Everything started with a big dream

A dream that really didn't seem possible to me. A dream that scared me a little but also made me excited. I didn't really know anything about the USA, but it was one of my biggest dreams in my life to go to the United States – the country everybody is talking about, the country with endless freedom and excitement. That was how I imagined this country. The United States always seemed to be very special to me and really different to Germany.

My goal and wish was to really experience the life in this foreign place. I didn't want to be a tourist and visit the greatest cities in America, or just do some sightseeing, taking a whole lot of pictures, being excited, turning around and flying back to my home country – Germany. No. I really wanted to live the so-called “American Way of Life”.

My first thoughts about doing an exchange program were developed by a TV show that broadcast young people going abroad for an exchange year or an au pair experience. Moreover, I really got into it through friends that planned on going abroad or already went to another country. After attending information meetings and “old meets new's” I really wanted to do it. There were a lot of things to consider. It was a whole lot of work but in the end it really didn't matter at all because my experience in the USA just was incredibly different than anything else that I've ever imagined in my life.

The first days being abroad changed me in many ways. Firstly, I noticed a high number of differences in my daily routine and my everyday life. It was just so interesting to see how American people actually live. Generally, their way of living is close to the European culture rather than any other culture but there really were many things that just differed from our habits. The first weeks were so different than any other period of time in my life, but it was amazing! I started to improve my English skills and actually was able to understand those awesome Texans – those people I lived with for my exchange year. It really was easier than I thought it would be. One of the most important facts to consider – especially in the beginning of your exchange experience – is to take your time to adapt to everything.

 After getting used to the language and the daily little differences, you might recognize other facts that are interesting. I really had a hard time being homesick in the first two months. It was not easy at all – especially if you know everyone in Germany is missing you the same way like you miss them. But I tried to be strong and I overcame it. After getting involved in your school life you won't really realize that you actually have another family over the big sea – there in the distance called Germany. One of the key words to get involved in the school spirit and to get to meet new people is to be OPEN- MINDED. The Americans really appreciate learning a lot about the exchange student. They all want to know how life is like in this foreign European country. So for me it was really necessary to be very self- confident and to not be shy. After all, it extremely impacted my friendships in Texas and increased my self- confidence.

The school spirit was a really big part for me. Not just during the week. Also on the weekends. My friends and I often went to football games or met for Student Council meetings after school. In this academic organization called Student Council we tried to improve our daily school life. It was so much fun. Moreover, you'll find a bunch of more clubs offering many different after- school activities. It is really recommended to attend a couple of those clubs. The school spirit is also marked by the sports. Try to get involved into sports! There are so many opportunities. I had dance class and started playing tennis in the second semester of my exchange year. It was so much fun! :-)

The family time is also really important. Especially the little things in my everyday life were the actions my host parents got excited about. Just talking about your and their day is really important. We always also tried to have at least one meal all together. They really appreciated that and so I really felt involved and welcome into their family life. That made me happy. My family always wanted to do some activity on the weekend and I really liked that. For me it seemed important to let them know that I'm on time and honest. I usually said early enough how long I'm going to be out. Our mutual trust developed that way.

One of the most important things is to always try to smile and to say “thank you”. Being self-confident, curious and interested in the “American Way of Life” I started my year, and can say now, that I had the best year of my life filled with many emotions, happiness and this dream – to experience the life in this foreign place – that came true.