Carla Mears - QLD to Germany

Wed 27 Feb 2008

Carla Mears from West Moreton Anglican college Queensland, has recently returned from her Summer Explorer Program to Germany. Here is her update:

I'm great thank you! I've been meaning to write to tell you all about my exchange however unfortunately school back here in Australia is already very busy. I've attached a few photos here. One of me with my host family, one of brandenburg gate, one of the markets and one of myself. So here is a bit about my exchange!

My exchange to Germany was such a great experience! Hamburg is a really beautiful city, which I will definitely visit again sometime. I met so many great people over there that I will definitely stay in contact with. A friend I made over there also might be coming to visit me later on in the year, so I am very excited about that! School was quite different in Germany but everybody was so friendly and helpful. They were also really interested in Australia! Although they seemed to have the idea that everyone here can surf and that there are kangaroos, koalas and sharks everywhere! But overall, school was a very positive experience. Of course, it was challenging at times, but there were always people willing to help.

Christmas in Germany was absolutely beautiful. The markets had such an amazing atmosphere and the radio seemed to play nothing but christmas carols! New Year was also lots of fun, especially because they set off lots of fireworks out on the streets! In January I also got the opportunity to travel to Füssen with other Australian, American, Thai, Brasilian and Japanese exchange students that were also staying in Germany at the time. We saw Schloss Neuschwanstein which is a beautiful castle with lots of interesting history aswell. On the trip we also went up the highest mountain in Germany, the 'Zugspitze' which was really amazing because there was lots of snow there and a wonderful view! The snow was so much fun, my friends and host family couldn't believe i'd never seen it before! So we went tabboganning!

My host family also took me to Berlin for a weekend! Berlin was really great! I saw Brandenburg Gate, the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, 'Der Reichstag', the sony center, the 'Siegesaüle' and lots more! I took so many photos! While we were in Berlin I also ran into another exchange student from Australia who I had met at the orientation! So it was good to catch up with him as well. My host family were very generous, they took me to an ice hockey game, Hamburg vs Mannheim, which was so much fun!

But one of the greatest feelings is when you realise just how much you have improved at the language! I improved so much when i was over there. I went from asking people to talk slower and using my dictionary everyday, to having normal pace conversations and not needing my dictionary at all. And you can't help but feel proud of yourself when someone mentions how much you have improved!

My exchange was so worthwhile and I will definitely be going back to Germany to see all of my German friends again! So thank you so much Student Exchange Australia! The only thing I would have done differently is stayed for longer than two months! After making such close friends with the people around you, it is definitely very hard to say goodbye and to thank them enough for the huge amount that they have done for you. I would encourage absolutely anybody to participate in an exchange, it is great for meeting new people, experiencing other cultures, improving your language skills and you also become more independant.

Carla