Instead of locations and rent prices, I'm talking SCHUFA, viewings and email templates (in English and German!). The most important aspects that often go forgotten!Since moving to Frankfurt, I've lived in three shared apartments and eventually moved into my own place. I previously held an event on apartment hunting in Frankfurt and have recently helped... Continue Reading →
How living in Germany helped me feel comfortable with setting boundaries
Alisa: An extrovert with many long-standing friendships from different paths of life, including school, travels and work. Strong interpersonal skills, good at keeping in touch with people, and always, always socialising.Yep, that was me before I moved abroad. To be more accurate, you could even add a third 'always' before 'socialising.' I loved being surrounded... Continue Reading →
What language do you speak to each other?
I used to find it quite cool that people could just dip in and out of different languages when speaking. But one language degree and 6 years abroad later, I now realise that this ‘ability’ is actually an incompetence to think in only one language. Joking. But it does sometimes take an extra effort not... Continue Reading →
I was told I wouldn’t make it in German. Now I’m fluent.
It's fair to say that I have fully embraced learning languages. Especially German. It could be an intrinsic passion, it could also be that if I hadn't enjoyed a school trip to Berlin when I was 14, I wouldn't have given languages a second thought. But I loved that trip. So I visited Berlin again.... Continue Reading →
Black German women who have helped me connect with Germany’s Black community
I initially sought out German platforms to help improve my German skills. For me, this was the most practical and convenient way to integrate language learning into my everyday life. If you've not yet tried it, I can highly recommend this. I would find one account that I could relate to, and then scroll through... Continue Reading →
Frankfurt to Bad Homburg, Saalburg & Herzberg – A day trip
Bad Homburg vor der Höhe is a small spa town located just outside of Frankfurt. It was once the summer holiday location of German royals, hence its reputation of having 'champagne air'. On my day trip to Bad Homburg, I chose to spend an hour walking around the Kurpark and then hop on a bus... Continue Reading →
I miss Frankfurt, even though I live here
When taking the opportunity to spring clean during the start of the first lockdown, I hadn't considered that one year later we'd still be in a similar situation. It's crazy to think that next month I'll be back to wiping down my cupboards and cleaning the windows whilst letting the spring breeze drift through the... Continue Reading →
What really is German ‘Ordnung’?
Along with Beer, Pretzels and the Autobahn, Germany is well known for it's 'Ordnung', often translated as 'order'. However, when exploring the assumed order, organisation and efficiency of German culture, there seems to be more than what meets the eye. Before delving into the topic, I feel a definition is appropriate: Rumour: "An unofficial interesting... Continue Reading →
Thoughts of an ex-UK Erasmus student on the UK withdrawing from the Erasmus scheme
I first heard of Erasmus at 16 years old when I was in my school library having a talk on university education. I remember feeling extremely intrigued about what Erasmus offered, but had never considered that it would lead me to where I am today: Living in Germany, working in a multilingual environment and sharing... Continue Reading →
German ‘boot words’
Quick tips, rather than long-winded lessons, that can be used on the go. "I like ice-cream because it sweet is.""I am tired if I early get up." Ok, reading that sentence didn't feel natural, right? That's because the verb has been booted to the end of the sentence, just like it is in German. However,... Continue Reading →
FAQs about Alisa Jordan
It's only natural that you want to know more about the person behind the blog posts - I'm exactly the same! After years of sharing my experience of living in Frankfurt and being in touch with so many of you, I've put together your FAQs, so that the answers are all in once place 😊... Continue Reading →
2020; Recognising our ability to adapt
It suddenly dawned on me that this would be my last blog post of 2020, and I found myself wondering how the hell I can summarise such a tumultuous year in just a few hundred words, cover all aspects and keep you entertained? Well, here's my attempt. Reflecting It's a funny one isn't it? We... Continue Reading →
German word order – time, manner, place
Quick tips, rather than long-winded lessons, that can be used when on the go.Saying just a basic sentence in German can be a nightmare! The words awkwardly roll off your tongue and even though you know that you have to shift one of the words to the start of the sentence instead of saying it... Continue Reading →
Lockdown winter blues
I've realised I am not the only one feeling a bit 'meh' throughout this winter lockdown. The reduced hours of sunlight and cold weather is always a struggle, but that in combination with a lockdown and social distancing has started to get the better of me. What I am struggling with the most is this... Continue Reading →
Small businesses in Frankfurt that you can support
Always happy to help, heart-warming smiles and friendly conversations are often unique characteristics of small businesses. These valuable traits cost nothing but add to the vibrant community spirit of Frankfurt's various neighbourhoods. These small wonders have helped me settle in Frankfurt, and really feel at home. As well as supporting your local economy, shopping at... Continue Reading →
3 tips for meeting new people during a pandemic
Moving abroad is challenging, but moving abroad during a pandemic adds a whole new level to the experience! I have often thought about how different things would be if I had moved abroad within the last year; how I met new people then and how I would go about meeting new people now. After collecting... Continue Reading →