The German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce Emma Kowalczyk as the January Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) U.S. Participant of the Month! Emma, a CBYX High School program participant from Pierz, Minnesota and recruited by CIEE, is hosted by the Rahmann family in Coesfeld, North Rhine Westphalia.
Emma first considered studying abroad after meeting a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program participant from Ukraine who was studying at her U.S. high school. After researching opportunities with her mother, Emma thought CBYX would be a great fit because participants receive one month of language training prior to moving to their host families.
She says that language camp was helpful for her to learn the basics and get used to German culture, but “moving to my host family and being full immersed was when I could connect what I learned during classes to everyday usage of German.” It helps that she gets along great with her host family and has ways of connecting with each of them. Since Emma plays trombone, she joined her host father’s band. Emma grew close with her host mother through their conversations and baking together. Having only a brother at home in Minnesota, Emma is also cherishing the fact that she now has both an older sister and a sister her age.
Emma and her host family have shared a lot of fun memories together. For fall break, they went to Amsterdam, and Emma’s host family showed her around the city. Since Thanksgiving is Emma’s favorite holiday, she thought it was important to introduce it to her host family and family friends. For their hybrid celebration, Emma made apple pie, pumpkin pie, and stuffing, and her host family made raclette and purchased pulled pork. The host family loved Emma’s dishes so much that they had leftover pie for breakfast the next day.
After an international exchange participant in the U.S. inspired her to study abroad, Emma hopes to similarly motivate other young people. She has already encouraged her host sister’s friend, who would like to study abroad, to apply to CBYX. She says, “Exchange programs are great because you learn so much and meet so many interesting people during your exchange year. I’ve met great people, experienced a whole different life, and seen how different cultures live because of CBYX. I tell everyone who is considering doing an exchange to do it – it’s a great way to educate yourself and expand your mind.”
Congratulations, Emma!
