The German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce JJ Moore as the March Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) U.S. Participant of the Month! JJ, a CBYX High School program participant from Loveland, Colorado and recruited by CIEE, is hosted by the Sprenger family in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia.
JJ was motivated to apply for the CBYX program when his teacher talked about it one day in class. He had really enjoyed a previous short trip to Europe, but wanted a deeper understanding of what life is like for people in another country. The CBYX program combines JJ’s interest in experiencing more of the world and his academic interest in improving the German language skills he developed through three years of German classes at Loveland High School.
JJ is interested in a career developing robotic prosthetics. He and his host parents, who are both doctors, have been exploring German companies that might be good for internships in the field so that he can return to Germany after he completes his college courses in biomedical engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
JJ is getting along great with his host family. Since he plays a lot of card and board games in the United States, JJ is bringing game night to his German host family’s home. He enjoys teaching his host brother and parents his favorite games, like Exploding Kittens and Hitster. JJ also enjoys the weekly movie night tradition he has with his host father and neighbor. They catch up on classic 80s and 90s American films, and it’s something JJ looks forward to every Wednesday.
Of course, food is key to many exchange experiences and JJ has shared his culture with dishes such as chili and a Southwest vegetable bowl. His host family enjoys his culinary diplomacy. JJ notes that his host parents are great cooks, allowing him to explore many different foods through their kitchen – although his favorite dishes are his host family’s spaghetti carbonara and raclette.
Spending time with his host family is a big part of JJ’s exchange year. In addition to playing video games with his host brother, JJ enjoys spending time working in the garden with his host mother. He looks forward to the onset of spring to see the garden in full bloom. Every once in a while, everyday life is punctuated with a fabulous memory that JJ will hold on to for years to come. One favorite moment of his exchange so far was going to see an AC/DC cover band with his host father.
JJ believes “when you experience another culture, not only do you learn what drives other people in the world, you also learn what is universal about everyone. No matter where you go in the world, there will be differences and similarities and it is a great thing to be able to experience those firsthand.”
Congratulations, JJ!
