Reflections from Jena K.

Before I went on this trip I was really anxious. I didn’t really know what to expect. I had been to Germany twice before with my family and had a really great, memorable time. It would be different this time because I would be with people my age, along with a teacher, instead of my parents. As a reflection of my whole experience on this trip to Germany, I would have to say that it was filled with lots of laughs, beautiful sights that I will never forget, and great food! I was also able to learn more about the traditional German culture and improve my German speaking skills.

When we first arrived, I wasn’t very surprised at the things I saw because I had been there before, while most of the other students hadn’t. This time, I was able to successfully travel around the country, without my parents and with the help of Mr. Mobini. I never realized before that Germany used so many different kinds of transportation while in Seattle; people mostly drive themselves to get around instead of taking a subway or bus to school or work, although few do.  I learned how to navigate to different parts of cities just by using a subway and a map, which I had never done by myself before.

I was able to speak German with native speakers, which was very helpful after taking two years of the language. They were able to help/correct me when I said something wrong, which is a great way to learn. I was also able to teach my host family a few English phrases and common words and tried speaking with my host sister’s younger brother.

During the trip, I was also able to visit my family that I had not seen for six years. It was good to catch up with them and practice my German speaking. It was very helpful because they are all fluent English speakers because they were taught in school.  I think it’s very interesting that taking the English language is required in schools all over Germany, along with taking another language such as French or Spanish, while in America you only have to take one. When we travelled as a group, we visited places that I had never seen before and that I will never forget. I’m glad I was able to experience this and be a part of this program. I am also happy that I chose to take German as my language in school; I hope to come back soon.  -Jena Karl