Reflections from Eleana S.

I am so happy that I was able to be a part of this amazing 2012 GAPP trip to Germany. I have made so many amazing memories, and made so many relationships with people that I never would have got to experience if I did not go on the exchange this summer. To say the least, Germany was a life changing experience, which gave a first-hand look into the lives and culture of a people half way across the world. From the time I spent with the Grabke family, to the beautiful sights that I saw around Germany, I was able to experience something truly one-of-a-kind.

My time spent with my host sister and her family was very memorable. They made me feel so welcome in their home, and their hospitality made it easier for me to adjust to the lifestyle of the German people while staying abroad. They took me to some beautiful sights, and showed me the way that they live day to day. Although their days and lives are so different from mine at home, the difference began to grow on me, and developed into an exciting, wonderful experience. Hanna and I biked everywhere, and this made me appreciate the German way of life even greater. We were never in a hurry, and for those short three weeks, time seemed to go by just as it should, allowing me time to take in all the beauty of this foreign country. I was able to see how the home life of Germans is, and how family is an enormous aspect of their everyday lives. We would sit around the dinner table; altogether, just enjoying each other’s company long after the meal was finished. There was never the rush and chaos that comes along with my daily life in the states. I appreciated these small differences, and grew to appreciate the time off from my hectic life.

For a week, our group left our host families, and went on an excursion around Europe. Our travels included Berlin, Aachen, Nuremberg, and Cologne. We saw beautiful churches, landmarks, ate delicious food, and experienced what it was like to back pack through Europe. I will never forget the truly beautiful sights that we got to see on our journey. Along the way, we stayed in two different hostels, one in Berlin, and one in Koln. Although these weren’t the most comfortable surroundings, it was definitely an experience to try something new and exciting. It almost felt like we were having a big sleepover with friends. Our group definitely became more closely knit because of this experience, and made it that much easier to feel like we were at home.

I experienced so much culture while in Germany. Being able to attend the Franz Marc Gymnasium was enthralling, because I was able to see how German teenagers live. Although there are definitely differences between Americans and Germans, I was surprised to see how truly similar that we are to each other. They love to listen to music, hang out in groups, go shopping, and have fun being kids, just like us. The relationships that were formed while I was there will never be forgotten, and the memories will most definitely be cherished. I had so much fun going out with my host sister, and her friends, and appreciated how welcome that they made me feel, in this country that was so unfamiliar to me.  I was definitely culturally enriched throughout this trip, and will forever remember my experiences.

Although it was a very long time away from home, I am very happy that I experienced this GAPP trip. I think that it is a once in a lifetime experience that a kid as young as seventeen is able to go to a beautiful foreign country, and live the way that they live for almost a month. I will never forget the memories, experiences, friendships, and traditions. I am very lucky to have attended this trip, and give all my appreciation to the GAPP cooperation for making it possible. Many thanks! - Eleana Stevens