The Application Process

If anyone thinking about applying for an exchange program ends up here, this entry is for you:

In my opinion, one of the biggest mistakes made throughout this process by applicants is people treating it like a college application. While for CBYX you have to have at least a 3.0 GPA, the exchange program is not a scholarly competition. The GPA requirement is there so they can make sure you'll still graduate on time and be fine after spending a year abroad. They're not looking for a 4.3 GPA, they're looking for adaptability, resilience, and personality.
When applying, focus on letting yourself shine. Don't hide behind grades or awards you've received, because they want to know who you really are and if you'll be a good ambassador of the U.S.

If you haven't played many sports or joined many clubs and you're freaking out about it; Don't. I haven't played a single sport in highschool and really haven't stuck with any clubs, but when I applied to the exchange I was adamant about my hobbies and volunteering and I still made it in.
Make sure the teachers you choose for recommendations are reliable. I chose my German teacher for one because I figured that would look good (trying to go to Germany and all) and I ended up really regretting it. She didn't bring it back to me until 2 days before it was due, and I had given it to her about a month and half prior. Even then, it wasn't a recommendation, it basically said she thought I wasn't aware of what I was signing up for. So, point being, choose wisely for the teachers recc's.
On the subject of German, or whatever language your exchange destination speaks, if you don't speak it- don't fret. I have only taken about 4 semesters of German, and I know a lot of people that got accepted into the program that don't speak a lick of German. You learn from the full immersion. Don't sweat it.
That's all I can think of to say aside from DO NOT PROCRASTINATE YOUR APPLICATION. Time runs out fast, and they're very in depth. I'm done for now.
Guten Nacht :)

Just kidding

Okay, after this I really am going to work on it but OH MY GOSH IM GOING TO GERMANY.
I can't be the only one still in this phase. At least once a day I just jump up and flail around while squealing over how I actually made it and I'm going to Germany.
5 months is way too long.
Leaving now to go finish this app, for real this time.

Secondary application

The secondary application is intense, and due on Wednesday, so I'm finishing it up today. I have to get my shots still and my passport but other than that I just have to write my letter to my host family and fill out my photo album. Did I mention I have to get a rabies shot? I think that's really strange, not sure why I would need it for Germany but hey, it's free. I'm down.
After reading all these blogs I've found about exchange students, I'm thinking I'm the only one crazy excited for the flight to Germany. I'm so ready to meet everyone and find out who my host family is, but I think the gazillion hour long flight with all of these new friends will be really fun. :)
I'm already thinking about souvenirs to bring to my host family. Probably something from DC though, not Kentucky.
Lately I've been thinking more and more about the people I have to leave and it makes me really want to spend time with people nonstop. It is sad to think I wont see everyone for a year, but I'm wicked excited about Germany so it makes up for it.
I'm gonna go finish up this app, but I'll post later. Tschüs!!

Preparing myself

I've been reading countless blogs of exchange students who have gone to Germany and I have to say, I am beyond thankful for the Internet.
I'm learning things that I would have never even thought of being a problem in Germany. Did you know that it's frowned upon to get tap water in a German restaurant? Yeah, me either. Majority of what they drink is carbonated, and if not, they add some sparkling water stuff to carbonate it. Apple juice, for instance, is carbonated in Germany. I think that's really interesting.
Aside from fun facts, reading these blogs have gotten me somewhat nervous. It sounds like being an exchange student puts a burden on just about everyone around you, and I really don't want to cause people any unnecessary trouble. I suppose there's really no way to know until I'm in Germany, but I seriously hope I won't be a huge task to have around.
Definitely immersing myself in German this summer, I need to speak it as well as I can manage before we leave.

Procrastination killed the Zoë

I told myself since I began the application process,
"Zoë, you have to make a blog."
And every time the subject arose, I turned and responded to myself with "I'll do it sooner or later."
There is more problem with that than the fact that I'm talking to myself. Now, I've been accepted to go to Germany for a little under a year and I have to go back and get this blog up to date on everything that happened prior to my acceptance. The next few days are going to be busy.

Here's the basics:
I'm enrolled in Bowling Green High School as a junior. In October I asked my German teacher about any opportunities for an exchange with Germany and she brought me a pamphlet of information involving CBYX.
CBYX is the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange.
After a rigorous (and ongoing) application process, I was accepted to be one of the 50 finalists to travel to Germany on a full scholarship from August 2013- June 2014.
Those are the basics. Details to come.