My life abroad and how it became the best time of my life “How was it?” – That was probably the question most people asked me when I came back to Germany. I’m looking back at five month filled with adventures, new experience and tons of fun. I stayed with my lovely host family in Arlington, Virginia. Arlington is located … Read More »

“My exchange year has definitely helped me grow as a global person and at the same time made me appreciate my home country. A highlight of my exchange year was the time I spent with my host family. Although I am not blood-related to my host family, I consider them my family and we are still frequently in touch even … Read More »

“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 … Read More »

“During my student exchange, I had so many great and new experiences. I would have never thought that I could call a new and totally different place, a family I didn’t know, and all the strangers who became my best friends, my new home. I am still in touch with all the wonderful people I got to meet, and I … Read More »

“Being an exchange student with NWSE has been a life-changing experience for me. For the first time in my life I got out of my comfort zone to go abroad. America has always been a fascination for me. For half a year, I stayed with a warm and loving host family on a beautiful island called Bainbridge Island. I made … Read More »

“In January 2016, I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Wisconsin, live with a host family, and attend a high school. I was really excited and couldn’t wait for it to start, but when the big day came for me to leave, I had mixed feelings, because I’ve never traveled that far by myself before, and I hadn’t … Read More »

“My name is Hannah, and I am 17 years old. I am from Germany. Last year I lived on Mercer Island in Seattle. I was there from the summer through December of 2016. Looking back, I can definitely say it was the best time of my life so far. Not only did I improve my English skills, I also learned … Read More »

Growing up, I was exposed at an early age to American music through my father and was therefore always interested in the culture behind the music. In the summer of 2010, a friend of mine had applied for an exchange to the U.S. with NWSE, and I realized the second I heard about it that I would love to experience … Read More »

“I always admired the American culture, and when I was sixteen year old, I had the opportunity to become an exchange student, and I didn’t think twice. I went to Hinesville, Georgia, in 2012 and had an amazing host family and good friends that helped me. It was there that I learned to become more independent. I’m so thankful for … Read More »

“In 2009 I spent my sophomore year in Warwick, RI. I got to stay with the most wonderful host dad, Rob, who is still a big part of my family. We still keep in touch, and I know I’ll always have a home in Rhode Island whenever I come to the U.S. Last year, Rob came to Germany to celebrate … Read More »

It has always been a dream of mine to come to the U.S. as an exchange student. I watched a lot of the typical television shows about American life, and I wanted the full high school experience. I was nervous to take the step and actually pack my bag and leave, but I have to be honest with you: the … Read More »

“I was 17 years old when I decided to study abroad in high school. This decision has helped me grow not only in my personal life, but in my professional life. This exchange has brought to me great job opportunities thanks to the preparation and experiences I have been through. This exchange helped me become a more independent person and … Read More »

“As part of my U.S. student exchange program during the 2007–8 school year, I was placed in Warwick, Rhode Island. This was the best thing that could have happened to me, as my host dad was incredibly welcoming and became a great friend who I still regularly visit to this day. Looking back, the year abroad went by extremely fast, … Read More »

“When I was fifteen years old, I decided to study abroad in the U.S. I began in Utah, eventually moving to Wisconsin, where I will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Every student has different reasons for studying abroad. For me, it was an opportunity to take a different path in my life and try something new and challenging. … Read More »