Tuesday, September 11, 2012

First Few Days

I'm finally here! Germany is amazing. When I arrived at the airport with AFS my host family picked me up which was nice. The hour long car ride was not as awkward as I thought it would be.
Once I got to my new home I unpacked and then ate wit the family. The extended family was in town do there were so many people, but I really liked it. We ate and talked. I didn't talk much because I don't speak much German but they spoke some English to me.
Then, we went sight seeing in the city. It was so beautiful. All of the amazing architecture! I couldn't believe it. Late on that night I went back to the city with my host sister to like the flea market with her friends.
My first day in Germany was very great and welcoming.
I started school and it's difficult because I don't understand what's going on. Hopefully English and English biology I'll understand. Haha So far so good and I'm hoping it just gets better and better. (:

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

It's Finally Here!

Wow, after all the waiting it's finally time to go to Germany. I know I haven't written anything in awhile. Sorry. Anyways, tomorrow's my departure orientation! Tomorrow my mother will hand me over to AFS and I'll be a foreign exchange student. I can't believe it. I spent a week packing. The one suitcase rule was very difficult for me. After I finally thought I had just one suitcase it was too heavy! This I had to take out even more. I'll get back to you on if I should've packed more. I keep double checking to see if I have everything, I know I'm prepared but I'm leaving for 10 months; it's hard to predict what I'll need. Wish me luck tomorrow. I'll try to write about it after. Byeeeee

Monday, June 11, 2012

Orientatinon

Please excuse me for posting this so late. I'm very sorry. I'll try to do better next time.
Before studying abroad all AFS students must attend a pre-departure orientation. Going in I thought it was going to be extremely boring and probably a powerpoint presentation. I was wrong. The meeting really opened my eyes to all of the things I still need to get prepared for. I can't just think about what I'm going to pack and where I'm going to live. There is so much more that I would've never thought of. There are so many goals I want to set for myself now. I never thought too detailed about the changes I will face and it really got me thinking about how I could better prepare myself for the changes. Day by day goals or over all goals about the experience, either way making them will allow me to get the full experince I want. Above all, I have to be aware that things are going to be extremely different, if not opposite of my life in Ohio, and go in with an open mind to get everything I can out of it. At the orientation they told us to always remember, "It's not good or bad. It's just different."

I have all summer to prepare myself for this change. Although the wait is killing me I know the time I have left will be very helpful. I have a lot of research to still do. Wish me luck! Until next time, Auf Wiedersehen!

- Hallee

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Journey Begins

Guten Tag! My name is Hallee, I'm seventeen years old and a junior at Wheelersburg High School. For my senior year I would like to study in Germany! With its vast culture and beautiful architecture I can't think of another place I would want to study. When I found out about this program with AFS I knew it was an opportunity I could not pass up!
From this amazing experience, I want to become inspired and learn about the place I adore so much. As I go to college I want to become an architect. The best way to learn about architecture is to see it first hand. I want to immerse myself in a new culture.
As I learn about German culture I can spread American culture to the people around me. Sharing culture is something I enjoy. It's important to me to show that, although we live across the globe, we are not that different.
This is a once in a life time chance to go to Germany. I don't want to pass it up, however it is very costly. I've been doing odd jobs and other fundraising to help raise money. I have a summer job, but it still isn't enough. I would like to raise $4,000. I understand donating isn't ideal for everyone, but every little bit would be extremely helpful!

To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button.

iPhone users, the ChipIn button is not compatible with iPhone software so please get on your computer.

Danke!-Thank You!
Auf Wiedersehen- Good Bye
-Hallee