Marta chose to study in Germany

Marta from Italy spent 3 months in Germany.

I was in Germany as an exchange student for three months, a short but intense experience that allowed me to grow and learn a lot. I chose to do this experience because I wanted to test myself, get out of my comfort zone and discover a new culture.

Why Germany

I chose Germany because I am fascinated by its culture, history, and language. I also wanted to improve my German and immerse myself in a completely different school environment.

School and friends

At school, I always had a lot of fun. At first, I was a little lost, but the teachers and students were very welcoming.

It was a bit difficult at first, mostly because of the language, but I found that being curious and showing enthusiasm helped me a lot. Over time I have been able to make friends that I hope will last forever.

Living with a host family

Living with my host family was wonderful. They made me feel at home from day one and helped me through the initial difficulties. I loved the time I spent with them and we still stay in touch even after my departure. The best thing was their availability and warmth. They made me feel part of the family and taught me a lot about German culture, from traditions to small everyday habits.

A funny memory was when I tried to cook a typical dish of my country for my host family. It didn’t come out exactly as I had hoped, but we laughed a lot and in the end, it was a very nice moment of sharing.

What I learned and what the exchange gave me

• I have learned to adapt to new situations, to have more confidence in myself, and to see things from a different perspective. I have understood how important it is to be open and curious about the world.
• A school year abroad is a life-changing experience. It teaches you so much and gives you memories and friendships that last forever. Studying abroad allows you to grow as a person. It helps you develop independence, self-confidence, and adaptability. It also allows you to experience a different culture, improve a foreign language, and create meaningful connections with people from all over the world. It’s a unique experience that enriches you in every way.
• I think this experience has made me more confident and open to the world. It taught me how to handle new situations and work with people from different cultures, qualities that will be useful in my career. In addition, having a good knowledge of German could open up new professional opportunities for me in the future.

My best advice

My advice is to approach the experience with enthusiasm and an open mind. It is important not to be afraid of making mistakes and to take every opportunity to learn. If I could go back, I would try to be even more courageous from the beginning, especially in speaking the language, without worrying too much about making mistakes.

Find out more

• Read more student stories from Germany
• Read more about a high school exchange in Germany
• See all our high school exchange destinations