The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.

I am incredibly grateful that I received the opportunity to further my academic interests, see more of the world, and meet amazing new friends through the Experiment's Germany program. There are several experiences from the program that stand out. As someone who has long admired Angela Merkel's leadership and transition from a chemist to German chancellor, seeing her office in the Reichstag Building was surreal. In Luxembourg, the tour guide took us to the European Court of Justice and showed us the work locations of EU translators. Being able to stand so close to these pivotal centers of European politics was inspiring, to say the least. Additionally, the workshops were thought-provoking and interesting. One particularly powerful workshop that we attended was in the city of Passau. Mo, a refugee who had fled Syria, spoke of attempting to raise awareness about the atrocities that occurred during the Syrian war, his experiences in prison, and his ultimate escape across the Mediterranean Sea to Germany.
Apart from the many things I learned, I will forever cherish the wonderful people I met on the trip. First, my host family, who kindly took me into their home and spent several nights talking to me about life philosophies, politics, and our love of cats. Secondly, several individuals in my group who brought me out of my shell and who I look forward to staying in contact with.
July 2019 passed in a blur, but many of my most wonderful memories will come from this month. I hope The Experiment continues to bring world learning to young adults!

One month away from home with totally random people may seem daunting at first, but being able to explore a completely different world with some of the most diverse people I’ve met have truly been amazing.
Our first stop was Frankfurt, where we started to learn the German language and explore some parts of the city for a few days. It was a great start to getting adjusted to Germany and the people around you. Next we went to our homestay in Bavaria, each person having their own homestay family (and each of us lived in different towns/neighborhoods). During the homestay, we attended our host sibling’s school, visited Deggendorf and Munich with them (along with the other Experimenters and their respective host families), and had a group BBQ to send it off. Specifically for me, I was about to try things I would never do during my free time, such as cooking apple-cinnamon pancakes, sewing wallets, painting, and hiking at the Egg! At first, it felt scary trying to communicate with a family that spoke minimal English, but I felt that in the end, it helped me learn a lot of German, and there were great dinner conversations about "how to say this in German", or "how to say this in English." German culture is so different from American culture on many levels, and I am so glad I can say I lived like a Bavarian for a while!
Then we visited Luxembourg, Luxembourg for a few days (one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited), and made a short stop to Schengen to learn about the Schengen Area and its vitality to the EU. Then we visited Brussels, Belgium (my favorite part of the trip), where we truly started to immerse ourselves in the workshops and fun activities such as the European Parlament, where we got to role-play as members of the Parliament and debate on important issues. During our stay in Brussels, we also were given a lot of free time to explore the city and hang out with our friends. We then made a short stop to Cologne (back to Germany!) and visited the famous Cologne Cathedral. During Cologne was my favorite memory of the trip, where I and some of the Experimenters bought pizza, and talked while watching the sunset along the Rhine River—a memory I will never forget!
Our last destination was Berlin, where the thematic focus of the EU and international relations was really emphasized. I fell in love with Berlin the minute I stepped out of the train; its beautiful graffiti (in which we also participated in a fun graffiti workshop and got to make our own artworks via spraypaint), greenery, and delicious food sold me. We attended many meaningful workshops such as a city tour of Berlin through the lens of a Syrian refugee. This specific workshop really opened my eyes on the struggle and pain refugees carry with them every single day. I and the other Experimenters were now able to understand that it is not just the ordeal of escaping, but the hardship of trying to assimilate into a totally unknown country. This specific workshop moved me in unspeakable ways, and now I am passionate about learning more about the migration crisis and what I can do to help refugees. To me, this workshop was the most rewarding part of the trip, because I truly felt like I got something out of visiting Germany for a month, and I could actually apply what I've learned to actively help others in need.
I think what truly made the trip unique and special were also the other kids I was with. At first, I was intimidated and scared to become friends with total strangers who I had nothing in common with, but as I got to spend time with them, I realized that we are all the same, and it became a lot easier to be myself and just have fun. I still keep in contact with my friends on the trip because we all have made such a strong bond with each other. The counselors were also amazing—I didn't feel like they were bossing us around at all, they just felt like a part of our group as friends, too.
If I had the time and opportunity, I would definitely go on another Experiment trip again because I was able to learn so many lessons that could not be attained in the classroom. Being able to travel to another country, not knowing the language, the culture, and the people's way of life, and coming out of that country in a month's time feeling so experienced and different, is such an indescribable emotion that I think everyone should go through once. This is the first summer abroad program that I have ever done, and I loved it! I truly feel like I have changed as a person, and that I know so much more about the world around me. Anyone who is interested in IR, the German culture, or just wants to visit a place they've never been to should definitely consider this program! Thank you so much Experiment!

