Jose shares that he really felt “at home” with his host family when he baked his favorite cookie recipe with them. Living in another country means that the same ingredients are not always available, but his host family helped him successfully recreate the recipe, bringing a familiar aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon throughout the house. Jose enjoys sharing Mexican and American recipes with his host family and hopes to make tamales, his favorite Mexican dish.
One of Jose’s favorite moments from his exchange year is when he participated in a race with his host father and host brother, an experience which brought them closer. Jose and his host brother ran 18.5 kilometers (approximately 11.5 miles) while his host father ran the marathon. Jose is registered with his host city’s Leichtathletik-Club and is set to compete in 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k races. He is also excited to run a marathon in the Netherlands in May! Through the sport, Jose met Bjork, a local runner in his community and previous professional marathoner. Jose considers Bjork a role model for his grit and passion, characteristics Jose notes are critical to not only running but also his exchange year.
Another favorite moment from exchange took place during the German holiday, “Heiligen Drei Könige.” Jose and a few of his German friends dressed up and knocked door to door while singing German songs to fundraise for children in need in Kenya and Ecuador. At one point they went inside a hospice center to sing to the elderly, and Jose shares, “It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.” Jose is currently working on becoming a volunteer there.
Jose has been surprised to see how accessible and sustainable Germany is, especially with its public transportation systems. He also appreciates the strong work ethic he has observed in Germans around him. Jose shares, “This year abroad has shown me the unique perspectives that cultures and people have. I know this exchange year has developed my adaptability in outstanding ways. To understand German culture fully, it was vital to go out of my comfort zone.”
To anyone considering going on an exchange, Jose says, “If you’re looking to grow in ways you’ve never thought possible, an exchange year is the perfect opportunity to take on. With this experience, you can build connections and create an impact beneficial to your host and eventually, your home community.”
Congratulations, Jose!
