Why did you decide to take part in a GAPP exchange?
I had wanted to go since middle school, ever since I started German; when I first heard people talk about it, I thought, "What, they allow this? Oh my goodness. Can I be a part of this?" I would speak to the exchange students who came here and other people who had gone before; all of the stories were amazing. By the time I got to sophomore year, I was begging to go.
What were your expectations of Germany?
I thought I'd know what to expect, having heard everyone's experiences, but people would always hold some stuff back. "You need to see for yourself" they didn't want to ruin the surprise. So I had all these stories in my head, but when I got there, it just became so… real. I just remember thinking, "I'm actually in Germany. This is absolutely amazing."
How was living with a host family?
I really enjoyed it, they made me feel right at home. The whole family would have meals together in the morning before we went to the bus, which was a 40-minute ride with three transfers. So we had to wake up a bit early, but it was worth it; I became very close to my host family. My exchange partner and I are still close. I'm actually visiting her in two weeks, and I'm super excited!
What was the most significant difference you saw between Germany and the United States?
Germany's public transportation, for one. Their system is fantastic, you can take public transportation everywhere. The nearest bus stop to me in New Jersey is a 10-minute drive from my home; it would take over 40 minutes to walk there. In Duisburg, there was one right outside the house. I think that's why no one is ever late in Germany.
The schools were also different, mostly in how independent the students could be and how well they treated their teachers. You also raised your pointer finger instead of your hands when you had a question; in America, you have to reach for the sky until someone sees you! But in Germany, no one was talking out of line or speaking when they weren't called on, so it was calmer. It was nice to see teachers get treated with so much respect.
What is your favorite memory from your time in Germany?
My absolute favorite trip was to a castle, I don't remember the name, but we just called it "Das Schloss," which is "the castle" in German. It was one of the first day trips we took, so no one really knew each other yet. But throughout the day, as we walked around this giant German castle, we slowly started talking more and giggling. By the end of the trip, we were all best friends. I don't know what it is about “das Schloss”, but it was like it had magic powers; it just brought everyone together.
How do you feel like your GAPP experience influenced your life?
My exchange had such a huge impact on my life. First, I learned to be punctual. Being late was always such a problem in my life, but being in Germany and seeing how people value and respect each other's time was eye-opening. I'm always early if I can be and always prepared.
I also fell in love with world travel. I had traveled internationally before to see family in Slovakia, but GAPP made me realize I could travel alone or with friends. Now I visit numerous different countries every year: this year alone I'm going to France, the Netherlands, England, and Germany. I feel like I can branch out and go anywhere, and the exchange made that possible. GAPP made me realize I can do anything, and I'm so grateful for the experience.
What advice would you give to a student thinking about participating in a GAPP exchange?
I would say if you go, try your best to never be late! But also, savor every single moment, good and bad. I remember getting upset when something small would happen, like missing the bus. Looking back, I wish I had laughed instead of cried. Don't overthink it, just immerse yourself and experience everything the exchange offers. You won't regret it.
