Navigating Winter, Classes, and Holiday Nostalgia

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December marks the start of my third month in Germany—can you believe it? I’m still based in Erlangen, but my student life at FAU keeps me commuting back and forth to Nuremberg. If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know I’ve gotten used to commuting. It’s no longer the daunting ordeal it once was; it’s now just a routine part of my day. (Pic of the Kollegienhaus where I usually spend most of my Tuesdays)

But you know what I’m not totally used to yet? Winter. Let me tell you, the lack of sun is no joke! As someone who comes from a much sunnier part of the world, the gray skies and chilly weather have been a bit of an adjustment. The good news? Germany knows how to do winter right. The streets are alive with Christmas decorations, charming markets, and abundant traditional sweets that make everything feel just a little warmer and cozier.


That said, the holidays can be bittersweet, especially for international students like me. A big part of my heart misses my family back in Ecuador. If you’re feeling the same way, here’s a friendly reminder: be kind to yourself. Take time to decompress, celebrate your progress, and remind yourself why you’re here in the first place.

Winter also brings a flurry of readings, deadlines, and projects to tackle—it’s a busy season in every sense of the word. This week, I had my very first clinic meeting. No, not the kind where you get a flu shot! This is a human rights clinic, which is one of the unique aspects of my master’s program at FAU.

This term, the clinic’s focus is on the intersection of business and human rights. It’s not about corporate social responsibility or just “giving back,” but about protecting the human rights of people working within organizations and those in the surrounding communities. It's a fascinating and vital topic, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into it.

What’s even better is that I’ll be collaborating with two of my classmates and two other students from a different master’s program. It’s a great opportunity to practice teamwork and learn from diverse perspectives. I’m already looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together!

So here’s to surviving winter, tackling classes, and cherishing the holiday season—even if it means embracing a little homesickness along the way. Until next time, stay warm, stay kind, and don’t forget to enjoy the Christmas sweets! (Christmas market sweets in Erlangen)






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