From Language Camp to My New Home in Germany

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

It happened! Language camp has come to an end. Saying goodbye to all the friends I’d made over the past weeks was hard. You’d think after so many goodbyes it would get easier? 

(P.S. It doesn’t.)

Many tears were shed. It was bittersweet. Thankfully, during the midyear seminar in February, I’ll see all my fellow GIVE CBYX friends again. It wasn’t a goodbye; it was "see you soon!"

It was time to head to our host families all over the country. I was excited! I couldn’t wait to meet my host family. After many messages and video calls, I was excited and nervous. So many thoughts were running through my head, as well as the “what ifs” and other hypotheticals. I have been waiting for this moment for months!

I got on my first train full of energy, ready to take on navigating the German train system. I listened to my music on my playlist that I’d curated specifically for the trip. The time flew by, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of my host family!

My host family welcomed me and gave me a tour of the town. We talked about starting school and our hobbies. This made me very thankful for language camp. I was able to converse (albeit brokenly) with my three younger host brothers. I’ve learned a lot from them and my German is steadily improving.

Soon after arriving, we went to the neighboring town’s volksfest. It was a lot of fun. We ate traditional Bavarian food and watched my oldest host brother play his trombone in the city band. After, I played bumper cars with my middle host brother and talked with my host family’s friends and family.

By the second week, it was time for school to start! I didn’t know what to expect. I got my schedule the night before and less than 12 hours later, I was off to school.  

My first day had begun. I walked into my homeroom and nervously introduced myself, “Hallo, Ich bin Hannah!” All the students and teachers were very welcoming. Getting to know all my classmates is fun! I learn new things about each one every day. I love how helpful they are with German and how I can help them with their English!  

Being in school every day has helped my German immensely. One thing I love about my school in Germany is the diversity of classes. I’m taking 15 classes, electives not included! Usually during lessons, I’m able to get the main idea. Small details are harder for me to pick up, but with more time and practice, I know I’ll get it!

I’m looking forward to experiencing more with my host family and classmates! Tschüss!