When I look back over the last four weeks, I can see how the CIEE time together in D.C. and then with the Experiment e.V. staff at Schloss Wittgenstein made it easier to transition into Germany. Before we left the U.S. we talked about some basics, and every question we could think of was answered so we left reassured and ready to embrace our new lives in Germany. The language camp really helped ward off any potential homesickness since we had a full schedule and were always doing something, which also helped reduce the culture shock and confusion. I learned a lot of lessons at language camp that have already influenced my living here in Germany, like try everything, even if you have no clue what it is or how to do it. The support you feel from the 49 other kids and the 10 teamers and teachers is great and the best part is that the support doesn’t end with language camp. Each scholar receives an Experiment e.V. Betreuerin (advisor) who checks in with you and your host family, supporting the positive and listening to the negative. These Betreuerin are usually available via WhatsApp so it’s easy to talk with them whenever you need. I think this support system is one of the best parts of the CBYX/CIEE/Experiment e.V and something that sets it apart from other study abroad programs.
P.S. I hope that if you are reading this blog and meet the requirements, you will consider going online - http://www.usagermanyscholarship.org/apply-ciee/ -to apply for the 2016-2017 CBYX scholarship or share the link with a friend who might be interested. (Submission deadline is December 4, 2015.)