youth exchange program a transformative and joyful experience

By: Annika Kunz

As my time as a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) student in the United States draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I've embarked upon over the past year. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of the Midwest, my experience as an exchange student has been nothing short of transformative.

​When I first arrived in the U.S., I was filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to adjust myself to a new culture and develop connections with people from across the globe. While these expectations were certainly met, what I didn't fully anticipate was the strong impact that my time here would have on my personal growth and understanding of the world.

​Living and studying in the U.S. has challenged me in ways I never imagined. Leaving everything behind and starting new is like being pushed into a cold pool without knowing how to swim. It can be very scary at first but once you figure out how to swim, you enjoy every second of it. 

From navigating cultural differences to adapting to different academic systems, each day presented new opportunities for learning and adaptation. Walking into a school full of people I didn’t know pushed me far outside my comfort zone: it made me talk to new people, be open to new perspectives, and fostered some of the best friendships I could have imagined. 

My time in the U.S. has broadened my perspective, exposing me to new ideas, cultures, and ways of life. There were times when I found myself struggling with cultural differences such as how different the social life is compared to what I was used to, but most of the time I was able to overcome those struggles by simple communication. I have learned to embrace uncertainty and navigate unfamiliar situations with confidence.

While my journey as a CBYX exchange student may be coming to an end, the lessons I've learned and the memories I've made will stay with me for a lifetime. And as I return to Germany, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to building bridges of understanding and cooperation between countries.

In the end, my exchange experience has been so much more than I ever could have imagined. It has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and cultural exchange, and I am grateful for every moment of it. As I look to the future, I am excited to see where this newfound perspective will take me and how I can continue to make a positive impact in the world around me.