Seeking new horizons and a fresh perspective before her final year of high school, junior Lilith Unger traveled across the Atlantic to become an exchange student. Hailing from Bad Klosterlausnitz, Germany, Unger is here to expereince life in a new country and deepen her language skills.
“Honestly, I tried to avoid the topic of leaving until the day came when I had to get on the plane. Most of the time, it’s pretty fun[being in the U.S.] as long as you stay busy. There were times when I had nothing to do, and I kind of got homesick,” Unger said.
Since coming to the U.S., Unger has noticed differences between school here and her home school.
“America has more electives and fun classes, like theater, public speaking, and guitar class, but in Germany, it’s just biology, math, physics, English, French, it’s more schoolwork, and I would say it’s harder,” Unger said.
School isn’t the only thing she has noticed a difference with; how Americans do things at home and in society also surprised her.
“The food is really different, there is way more fast food here, also the way, at least, what I’ve experienced so far, often dinner is eaten in front of the TV instead of being on a table altogether.” Unger said.
Even with the unfamiliar situation Unger has been in, it will be hard when she goes back home.
“I’ll miss the people, you know. It’s kind of like, I can’t even think about it. I’ve met so many new people and they were so nice, and with some people, I have a really close connection with them. Who knows when I’m coming back, it’s kind of sad,” Unger said.
Sadly, she has to return to Germany in June, but she has some advice for future exchange students.
“Stay busy and try to have as many experiences as possible. And if you feel like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so sad,’ just try to remember what you’re doing. Just think, I’m in another country and have met so many new people,” Unger said.
