I think one of the most interesting parts of this course has been learning about the stereotypes that Germans have with regards to Americans. I never really thought much about what people from other countries thought about Americans. Although it was interesting, it was, at times, frustrating as well. Now that it’s the end of the semester, I’m quite tired of hearing about how superficial Americans are. This stereotype that Germans have is frustrating because we heard many Germans who had lived or traveled in the US say that they still believed Americans were superficial. I believe this stereotype is an error on their part. Yes, there are Americans who are superficial, just as I am positive that there are Germans who are superficial; however, the American population as whole is not. Germans tend to believe that because Americans ask “how are you?” without really meaning it this means that they are superficial. But, the problem here is the understanding and the usage of “how are you?”. Germans use this phrase to really ask how somebody is doing and to inquire about what is going on in their life. Americans, on the other hand, use this phrase as a greeting like “hello” or “hi” and they don’t really expect an answer in return. However, the majority of the Germans that were in the interactive had mostly positive things to say about Americans and the US. After having taken this course, I would really love to travel in Germany and learn more about the culture on a first-hand basis. Germany is a country with a lot to offer and I think that Americans are often guilty of associating Germany with its negative past instead of looking at it for what it really is. I think it’s important for both Germans and Americans to put their stereotypes aside if they ever travel to the other country, because it is best to travel in a new country with an open mind.