The German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State are pleased to announce Mario Sangret-Savalle as the May 2025 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) U.S. Participant of the Month! Mario, a CBYX Young Professional program participant from Gladwin, Michigan, and recruited by Cultural Vistas, is hosted by the Ueberschaer family in Mainz, Germany.
Growing up in a small town in central Michigan, Mario first heard about CBYX as a college student studying vocal performance. Mario had visited Germany through his university’s honors program, and his advisor suggested he apply to CBYX. At the time, Mario wasn’t sure how the program would fit into his long-term career goals, but he now says he can’t imagine not having been part of this experience. Throughout his time in Germany, Mario has seen tremendous personal growth and built new friendships. He is also considering future educational and career opportunities in Germany.
Mario immersed himself into the local music scene soon after arriving to Germany. Following the initial language school phase of the program, Mario attended the Mainz School of Music and took part in their production of Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute. In the spring, Mario was thrilled to land his “dream internship,” serving as a resident vocal pedagogue at a music school in Wiesbaden. There, he developed a masterclass series to help other singers develop their vocal technique. In this role, Mario also developed his video and graphic design skills and supported the school’s social media.
Outside of work, Mario is a regular volunteer at ZMO-Mainz, a local, non-profit, secondhand shop in his community. At the store, he enjoys encountering people from many backgrounds and practicing his German. However, it is with his host family where Mario has seen his German progress the most. Mario credits them with helping him expand his vocabulary and strengthen his communication skills, while treating him with great kindness. He has grown close with his host family over many shared meals and celebrations and is grateful to know he is always welcome in their home.
Living in Germany has given Mario a newfound interest in being more engaged with his community back home in Michigan. His time on CBYX has inspired him to continue to foster “lifelong curiosity and learning in day-to-day life.” According to Mario, programs like CBYX help people get out of their comfort zones. He encourages others to travel, connect with people around them, and lean into experiences that might not always feel comfortable in order to learn and grow.
Congratulations, Mario!