My First Two Weeks in Germany

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

It’s hard to believe I’ve already been in Germany for two weeks. And on my very first day, I got lost.

More specifically, I messed up public transportation. Apparently, navigating German trains and buses is something I still need to work on. But honestly, that’s one of the things I’m learning here: It’s OK to get a little lost. You figure it out, you learn from it, and eventually, you start knowing where you’re going.

Despite the occasional transportation disaster, I absolutely love it here.

I’ve already made friends, and everyone I’ve met has been incredibly nice. My situation is also a little unique because another CBYXer – who was my roommate during Partnership International's German orientation – was placed in a neighboring town, and we actually go to the same Gymnasium. She’s fluent in German, which definitely helps when I’m trying to figure things out. Having someone familiar nearby has been such a nice helping hand, especially during the first few weeks.

My teachers have also been incredibly accommodating with English. I’m not sure if that’s the case for everyone in CBYX, but for me, it has made the transition into a German school a lot less overwhelming. I’m still learning more German every single day, and right now, I definitely understand more than I can speak. But I’m getting there, slowly but surely.

School itself has been an adjustment. My school day starts at 8 a.m., which doesn’t sound that early until you’re used to waking up at 8 a.m. in Texas because your school didn’t start until 9. I’m also usually completely exhausted by the end of the day. There are definitely moments when I have to push myself to keep going, especially when everything is happening in a language I’m still learning.

But English class is always a highlight. Obviously.

It really is the highlight of my day sometimes. After spending hours listening to German, it’s nice to have one class where my brain gets a little break. Outside of school, I’ve also gotten to hang out with friends, explore my town, and just experience everyday life here. I’ve even gotten invited to hang out with some friends, which has been really exciting. It’s those little moments that make this feel real. I’m not just visiting Germany – I’m a resident! And the views? Incredible.

I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking around and realizing that this is where I get to spend the next year.

Most importantly, my host family has been amazing. Having a supportive family to come home to has made such a huge difference in adjusting to a completely new country, school, language, and routine.

I know I still have so much to learn. I have a lot more German to practice, a lot more public transportation to figure out, and probably a lot more opportunities to get lost.

But if you needed any convincing to apply for CBYX, let this be your sign.

I’m only two weeks in, and I already know this is going to be a year I’ll never forget!