Three weeks ago, Thursday, August 13, I began my CBYX experience when my family said their "good-byes” after bringing me to the Hilton Dulles Airport (Washington, DC area). As we arrived at the hotel we saw all kinds of students wearing Experiement e.V. purple t-shirts – the German CBYX students had arrived in America! After checking in, I was paired with a German student, Josie, as a hotel mate. Josie and I got to talk a lot before we went to the CBYX ballroom for dinner and activities. We got to play a lot of games; most of them had meanings behind them, to allow us to learn more about each other. We had some small group time where we got to talk with some of the Germans who would be living in our hometown areas – two of the girls were going to Charlotte, two others to Asheville. It was nice to share, giving them information on what they will get to see and do during the CBYX year in America.
Friday morning we were up and out early as we met with Department of State representatives who reviewed the CBYX program, how the governments of the United States and Germany created the program in 1983 to develop student transatlantic leaders who would strengthen ties between generations, improve career skills and expand global perspectives and awareness. Afterward we went to get lunch in groups and do some sightseeing! We had a relaxing time at the FDR and MLK memorials and our tour guide gave a lot of great information as we walked the DC Smithsonians and Mall.
Saturday we up early again to send off the German students, with the American CBYX students heading to the airport after lunch. Happy to say, with the assistance of the Experiment e.V. staff accompanying us, we blazed through customs before boarding for our seven hour overnight flight to Frankfurt. Upon our arrival we were met by a double decker bus with luggage trailer attached to transport us to Bad Laasphe. The ride was about an hour to the Schloss Wittgenstein, a castle dating back to the late 13th century. Upon arrival we enjoyed a welcoming meal and talk before choosing roommates and settling in. My cabin themed, cozy room is shared with Hannah from South Carolina and Veronica from Georgia, both my age. We have a big window that opens up to the front of the castle, allowing superb sunset views. I can’t wait to spend the next three weeks getting to know all of these great people!
Friday morning we were up and out early as we met with Department of State representatives who reviewed the CBYX program, how the governments of the United States and Germany created the program in 1983 to develop student transatlantic leaders who would strengthen ties between generations, improve career skills and expand global perspectives and awareness. Afterward we went to get lunch in groups and do some sightseeing! We had a relaxing time at the FDR and MLK memorials and our tour guide gave a lot of great information as we walked the DC Smithsonians and Mall.
Saturday we up early again to send off the German students, with the American CBYX students heading to the airport after lunch. Happy to say, with the assistance of the Experiment e.V. staff accompanying us, we blazed through customs before boarding for our seven hour overnight flight to Frankfurt. Upon our arrival we were met by a double decker bus with luggage trailer attached to transport us to Bad Laasphe. The ride was about an hour to the Schloss Wittgenstein, a castle dating back to the late 13th century. Upon arrival we enjoyed a welcoming meal and talk before choosing roommates and settling in. My cabin themed, cozy room is shared with Hannah from South Carolina and Veronica from Georgia, both my age. We have a big window that opens up to the front of the castle, allowing superb sunset views. I can’t wait to spend the next three weeks getting to know all of these great people!