As we celebrate 35 years of helping people connect through AYA exchange, it is a pleasure to hear from students that participated with us over the years. Today, we share reflections of a former student, Anne-Kathrin from Germany. She recalls her time spent as an AYA student in Texas and how the program has made an impact on her life ever since.
My AYA Experience:
I first heard of the opportunity when a friend a few years older went to the U.S., and I thought this was really awesome and decided to apply. In 2001, I traveled with a friend for four weeks in the U.S., and it was a dream to study there. I remember thinking it would be great to be in a big city, and then I lived in a really small village, but I loved it.
I stayed with my host parents, Dorothy and Pete, in Texas during my senior year in 2002 from August to December. Their children were already grown and out of the house, but I had a host sister who was also an AYA student, Priscila from Brazil. Dorothy and Pete were supportive and caring host parents. They made our time in the U.S. very special.
The high school had new exchange students every year, so although it was special to me, I didn’t think it would be special for them, but we were welcomed and invited to events in a very good way.
My host parents were great. They were very nice and did a lot with us. We were busy on weekends visiting other states, shopping, going to the cinema and having sleepovers. They always let us bring other friends along.
Culture and Language:
I experienced just a little culture shock; the Texas accent was a challenge, and I did note some cultural differences to Germany. I was very surprised to see how patriotic Americans and Brazilians were. At this time, we did not have this patriotism at home. I also remember the friendliness of the Americans and their open nature.
I remember trending politics at the time included September 11th, the Afghanistan war, and controversial discussions about President Bush. Also, the weather was warmer in Texas. In Germany we have 4 seasons, and I remember Texas was quite warm and sunny for me. It was a little colder in October and November, but not like the weather in Germany.
At the public high school, I studied math, English, biology… all of the usual classes, but one class was unusual; it was human development. They gave us dolls to take care of for 2 or 3 days. This was so strange to both me and Priscila; it is not something we had in Germany or Brazil.
My language improved a lot during the time. My listening capacity definitely improved. The experience helped me to be more open and to be better prepared for a career.
Friends, Family and Favorite Memories:
With Priscila (my AYA host sister) and me, we made an American-Brazilian-German family with Dorothy and Pete. This led to lots of laughter. Priscila and I very much enjoyed going to malls on weekends to shop for clothes and to watch the latest movies.
Dorothy coordinates many students, so she invited others to dinner and everyone made a dish from their home country for an international pot luck dinner. At home Dorothy and Pete cook very healthy, similar to my mom—different dishes but healthy. When we would go out we would have American foods like burgers. I like American food.
A favorite memory was Dorothy taking Priscila, myself and 2 other students to Las Vegas for a couple days. This was really special. Las Vegas was totally crazy.
Thanksgiving was another favorite memory. Dorothy and Pete invited the whole family, and I met their kids and grandchildren. I was able to celebrate a typical American holiday, and this was very special.
Enduring Connections:
Dorothy and Pete included us in daily life. We were always along for visits and birthdays with friends and family. Since then, I’ve visited them with my parents and sister. Later I visited with my husband. They came three or four times to Germany. They came to my wedding and met my family and traveled to see the city where I studied.
When Priscila is in Europe, I’ll fly to meet up. I was married in 2012, and my son Valentin was born this year. Priscila came to visit my little son. I continue to enjoy a close relationship with Priscila and our American parents.
Education and Career:
After finishing high school in Germany, I studied business administration in Mannheim, Germany. I’ve worked since 2005 for a large German bank in the global transaction division. They are responsible for trade finance with foreign financial institutions.
Value of High School Exchange:
For young people it’s a great experience to be abroad. You get to be on your own and get to be in a new culture with new people and get to see how other people live. It’s a great opportunity for young people to grow. You get really deep in a culture when you can live in it for a couple months.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts and memories about your AYA exchange, Anne! Hearing from you has been a pleasure. Best wishes for continued success!
If you are inspired by Anne’s story and would like to learn more about high school exchange and opportunities to host through AYA, please visit our website to learn more.
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