Germany Expectation

I've never in my life left this country besides going to Mexico if that even counts. I've never been on a plan. So I'm expecting my plane ride to be long and boring, there and back. I am also a family of 9 (not including my parents) and Nadine is an only child. I expect us to be independent the majority of the time while here I am always stuck at home with a kindergarten running around my house. Major difference for me. I literally can't wait to try there food and go shopping over there. I'm so excited to leave already! I admit, I expect a German giving me a bad look after I smile at them.. I have so much in mind I want to do while I'm over there but there's not enough time to do everything. I know I'll have fun over there since I am celebrating my birthday there. I'm so impatient with the time, I just want to leave and meet up with Nadine and her family and just let summer begin!

Alissa | German Exchange Expectations

Having never been over seas in my life, I only know what the tv, textbooks and self-research has taught me about the rest of the world. Going to Germany, I will have a lot of my bucketlist checked off, that's for sure. What exactly am I expecting while being over there? Hmm, well I suppose it starts with the plane ride itself. I hope the flight doesn't scare me or it's going to be a long and painful ride there and back, ha. 

As sterotype wise, I admit, I had a lot when the German's first came over here, but I had a wonderful time with Sarah and she became like a sister to me, so I'm excited to see her again and meet her family. Because of what my father always told me about his great-grandpa who was from Germany, I grew up with the idea that German's were of rougher character, but the more I get to learn in class, I'm expecting that sterotype to vanish rather quickly. Though, it is no surprise I believe that Germans are healthier than Americans. I am interested in their diets and how they get around everywhere. They seem to walk around a lot and I'm sort of jealous of that, because here, especially in Arkansas, it's a bit difficult to just walk around whenever.

Over all, I know the two trips in German are going to be amazing. Along with seeing how much chocolate  I can bring back home with me, I'm hoping to become close with not only the students in Germany, but also those who are coming with us over there as I don't know a lot of them. This trip is going to be a memory I never forget and I can't wait to see first hand, the differences between America and Germany. 

Alex Moore: Blog for GAAP

Expectations for the Trip

This will be my second trip over seas so unlike some of the people in our group I will have a little bit more idea of how we will be possibly treated, however, it also makes me more stereotypical in my view although my experience in Spain in France will undoubtedly be somewhat different than in Germany. An example is being expectant of the Germans like most people in Spain, France, and the rest of Europe, to view Americans as loud and boisterous.
Other expectations/stereotypes I have are that the Germans are relativity healthy people compared to Americans, eating healthier foods on a more regular basis than the "average American", and the like. Police Officers with weapons in hands in public areas will not be surprising as this I saw this in France and Spain. Also, P.D.A. as we call it, i expect to see as well, although maybe not to the extent like in Spain where there were people making out in every large open recreation area. Also, I have been led to expect to possibly see naked people in parks. (Thanks for the warning Frau R. and Frau B.)
All in all, I do expect to thoroughly enjoy the 2 weeks we get to spend overseas, as I've always enjoyed traveling, and seeing new places. Maybe when we get back we could possibly start implementing new ideas into our own society, although I must be rather skeptical about the possibility as once Americans as a society get an idea stuck into their head, change is hard to come by unless something drastic happens, for example 9/11. I would also enjoy learning some of Berlin's and Germany's history from people who live there, rather what is written by people and stuck in a school text book and say this is truth. Anyhow lets all enjoy our 2 weeks in Germany and learn some cool stuff!

Sky's German Exchange Blog

This trip to Germany will be my first journey overseas, and I have no idea what to expect. I have tried very hard to keep an entirely open mind and not form any opinions or expectations about Europe based on my limited knowledge of it. I have, for the most part, succeeded. There are a few traits of Germany that are, as many stereotypes, ingrained in my brain. I expect an industrious and efficient environment. I have been told that Germany, and Berlin in particular, is beautiful and clean. I have some trepidation that the people may be less friendly and outgoing than they are in America; the friends I have from Europe have made it clear to me that the stereotypical American image of being loud and exceedingly friendly is based from some truth. I am really looking forward to their public transportation system, and learning about the strong history and culture of the area. After this summer, I hope to be much more knowledgeable about global life. I think it's incredibly important to think of the world as a whole as one community, rather than many separate peoples.

14 days...

14 days until we go to Deutschland!  Are you excited?  :)