Picture this: it’s your senior year, and you’re in an unfamiliar foreign country. You don’t know anyone, and you’re surrounded by people whose first language is not yet your second language. Sounds intimidating and frightening, doesn’t it? Now, imagine this is your reality. For Alexis Helton, it is.
Alexis Helton, a senior at Bob Jones, has the privilege of being a part of a study abroad program. She will live in Ronshausen, Germany, for ten months. She will attend classes at Beruflichen Schulen Bebra, a school specializing in preparing students for their future careers. I spoke with Alexis to ask her about what she is doing in Germany and how she got there.
Studying abroad is an incredible experience, but it isn’t easy. It takes tremendous commitment, self-discipline, and the independence and strength to handle being away from home for a long period of time. However, if you feel you that you are up for the challenge, take her words into consideration when deciding whether studying abroad is right for you.
How did you hear about this opportunity?
A former Bob Jones student came and spoke to my German class about her experience applying to the program.
What did you have to do to win the chance to be in this study abroad program?
I had to fill out an extensive application with 6 short essays. I was one of a hundred students who were chosen to interview for the program. My family and I drove up to Lexington, Kentucky, for my interview, which involved weird games and hypothetical questions. We heard a month later that I had been picked to be one of fifty finalists.
What made you realize that this was something you wanted to do?
I took my first German course in middle school and really enjoyed it. Ever since then (with the help of Frau Bruni’s wonderful German class), my love of the German language and culture has grown. When the opportunity arose to experience it all first hand, I had to take advantage of it.
What are some of the biggest transitions you have had since venturing to Germany?
The biggest transition has definitely been the language, which is probably pretty expected. A transition I wasn’t really expecting, though, was going from having a car I drove everywhere to walking everywhere. Even though both of my host parents have a car, we walk everywhere. It’s a 15-minute walk to the train station every morning for school and then a 10-minute walk to the school from the train station.
What are some different things you have experienced being in Germany?
Well, I got to have my first beer! I spent my first three weeks in Germany at a language camp. During this camp, I participated in many odd activities. One day, they gave us an egg and told to go to town with it and trade it for the coolest thing we could. It was amazing what some people were able to trade for an egg. I got a globe, but others came back with a dog, a date, ribs, and other bizarre things.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in a study abroad program similar to yours?
If you are interested in a study abroad program, do your research! There are so many different programs out there. Find the one that’s right for you. Next, when applying or interviewing, be sure to really express yourself. I made sure that all of my essays represented me and the things that are most important to me. Sometimes, people get too caught up in making sure their grammar is perfect, and they forget to make sure their message is good too. Finally, you have to be flexible and want to learn! Exchange programs are not for everyone, but if you are interested I encourage you to go for it! I know I’m glad I did!
Sounds awesome, huh? But, again, with all of the fun that comes with such an experience, personal hardship is another factor to consider. Alexis Helton pushed through it all, and she is now experiencing a completely new world. This experience will change her life forever.
Hals- und Beinbruch! Ich drücke dir die Daumen!
