The common idea of what you learn from participating in an exchange program is obvious: the language. Maybe you also get to know a new sport, taste different food, and discover unknown fashion. But exchange is not only about that, it is about discovering yourself and understanding where you come from. I will try to explain how the language is just the key to a new world, the tool to something that is so much more than a good English grade back in your home country.

In general my skills improved in almost every aspect – independent living, controlling my own emotions, communicating and becoming more open. At the same time I broadened my knowledge and strengthened my opinions. I started thinking “out of the box.”

I learned how to discuss different moral issues without starting an argument. I found out about how moral opinions can be influenced and sometimes even depend on the country that people live in. After that, I found out how different the opinions of Americans compared to Germans can be, even if the countries seem very common at first. A gun for example is an item of safety in America, while it means danger in Germany. Environmental protection is discussed less than in Germany, but the end of the world, maybe caused by the fact that some people don’t care about the nature, is all over the news. I learned to accept the fact that I can’t convince everyone to agree with me, and I also have learned how hard it is to keep your own opinion when in the minority.

I started understanding what religion gives to people and why they believe in a power, even if it doesn’t physically appear – it’s hope. And for the first time I understood why people would need “extra hope” in their lives. I was impressed by the fact that people can ignore a lot of things and defend their opinion if they want to believe in something. What upsets me is that some people are so stuck on their own opinion that it is impossible to have a serious discussion with them.

I improved in judging and not judging people. I think the fact that I got to know so many personalities showed me the similarities of communities and made it easier to see the role of a person in the community. But I also learned not to judge people too fast. I learned how to be open, but still have a certain distance, like a “wall” that protects myself on the inside, so that I don’t get run over by differences and new impressions.

I also learned how important faith and trust is; how essential a loving family is. I understood how vulnerable a single person is and how our strength comes from the people we love.

I experienced how it feels to be different, to be new, but also to slowly become part of another family. There is nothing like the feeling when your little host cousin hugs you for the first time, just like you were a real family member.

I learned how to venture – venture things I was afraid of and I would have never done in Germany.

Eventually, I will go back to my home country, thankful for my life, taking every positive opportunity I can get.