Leaving for Lüneburg

Thursday Ben leaves to begin his academic year at the University of Lüneburg, where he will study the German language and European history.

Already, he has been contacted by his assigned "buddy," Stefan, who will meet him in Hamburg and assist him in getting to Lüneburg. It's still unknown whether he'll live in a student dorm, an off-campus apartment with other students, or with a local family.

Ben is starting to prepare for the trip, making copies of important papers, shopping for small essentials he may have a difficult time obtaining in Lüneburg, and browsing the university's web site to familiarize himself with the campus and upcoming events (yesterday he told us Jimmy Carter will be visiting Lüneburg in October--someone Ben undoubtedly will want to hear).

For the most part, Ben is going to pack light. Taking advice from the good folks at Ohio Northern, who have supported the student-abroad program for many years, Ben plans to purchase most of his clothing and other items locally once he arrives. That's a wise move, given both the airlines' limits on checked baggage and the opportunity for Ben to enjoy some European fashions--not to mention different sizes for things like bedsheets.

Kathie and I have mixed feelings at the moment. On one hand, we're extremely happy and excited about Ben's opportunity to study abroad. Still, we're a tad melancholy and apprehensive about being away from him for several months. After this week, it's expected the next time we see Ben will be during the Christmas break, when we plan on traveling to Lüneburg for a visit.

Nevertheless, Ben is well armed with phone cards, a Skype account and email, so he certainly won't be incommunicado. In some respects, it'll be little different from him being in Ada, Ohio. The distance to Lüneburg, plus the time zone difference, is what we'll notice the most.