Joining the Overbrook German Exchange program was one of the best choices I have ever made. I was able to leave the country for the first time, meet new friends, see some fantastic sights, and create memories that will last a lifetime. On the flip side, hosting my German exchange student for her first time in America was an equally enlightening experience that was just as exciting. I recommend participating in Overbrook’s German Exchange Program to anyone interested in traveling abroad the following school year.
Our journey began with a stormy bus ride to Philadelphia Intl—airport, where we boarded our flight and headed to London for a 6-hour layover. Although the destination was worth it, the flight was brutal. An 8-hour ride over the Atlantic in a cramped seat with no legroom will never be an enjoyable experience. However, our group persevered, albeit fatigued, and most of us spent our time at the London layover fast asleep. However, soon enough, we were moving again and hopped on a much more brief flight to Berlin, and just like that, we had reached Germany.
We navigated through Berlin’s extensive yet polished metro systems to reach our hostel. We rode through the city’s east side, abundant with graffiti and Soviet architecture, a mark of its past. We moved towards West Berlin the following day, taking in landmarks like the Berlin Cathedral and the Brandenburger Tor. They were truly unique sights, and overall, it was a fantastic time roaming around the city. Stopping by its restaurants, getting trinkets and souvenirs at the tourist shops, walking around and viewing the buildings, the streets, and the people around us, seeing how different it all was, is something everyone should experience.
Our short time in Berlin came to an end, and we took a long but comfortable train ride to the other side of the country, Cologne. There, we met our host families and went our separate ways. My exchange partner’s name was Lea, and she and her family were nothing but welcoming and kind. Their house was large, clean, and comfortable, and they thoroughly ensured I enjoyed the 2-week stay.
German life is a nice change of pace from American life. Everyone takes things slow, schedules are more flexible, people are more relaxed, and breaks from school and work last longer. That is not to say it is boring, as my time was filled with activity. Whether it was attending fairs, taking a hike through the gorgeous countryside and forests, wakeboarding, or visiting medieval villages and castles, all of it was immensely entertaining. Observing the German school system and seeing how education was done differently was quite intriguing, and the day trips to Cologne and Bonn were nothing short of incredible. Climbing the 500 steps of the Cologne Cathedral, the third tallest Church in the world, was unforgettable.
The little things were memorable, too. I enjoyed sitting outside the dinner table with the family, needing help understanding a word of their conversations. At the same time, I munched on schnitzel and sipped on Bavarian lemonade, the sun shining bright above. As soon as I got comfortable, I had to pack up my stuff and head home again. Time flies when you are having fun.
The flight home was also just as long and taxing. My mind stirred between thoughts of excitement to see my family again and the faint emptiness of knowing that my time in Germany was officially over. A month later, the Germans would arrive for two weeks, and their time in America would officially begin.
It was a wonderful time showing the Germans around America, our way of life, and what we do. My family and I tried our hardest to give Lea the best American experience possible. We took her to Philadelphia, the Camden Battleship, Wildwood, and a 76ers game and showed her the joys of Wawa and Target, the greatest we have to offer. It was interesting to show her around the school as it differed from what she was used to. Many things shocked her, like the short class periods and the police officers at the school. She described it as “crazy.”
The most exciting parts were the trips to New York and DC. In DC, we saw the Capitol Building and the White House, the Washington Monument, and the various museums throughout the city. They preferred New York, though, as it was huge and had Times Square and Wall Street, two prominent landmarks they wanted to see. Everyone had a good time, which made their first visit to America memorable. Just as fast as they arrived, they were gone, and all of us were sad to see them go. Many of them want to return, and some expect them soon.
All in all, the Overbrook German Exchange Program was life-changing. Traveling to Germany and hosting my exchange partner was a blast, and if you are looking to have some of the most fun of your life, I recommend the program. It’s also great for picking up German. I learned a lot in my two weeks, and there’s no better way to learn a language than to stay in a country that speaks it. Auf Wiedersehen!
