My New Family and Friends Who Have Supported Me in Germany

I’ve been studying abroad in Germany for about two and a half months now. I’ve made a lot of new friends, and I’ve started to think of this place as a second home. Below is a list of the people I consider to be very important to my life here during my high school exchange program.

My Host Sister, Vicky

Vicky is my host sister. She is twelve years old, and has taught me how to be an older sister. She’s also taught me most of the German language that I know.

My Host Mom, Susanne and Host Dad, Michael

Susanne is my host mother. She has made sure that I feel like I am a part of the family, and I’m very grateful for that. She always asks me questions about my day which I think is really nice.

Michael is my host father. He also has helped me feel like I really belong here by asking me questions about my days, but also about my family and friends back in the U.S.

My New German Friends 

Lara is a friend from school. She helps me a lot by translating things for me and keeping me company. She was one of my first friends here, and I do think school would be quite boring without her.

Paula, Judith, Maren were three of my first friends. They all keep me company and go shopping with me, which is always fun.

Valentin and Frederik are brothers who live really close to my host family. These two are very important to me, and without them I wouldn’t have much to do outside of school. Often, both Vicky and I hang out with them and it’s always interesting.

My Classmates in Germany and Fellow Exchange Students

My entire class is very important because they’ve all been so kind and very patient with me. I’m very lucky I got put into 10b.

The other exchange students that are a part of the study abroad program have kept me from feeling alone. Sometimes, it’s hard to talk to people who aren’t also an exchange student about the problems I have or how lonely I can feel at times. Lately though, I haven’t had any problems and I don’t feel lonely at all. I still talk to my international friends all the time because they’re all so funny and outgoing (you have to be to be an exchange student).

All of these people have made me feel welcome here in Germany. Without them, I imagine I would be very lonely. I know they will all always hold a special place in my heart. I know leaving them will be so hard, but I also know I’ll come back to see them when I can. As for seeing my other friends who are exchange students, I now have a lot of new countries to visit.

Morgan Tucker is 16 years old and lives in Greenfield, Indiana. Her goal during her study abroad program is to “make friends that I will keep for the rest of my life. I also hope to learn about the Germans, and in turn, learn about my heritage.” Follow Morgan’s adventure in Germany on her blog post updates throughout her program.