An end to my Munich Chapter

Throughout this course and my exchange semester in Munich, I’ve learned far more than I expected, about the city, about the media, and honestly, about myself. Coming from another continent, I knew things would feel different, but those differences ended up shaping my experience in ways I didn’t anticipate. I joined this class simply wanting to understand an industry that feels more important than ever, and only later realized it was designed specifically for exchange students. That turned out to be a gift. Being surrounded by people from all over the world made it clear how strongly the media connects us, no matter where we come from.

The field trips were a huge part of what made the course memorable. Some were surprising, some were fun, and some were unexpectedly meaningful. The printhouse visit was the one that stuck with me the most. The guide’s energy and knowledge made the whole process come alive, especially when we walked through the warehouse and watched newspapers being printed at full speed. My grandparents used to read the paper every morning, so seeing the machinery behind something so familiar felt strangely personal. It reminded me that even though younger generations don’t rely on print the same way, it still plays a crucial role in how information moves.

With AI growing and misinformation spreading faster than ever, journalism is fighting an uphill battle, but an important one. Listening to writers talk about their purpose made me realize how much depth and intention still exists in the field. Journalism isn’t going anywhere. And the media as a whole is so broad and adaptable that it reaches people everywhere, across every demographic and every corner of the world.

Writing has always been my strength. I’ve never been the memorization-and-tests type, which is part of why Sociology felt like the right major. For a while, I imagined myself going into journalism. That’s still a possibility, but right now I’m keeping my mind open to other paths. This course actually made me realize how many pathways there are for my future career.

Before taking this class, I never really thought about the people behind the media I consume every day. Seeing the production side was genuinely eye-opening. There’s so much detail, coordination, and creativity involved that I never appreciated before. The printhouse especially made me rethink how I value different forms of media. Even if print isn’t the go‑to for younger people, it’s still a powerful way of sharing information, and seeing that process firsthand gave me a new respect for it.

As the term wraps up, I’ve been reflecting on my exchange as a whole. Traveling, learning new cultures, and meeting students from every continent has been an experience I’ll carry with me. This course helped me understand what makes my home countries unique while also showing me how Munich’s media landscape operates. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned, and I’m leaving with a clearer sense of who I am and what I can offer moving forward.