Trading Goodbyes for Hallos

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

Servus, my name is Hannah! I’m 15 and from a small town in North Dakota. I love reading, baking, and going on long walks. I cannot wait to spend my 10th-grade year in Germany!

Since I was a young child, I’ve known that I wanted to learn about people and culture around the world. I grew up with technology an arm’s reach away. I could explore the world through images and videos. Seeing the similarities and differences in the ways people lived inspired me. I wanted to jump through the screen – to not just see, but experience everything for myself. I’m overjoyed to have this opportunity to experience and engage in German culture firsthand!

Preparing to live in Germany for 11 months has been a whirlwind. I remember first researching the CBYX program. I loved reading the participants’ blogs. They not only inspired me to apply to the program but also inspired me to share my experiences through a blog of my own!

Although I don’t know any German, I can’t wait to learn! Currently I’ve been using Deutsche Welle and Mango Languages to study. One goal of mine is learning to understand the lyrics of the German songs I like. I also want to be able to read books in German! 

These past months, I’ve been focusing on trying to finish most of 10th grade, because in less than 40 days, I’ll be in Germany! Ever since I got the call that I had become a finalist, I’ve been nervously excited. Moving across the world, living in Germany with a host family, and attending a German gymnasium still feels like a fever dream and not my reality for the next year. I can’t believe it’s really happening!

I have been preparing myself for many goodbyes in the coming months, but also many hallos, too.