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Institution
Medizinische
Hochschule Hannover
Host
Institution(s)
Emory
University, Atlanta,
Department of Pathology
Mentor: Kenneth E. Bernstein, MD
Characterization of mutant mice that have an alteration in the ACE locus and produce ACE almost exclusively in the liver. Investigation on the disability of mutant mice to produce concentrated urine. This KO mice line only has plasma ACE.
›» Abstract
The thing that has been fascinating me most ever since I had been to the U.S. is the fact that so many people of different ethnicity live here in one country. This results in a broad variety of diverse cultures (and yes, FOOD) that the U.S. has to offer. And yet, all the people from these different cultures can refer to themselves as Americans. During my time here I found out that although they might consider themselves American, whether they are Asian American, African American, Hispanic American or whatever, the people here are not as united as I thought they'd be. If you walk into the students' cafeteria here at Emory, you will inevitably notice that all Asians are gathered around at one table, all blacks are sitting together, and all Caucasians have separated themselves at another table. Maybe that's just the way human nature is.
The people in my lab are very nice and friendly, and it is definitely fun to work here. My lab reflects my idea of the U.S. just perfectly: We have a Ph.D. from Thailand, one from Bangladesh, one from Vietnam, one Ghanaian Ph.D. from Canada, an MD from China, an MD from the Republic of Georgia, two Caucasians and one African American working in my lab. And I am a Chinese guy with a German background.
It seems to me that the relationship between mentor and student is much closer here than it is in Germany, e.g. I see my mentor every day and have the opportunity to talk to him most of the time.
Here's a little interesting story: One day, I came home from work, I found a message attached to my apartment door: " Dear tenant, the apartment complex has been sold, the utilities are not included in the rent anymore. Secondly, the rent is hereby increased by an additional $500 a month" Oops. Welcome to America! Fortunately enough, I found a new message the next day, in which the new owner appologized for the "error" made the day before and confirmed that everything would remain as it has always been except that the tenants should clear the apartments within 60 days. I guess someone had threatened to sue him; apparently a popular thing to do here with all the legal battles showing on TV (e.g. Judge Judy).
Here's what I almost love about the U.S.: 24 hours supermarkets, 24 hours Dunkin' Donuts, waffle houses, ethnic food, coupons, fuel prices, Starbucks Coffee, Oreo cookies…. all the small things. People in Germany think that American people are prudish? Go to New Orleans, Bourbon Street. But no, you'd better not, afterwards you might think that they are decadent. One of the most common prejudices that Europeans have about Americans is that they are superficial. In my opinion they just try to be friendly and more warm-hearted, which can easily be interpreted as superficial. And besides, social butterflies fly around everywhere in this world!
To make a long story short: I am definitely enjoying my time here, I would advise anybody to spend some time here if he or she gets the opportunity to do so.
Is that a serious question? For all the less lucky ones among the participants (3 Bafoeg students??), it was money. Other than that, the biggest problem I had was to find a good prepaid phonecard without being fooled (no connection fee does not mean that there is no surcharge fee, weekly maintenance fee or whatever). For all future participants of this program: Check out: www.phonecardonsale.com. Another problem I still have to deal with is the Southern accent. It's killing me. And of course, I still have to struggle with the English language even in its purest American form. My English is good for every day use, but when it comes to explaining things: the more you try, the harder it gets.
And again, there's also a list of small things in this category: finding tooth paste that does not harm your gums, finding washing detergents that do not erase the color off your clothes, finding shower gel at all, getting used to the chloride in the drinking water….
There were a lot, too many to remember them all. There was one incident that was humorous in a certain sense: When I was cooking, my neighbor from upstairs knocked at my door to ask me what I was cooking, because it smelled terrible. Thanks for that.
Make sure that you have enough money or at least your parents do, so that you don't have to rely on Bafoeg or other uncertain financial support (please contact Huu Phuc Ngyuen or me in case you receive Bafoeg in Germany, there are certain things you might want to know).
If you are planning on going to Georgia, be aware that your international driver's license is only valid for the first month upon arrival. Although no one really knows or cares about it, your insurance company will make you get the Georgia driver's license, unless you want to pay more. Try to find a friend with good driver's record to buy insurance for you. In case you want to take the driver's test, never admit that you have a German license or you will have to surrender it.
If you can't find any accommodations ahead, the "Villa International", which is in walking-distance from Emory, may be a good solution for the first couple of days. But make sure you reserve a room in advance. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or Huu Phuc.