Laura Walker is a third-year Bachelor of International Business (BIB) student in the German language stream. Laura is studying at Unniversität Mannheim in Mannheim, Germany. (All students in the BIB program are required to study abroad for their third year at one of our partner institutions.)Tell us about yourself!Hi I'm Laura Walker and I am from a very small town in Northern Ontario called Haileybury. Since high school I have been heavily involved in many different sports. Basketball, golf, volleyball, soccer, you name it and I've probably played it. Apart from being very athletic I have a huge love for the theatrical arts. At Carleton University, I have had the pleasure of Stage Managing and helping out with over 3 different productions. I have also had the honour of being Vice President of the Carleton Musical Theatre Society and finance for the Sock 'n' Buskin Theatre Company. Outside of school I love to travel and try all different types of food and I truly believe in the quote "You have to taste a culture to understand it.". In life, I hope to be traveling all around the world, living and experience all the different and amazing cultures it has to offer. Follow my on Instagram if you want to follow me and my crazy adventures in Germany @laurawalker7!How did you choose your language of study?For me this is truly a tough question. Generally when you ask someone learning another language they will relate it to family ties or past experiences, but in my case there is really no concrete reason as to why I chose to learn German. I remember when I was choosing what language to learn my mother would ask me "why German and not Spanish?" and I wouldn't know what to answer other than that I had this gut feeling that I needed to learn German. Coming from a very small town in Northern Ontario, all I knew of Germany and the culture was what was portrayed in the media. Learning the language has completely changed my view on the culture and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. I am beyond happy with my choice because this whole experience has been by far the best aspect of my undergrad.Have you travelled before?Yes I have traveled overseas before! When I was in grade 10 I participated in an EF Tour (Educational tour) to Greece and Turkey. The trip was about 15 days in which I spent 8 traveling all around Turkey and 7 all around Greece. I can honestly say that I am so grateful to have gone on this trip because it has changed my life. Yes, you can say that's cliche, but it's true. When you come from a very small town you do not get to experience different cultures everyday. Turkey might still be to this day one of the most interesting countries I have traveled to. The culture, the food, the history, the sights, everything I will remember for the rest of my life.What three things must you pack?What a tough question! I would have to say: 1. All your important documentations. Seriously ALL of them, I even scanned all of mine and made photocopies for my parents. 2. Something to document your adventures; journal, camera. 3. Your sense of adventure and open mindedness. Although this is not a physical item that you can take, it is really important to be open to all new things and take advantage of all the opportunities you have while you are abroad.What are you most looking forward to?I am most looking forward to meeting all of the people who are also abroad from many different areas in the world, travelling all around Germany while eating amazing food, and being immersed in a whole new culture for a year!