The German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State are proud to recognize Joey DiPalma as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) U.S. Participant of the Month for January 2026! Joey, a CBYX Vocational program participant from Carrollton, Texas, was recruited by Nacel Open Door and is hosted by the Knöpfles family in Berlin, Germany.
Joey first learned about CBYX from his classmates at school, and his German teacher encouraged him to apply. Although he had not planned to study abroad, Joey recognized that opportunities like CBYX are rare, so he decided to apply. CBYX became the beginning of a life-changing journey filled with adventure and personal growth.
Before his exchange year, Joey lacked confidence in speaking German. However, once he joined the program, he persisted in his language studies and fully immersed himself in his host community. He actively participated in his political debate class, attended church regularly, and engaged in community events. Through these efforts, Joey not only practiced his German but also built connections with people across generations and backgrounds.
His pastor in Germany describes him as empathetic and positive, noting that Joey’s friendly manner quickly made him a valued member of the group. As Joey became more involved in his host community, he reached a significant milestone: when speaking with locals, he realized they often could not tell he was American, highlighting his remarkable progress in German.
Joey has made seeking out new opportunities a key theme of his time in Germany. From the beginning, he challenged himself to leave his comfort zone and try new activities, such as joining the basketball team and learning kickboxing. He has also made a positive impact through volunteer work, including playing piano at church services, assisting elderly community members move, and supporting the music and fine arts program at a nearby school.
Reflecting on his CBYX experience, Joey recognizes that he has become more responsible, independent, and well-spoken. He has created life-long friendships, developed new skills, and leaves a positive, lasting impression on everyone he encounters. Joey encourages future participants to embrace every opportunity, invest fully in their exchange, and remember: “CBYX is not just a year abroad. It is a year for trying new things, building lifelong relationships, becoming almost fluent in German, and learning how to truly adult.”
Congratulations, Joey!