“At first, leaving home and moving to the U.S. for a year seemed like a great adventure. However it was much more than that. Now I am able to deal with people differently, approach arising challenges differently, and even see myself differently. I became friends with so many exciting people. Furthermore, I participated in competitions, projects, and trips that cannot be compared to anything I had previously been a part of. Best of all, I was able to become part of a whole new family. All these factors have a large impact on my future and will always be a part of who I am.”

– Max Popken from Germany, 2012–13