From Copenhagen to the Netherlands, My Fall Break as a CBYX Exchange Student, and an Amazing Start to October

Aanshi is an American student studying in Germany as part of the CBYX (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) scholarship exchange program.

When I imagined my exchange year in Germany, I pictured exploring new cities, trying different foods, meeting people, and learning about other cultures. During the first few weeks of October, I got to experience all of these things and more during my fall break!

A First Step Toward Independence: Copenhagen

My fall break began with a very early-morning drive to Luxembourg Airport. After waking up at around 3 a.m., I set off for Copenhagen with my host sister and her friend, Marie.

Although I was feeling under the weather for much of the trip, Copenhagen was still beautiful. From exploring the city to shopping and trying different foods, there was so much to discover. What made the experience especially memorable was that it was my first time taking a trip like this with people other than my parents. Living in Germany had already taught me a lot about independence, but traveling with others and navigating a new city together felt like another step forward.

Despite not feeling my best, I was grateful to have the opportunity to explore somewhere new and make memories along the way. Copenhagen was a wonderful start to my fall break, and I was excited to see what the following week would bring.

Belgium: Museums, Waffles, and Belgian Fries

For the second part of my fall break, I traveled to Belgium and the Netherlands with my host family. Our first stop was Brussels, where we spent time walking around the city and visiting museums. My host family loves museums, and I have discovered that I do, too! I love how each museum offers a different perspective on history, culture, and the people who shaped it.

One particularly fun stop was the Frietmuseum, a museum dedicated to Belgian fries. I learned more about the history of this beloved food and discovered just how seriously Belgium takes its fries. Apparently, calling them American fries is not exactly the way to win over the locals!

After Brussels, we headed to Antwerp, which felt different from the capital. We explored the city, went shopping, and enjoyed a more relaxed atmosphere. I also had what might genuinely be the best Belgian waffle I have ever eaten. Between the food, the city, and the time spent exploring with my host sister, Antwerp quickly became one of my favorite stops.

But the highlight of Antwerp was a museum that I almost did not want to leave.

The Red Star Line Museum tells stories of migration through the experiences of real people. It was one of the most interesting museums I have ever visited. The exhibits explored the journeys, hopes, and challenges of people who migrated across borders, giving visitors the chance to understand history through individual experiences rather than just dates and facts.

There were interactive activities, games, and stories to explore, and the information was available in multiple languages. We became so absorbed in the exhibits that we stayed until just after closing time! It was a powerful reminder that behind every migration story is a person with their own experiences, challenges, and dreams.

The Netherlands: Coastal Towns and Familiar Faces

Our next destination was Lauwersoog, a small coastal town in the Netherlands. After exploring busy cities, the quieter atmosphere was a welcome change. We spent time enjoying the water and visiting the local seal rehabilitation center. It was fascinating to learn more about the local environment and the work being done to care for marine wildlife.

We stayed for only one night, but it was a lovely change of pace before heading to Groningen.

Groningen was especially meaningful because we met a former exchange student who had lived with my host family four years earlier and now attends university there. She showed us around the city, and it was so interesting to see how her life had developed since her own exchange year.

We spent time exploring, catching up, and laughing about all sorts of things. We also celebrated my host dad's birthday, making the visit even more memorable. Meeting someone who had once been in a similar position to me – living with the same host family and navigating a different country – made the exchange experience feel like something that continues long after the official program ends.

It was a wonderful way to finish our travels together, and I was grateful for the opportunity to spend that time with my host family.

Back to Everyday Life in Germany

After two weeks of traveling, it was time to return to school. Coming back to my routine felt different after visiting so many places, but I was excited to get back into things.

I have started taking additional German courses to strengthen my language skills. Learning German can be challenging, especially when it comes to speaking, but I have noticed that my comprehension improves a little more each day. I can often understand more than I can express, and I am learning to be patient with myself as I work toward becoming more confident.

Language learning is one of those things that requires you to keep showing up, even when progress feels slow. I know I still have a long way to go, but I am proud of the progress I have made so far.

Outside of school, I have also been getting to know my friends in new settings. On Friday evening, I went out with Lissy, Mia, another Mia (who is also an exchange student), Laura, Nele, and Greta. We went to an all-you-can-eat Asian restaurant, where we got to try a variety of dishes for around €20 per person. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures, but it was such a fun evening!

The following day, my friend Dana invited me out, and I got to spend time with a larger group of friends, including Mia and Laura. We hung out, met new people, and got to know one another outside the classroom. I ended up getting home around 2 a.m., which was definitely a change from my usual routine back in Texas!

More than anything, it was nice to see friendships developing beyond school. 

I am beginning to build a social life here, meet people I might not otherwise have met, and feel more comfortable in my surroundings. These everyday experiences, from dinner with friends to late nights talking and laughing, are becoming just as meaningful as the trips I take.

More Than Just a Fall Break

Looking back, the first few weeks of October were filled with new places, delicious food, meaningful conversations, and experiences I will remember for a long time.

But what made this fall break special was not just the number of places I visited. It was the opportunity to experience independence in Copenhagen, learn about migration and history in Belgium, spend time with my host family in the Netherlands, and return to Germany feeling more connected to the people and routines that are becoming part of my life here.

An exchange year is about so much more than traveling to a new country. It is about learning how to navigate unfamiliar situations, finding your place in a new community, making connections across cultures, and gradually becoming more comfortable with the unfamiliar.

I am still learning, and there are plenty of challenges ahead, especially with German. But as October comes to an end, I feel grateful for everything this experience has already given me. From exploring new cities with my host family to laughing with friends on a Friday night, I am realizing that some of the most meaningful parts of an exchange year are not always the big adventures. Sometimes, they are the small moments that slowly make a new country feel like home.

I am excited to see what the next few months will bring and how much more I will learn, both about Germany and about myself.

And if you need any sign to apply, this is it!