Truly a great experience...educational and adventurous. As you travel around Europe you will learn in great detail the structure and layout of the EU. With the homestay experience, you become immersed in the German culture and learn what it’s like at a German high school, all while you connect with german youth. You will make lifelong friends. Recommended for anyone looking to spend their summer on a life changing and meaningful adventure.

Over this past summer, I was lucky enough to get to spend a month in Germany. Somehow our group ended up having two vegans, two vegetarians, and two pescatarians, including two of the leaders (one vegan and one vegetarian). Almost everywhere we went was very good about getting food we all could eat. Although in Berlin we had a few snags here and there about getting food for the vegans, my host family definitely went above and beyond to make sure I loved all the food I was getting. Although some of my friends talked about cliques forming to some extent in their programs to other countries, I don't think that happened with my group. We all grew incredibly close over the month we spent together, and we're still in touch even a few months after coming back.
We went to some of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. We spent only a day in the Netherlands and I already feel as though I need to go back, and the Bavarian countryside definitely grew on me. I'm hoping that I will be able to go back and visit my new friends over there and get to say hi to them all once more.
Our leaders were also very good about keeping us all safe. There were several times participants had to see doctors (though there was nothing terribly serious), and our leaders were able to get the participants all of the help they needed. Having such wonderful leaders definitely made the experience a lot smoother and helped us know that we would be able to get whatever we needed. When I got a bad sunburn at the beginning of the trip (I'm very pale so I burn easily, and having just come from school and winter I forgot to apply sunscreen often enough), we were in Brussels and it was late in the afternoon on a Sunday, so almost all the stores were closed. One of the leaders practically ran around town to find something to help with the sunburn (although I didn't end up needing it). She was our in-country leader (we had two from the US and one from Berlin) and seemed like your typical strict German, but she was so sweet in trying to make sure that I was okay after I got sunburned. She almost seemed like the overprotective older sister for the rest of the trip. So if you're worried about something happening to you, don't be! Even if it's just a sunburn, the leaders will do everything they can to make sure you are okay.

My summer in Germany was unforgettable. Every day, I was challenged, whether it be through the culture shock, group discussions, or host family activities. However, it was through each challenge that I learned new things about myself and the world around me. Having difficult conversations, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and being vulnerable allowed me to truly immerse myself in the German culture while creating strong relationships with my group.
The group dynamic was absolutely amazing. The 14 of us came from different backgrounds with different opinions and ideas but all with a passion for politics and change-making, that made for thought-provoking discussions and debates, allowing us to constantly learn from each other and think in ways that we never had before. The relationships that I've made - both German and American - are ones that have helped me realize my own capabilities as a leader and truly changed my life for the better.
The Experiment has given me a summer that I will never forget, and I strongly recommend this program to any high schooler looking to broaden their world view.

Through this program, I have grown into a more passionate and aware leader. In this program, I met many new people in my group who have similar and different mentalities. Through this variety of personalities and opinions, I was able to gain more perspectives of life from others. I also got to see how passionate and determined the other attendees are - I left the program hopeful due to the fact that I knew the future was going to be full of individuals who are similar to the individuals in my group. From this impactful experience, I had the opportunity to succeed as a leader that I am meant to prosper into and also got to create life-long friendships with the most amazing people I have ever met.

Honestly, the most eye opening and rewarding experience. You will gain so much insight from this trip. I'm glad I was selected and given amazing financial aid to go. Before the experiment, I was pretty uncomfortable with stepping outside of my shelf or my comfort zone. I was used to talking to only so many people and not wanting to go to too many outings because of how anxious and uncomfortable I’d become. Signing up for this trip, I told myself that it was time for me to move past what held me back and that I had to push myself. Now that I am back, I am more than happy I went on this trip. I learned so much about myself.

Truly Enlightening! Reflecting on my experience is a privilege and I now realize how significant it is to be exposed to the customs of other countries. Overall, it was honestly the best month of my life and everyday was even better than the last. From the activities, to the home stays, to the connections each moment would feel completely new and I honestly wouldn't mind going back. My appreciation for culture, language, and sense of community definitely was strengthen on the course of this trip. When it came to serious matters nothing was held back and extremely informative. Based on the exposure of the history and the modern day crisis that strikes upon Germany, the awareness was something critical to not only myself but on a global scale. My overbearing year has definitely been shaped by the experience as a whole and having the opportunity to experience things I would probably never would get to do as an inner city student is refreshing.