T1D Abroad: My Life with a Host Family in Berlin, Germany

Embarking on my EF Gap Semester, I was filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to immerse myself in new cultures and forge meaningful connections. However, upon arriving in Berlin, Germany, my enthusiasm was quickly dampened by the unexpected challenges that lay ahead.

Expecting warmth and hospitality from my host family, I was instead met with disappointment and discomfort. Their primary interest seemed to lie not in cultural exchange, but in the financial gain they could secure from hosting me. Despite expressing my needs and concerns prior to my arrival, I found myself in a household ill-equipped to accommodate my dietary requirements as a type 1 diabetic.

Each meal presented a new challenge, with starch-heavy dishes lacking in essential proteins and fibers, wreaking havoc on my blood sugar levels. Faced with late-night lows and a strict "no snacks in the room" policy, I had no choice but to bend the rules to tend to my health. After class, I found myself buying as many protein bars as I could afford to balance out my diet as much as possible.

As days turned into weeks, the strain of my living situation became increasingly unbearable. A grueling commute to school, coupled with a lack of freedom and autonomy, left me feeling isolated and powerless. It was clear that I needed to reassess my circumstances and take control of my own well-being.

With the support of EF, I made the courageous decision to move into student housing—a choice that would come at a higher cost but offered invaluable freedom and peace of mind. The newfound sense of independence was palpable as I cooked my first meal in my new apartment, savoring the taste of scrambled eggs, a symbol of the independence and control I had regained over my life.

Yet, amidst the discomfort, I found unexpected sources of strength and resilience. Bonding with my roommate, who shared my struggles, provided comfort during challenging times. Through the pages of "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday, I discovered a profound sense of clarity and purpose, realizing that every hurdle was an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the resilience that lies within us all—the ability to endure discomfort and emerge stronger on the other side. My experience in Berlin taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and resilience, showing me that I am capable of thriving in any environment.

Since then, I have made a point to carry a book with me wherever I travel to—a constant companion that serves as a reminder of all that I've accomplished and a source of knowledge and inspiration as I continue to explore new horizons.

“The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday

Berlin was an intriguing chapter in my EF Gap Semester journey, where I navigated the vibrant city while managing type 1 diabetes. Keep an eye out for upcoming articles where I delve into my decision to abstain from alcohol in one of the world's most lively party scenes. Additionally, I'll share insights from studying in an international classroom, offering valuable lessons and reflections from my Berlin experience.

Finding Peace in the Chaos of Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes

Back-to-back days of early mornings and late nights filled to the brim with activities are exciting, but two weeks of them in hostels with new people can get overwhelming and put a lot of stress on the body. During my travels, I had no choice but to find ways to make these action-packed days work for me, as stress can impact blood sugar levels.

According to the CDC, “...stress hormones make blood sugar rise or fall unpredictably.”

Knowing this, and the fact that managing Type 1 Diabetes can often add stress to my life, I sought out opportunities, some being just 5 minutes long, to destress. I first identified which things bring me the most stability, peace, and joy, and then found ways to incorporate them into my busy days of being a tourist. 

• Wake up and go for a walk around the block.

  • While I was already quite sleep-deprived, there wasn’t a lot of room for waking up even earlier. However, I found that skipping my makeup routine or packing breakfast to go in trade for a walk alone in the morning was a very sound way for me to go into my day without feeling overwhelmed. 

• Journal

  • Travel days are the perfect opportunity to reflect on your time through journaling. In the first 14 days of my trip, we visited four different countries. My mind was constantly on, thinking about all that I had been experiencing, and all that I missed back home. Taking the time to dump those thoughts onto paper allowed me to move forward with less weight on my shoulders.

    • Some days, when I was able to find a few minutes between activities, I would sit down and type my thoughts into my notes app on my phone. While I prefer pen and paper, it was great having my notes app as an accessible tool to destress.

• Stretch

  • When staying in hostels, my space was restricted. But, there was often enough room to do simple stretches, like touching my toes, cat-cow, and simple arm stretches. These stretches kept me in touch with my body and gave me a bit more control over how I was feeling.

• Call friends/family

  • I remember walking to Burger King in Barcelona and giving my friend a call on the way. The excitement in her voice was everything that I needed at that moment. Knowing that there were people at home cheering me on through this journey was a reminder that always lifted my spirits. Taking a few minutes to hear the voices of the people you love can truly turn your day around.

• Podcasts

  • Travel days were also great for tuning into my “comfort” podcasts. Similar to the way that my friend’s voice was comforting, listening to my go-to podcast gave me a sense of normalcy and allowed me to tap into the things that I care about. I found that listening to podcasts and calling my people often reminded me of who I was outside of this experience.

• Therapy

  • When signing up for a 3-month gap semester program traveling around Europe, I knew that I would be spending more money than I have ever been comfortable with. So, when I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers, and he had a discount code for virtual therapy, I committed to skipping one activity or expensive meal a week and instead, spending that time and money on therapy. I will certainly write another blog post dedicated to my experience with my British therapist, Nicole.

  • Therapy turned an unforgettable trip into one that would genuinely change my life. I could experience my travels in ways I had never understood before. Therapy was revolutionary during those months. While I did have to plan around it, I was lucky to have a therapist with whom I could send messages and journal entries throughout the week. Every time she responded, I better understood myself and my needs in ways that allowed me to embrace the journey I was on. 

Remember that what works for me, may not work best for you. One of my friends enjoyed sketching in her spare time, another preferred listening to music. It’s all about knowing yourself and setting the necessary boundaries to be able to enjoy your travels to the fullest. The world doesn’t end when you’re diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.