Cari Lambert is a MALS student currently living in Frankfurt, Germany where her husband has accepted a 1-2 year position in the automotive industry.

Cari graduated from Madonna University with a degree in Social Work and Sign Language Studies.  Prior to beginning her course of study in MALS, Cari was employed as a social worker in the field of mental health, providing services to developmentally disabled and mentally ill individuals.  She completed three courses in the MALS program and continued to work full-time before her “sabbatical.”

SPECTRUM:  Why did you choose the MALS program?

LAMBERT:  I graduated with my undergraduate degree in the mid-90’s expecting fully to continue with my education immediately and obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  Once I began working in the field of social work I realized that a Master’s Degree in Social Work did not align with my career goals.  Year after year passed.  The desire to obtain a Master’s Degree never waned but a specific program never came into focus.  I then learned of the MALS program and it seemed like a perfect fit.  I was at a point in my career where I felt settled and was confident in my decision not to have pursued the MSW, to ‘learn for the sake of learning’ and to ‘expand my horizons.’  The MALS program offers the opportunity to do just that.  The program is designed in such a way that a student can craft a degree based on his/her interests.  It ensures that a student’s focus doesn’t become too narrow by offering an eclectic array of class choices within a multi-disciplinary framework.

SPECTRUM:  What do you do on a daily basis in Frankfurt?

LAMBERT:  I am asked this question all the time and always seem to have difficulty providing a sufficient answer.  I have transitioned from working full-time and going to school part-time to not working or taking classes at all.  I have found that I am continually busy, whether I’m taking care of our apartment, running my daily errands, exploring the city, traveling, or engaging in activities with the American Women’s Club.  Photography is one of my hobbies and I have enjoyed the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time behind the lens of my camera.  I’ve also begun to read much more than I ever have which has been very enjoyable.

SPECTRUM:  Describe what was the most difficult adjustment you have made living overseas?

The transition to moving/living overseas was much easier than either my husband or I anticipated.  We have been here approximately four months and have found there are phases to the adjustment though.  First, there is a honeymoon phase where everything is new, fun and exciting.  Then you find that you’re beginning to feel a little more settled, life is becoming comfortable, and a routine has become established.  Life is still fun and exciting.  The phase that we find ourselves in now is that life is still very enjoyable but the differences between life in America and life in Germany are no longer novelties but rather a reality that you must accept or continually struggle against.  We have concluded there are pros and cons to living in both places and our efforts at the moment are to focus on the pros of Germany.  The list is long but the pros that come to mind immediately include Germany’s beautiful landscape, flowers in abundance sold very inexpensively, inexpensive quality wines, phenomenally disciplined drivers (we will only wish for German drivers on I-275 and I-696 when we return home!), and the many, many kind people who have gone out of their way to help expats like us.  Of course, high on the list as well is Germany’s location within Europe; centrally located it allows for ease of travel anywhere throughout Europe.  In general, we have found that focusing on the positive (as with anything in life) makes our experience that much more enjoyable.  Most importantly we have found that willingness to adapt as well as having a sense of humor is vital.

SPECTRUM:  What do you miss most about living in the U.S.?

LAMBERT:  Sheer convenience, air conditioning, and insecticides on produce (not necessarily always in that order!). Germany is a modern, first-world country but there are significant differences between it and the U.S.  To address the issue of convenience, I decided I would rely on a bicycle and/or the public transportation system.  In Frankfurt proper this is common practice.  Not  only is the public transportation system first rate but parking in Frankfurt is scarce and expensive.  I underestimated the effects of this on me.  Errands often take longer than I anticipate, I am continually exposed to the elements outdoors and am dependent upon the transportation system’s schedule. What I purchase has to fit in the saddlebags on my bicycle (generally two grocery bags) or it has to be light enough that I can carry it all the way home.  To this point, life in Germany has forced me to become more organized as well as frugal.  As it relates to air conditioning I think it probably speaks for itself.  Most people in America enjoy the benefits of cool air on a hot, stifling day.  In Germany there really is no reprieve from the heat.  I tried to make the best of it and used this summer’s heat as an opportunity to explore the many public pools that Frankfurt has to offer.