What Learning German with VLLC Taught Me About Myself

When I first set out to learn German, I thought I was simply gaining a new skill so I could go to Germany. A skill  that I could add to my CV, use while travelling, or apply to career opportunities. What I didn’t expect was how deeply personal the journey would become. Learning a language isn’t just about grammar rules, vocabulary lists, or pronunciation drills — it’s about growth. It’s about who you become in the process.  Here’s what learning German with VLLC taught me about myself and how it prepared me for my trip.

Firstly, I realised that I am more resilient than I thought. There were days I felt like I was making no progress at all. I stumbled over words I thought I had already mastered. I misunderstood simple conversations. I made mistakes — a lot of them. But I kept going. I showed up, even on the days when confidence was low. And that persistence taught me that I’m more resilient than I ever gave myself credit for.  Perfection isn’t the goal, but progress is. I used to fear making mistakes. But in language learning, mistakes are part of the process. In fact, they’re essential. Every misstep became a stepping stone, each correction a sign of growth. Learning German helped me let go of the need to be perfect and embrace the beauty of being a work in progress.

When you step out of your comfort zone, you reap the biggest reward. Speaking in a new language — especially with native speakers — can be intimidating. But every time I pushed past that fear and started a conversation, I was rewarded with real connection. Whether it was ordering food, asking for directions, or simply introducing myself, those small moments of courage built a new kind of confidence I now carry into other parts of my life. What surprised me most was how forgiving and encouraging people were, even when my sentences were broken or my accent was off. I learned that people respond more to your intention and effort than your grammar. Learning German reminded me that communication is about connection — and that’s something that transcends vocabulary.

I am capable of more than I knew. Each new word learned, each conversation held, and each cultural insight gained reminded me of just how capable I am. Mastering something as complex as a language showed me that I can take on other big challenges — not just academically, but personally and professionally as well. Culture and Language are deeply connected – and so am I. Through German, I didn’t just learn how to speak — I learned how to see the world through a new lens. Language opened the door to culture, traditions, humour, and values I wouldn’t have otherwise understood. And it made me more empathetic, more open-minded, and more curious about the world and the people in it.
 
Learning German with VLLC has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve done. It’s not just about speaking differently — it’s about thinking differently. It’s about becoming more patient, more humble, and more connected to others. Most of all, it’s about learning who you are — and who you’re capable of becoming. So, if you’re considering learning a new language, do it with VLLC. Not just for the skill, but for the self-discovery waiting on the other side.
Photo 1 by Inspa Makers on Unsplash
​Photo 2 by Maheshkumar Painam on Unsplash