiting the Christmas markets.  I would also really enjoy visiting all of the cultural sites and museums that Munich has to offer. I used to live in Northern Germany and have never really spent any time in Southern Germany, so I am not super familiar with all that the south has to offer.

Expectations for my Semester Abroad:

This semester I am hoping to improve my German speaking and writing level.  I am trying to improve my German level to a point at which I can apply for a master’s degree here in Germany.  I would also like to solidify friendships that would last into the future and to make new educational connections here at LMU.  I also plan on furthering my research of which I started at my home University focusing on the negative effects of neoliberal policies within eastern European healthcare systems.  I plan on traveling to different site locations to conduct ethnographic research for my thesis.  

Why am I spending an exchange semester in Munich? 

I am here in Munich with a group of American students participating in a year-long program called Junior Year in Munich.  We are all here to improve our German skills and to be totally immersed in German culture. My University has had a partnership with LMU since the 1950s.  JYM is a Wayne State University sponsored program that allows students from other universities to attend. It is the oldest study abroad program from an American University in Germany.