The U.S. Department of State and German Bundestag are proud to recognize Ben Klein as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) German Participant of the Month! Ben, a CBYX High School program participant from Hohenpeissenberg, Germany, was placed by YFU in Freeland, Michigan, and lives with the Brown family.
Ben's basketball coach nominated him for his leadership, innovation, and academic excellence. Ben had never played basketball before coming to America. He trained every day, worked harder than anyone, and made varsity. Now he leads the team with strategic insights and by example. Ben also dominated five positions on the junior varsity football team and earned a football award—proving his versatility and determination alongside his American teammates.
Ben is a key member of his high school's robotics program and has mentored middle school students for over 80 hours in computer design, critical thinking, and math. When the middle school team forgot a critical part right before the Michigan State Championship, Ben acted fast—he worked with the students, solved the problem, and got their robot competition-ready. Beyond school, Ben and a friend back home are building a hybrid jet engine. His time in the United States has connected him directly with research and industry leaders who are teaching him about American innovation and excellence firsthand. Despite his packed schedule, Ben maintains top grades and tutors his classmates
Ben's host family embodies the strong American work ethic, community engagement, and generosity he experiences every day. His host parents drive him to basketball practice and aviation club meetings while sharing stories from their adventures teaching abroad. Over winter break, Ben traveled with his host family to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He met new relatives, explored breathtaking natural beauty, and discovered the places his host parents hold dear—creating memories that will last forever.
During this historic year celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, Ben is learning that American freedom of expression and patriotism require active engagement and respectful dialogue. In classroom debates, family dinners, and team meetings, he practices voicing disagreement respectfully and accepting feedback openly. Ben shares, “I came to understand patriotism not as ritual display, but as participation—serving neighbors, joining school teams and sports clubs, competing in regional FIRST robotics events, and diving deep in civic conversations.”
Congratulations, Ben!