Our time in the United States is slowly coming to an end, and it feels almost unreal to pack our suitcases
again. It seems like just yesterday we were arriving, excited and a little nervous, not knowing what to
expect from studying and living here. Now, as we prepare to head home, we realize how much this trip has
taught us—about the world, about American culture, and about ourselves.
Looking back, this trip was so much more than just attending classes. Sure, we learned a lot
academically—about psychology, marketing, real estate, and even theater—but the real learning
happened outside the classroom. We learned to speak up in discussions, to ask questions without fear,
and to work together with people from completely different backgrounds. We also learned that American
“small talk” isn’t just small—it’s a way to connect, to make others feel welcome.
There were moments of culture shock, of course. We had to get used to huge food portions, constant air
conditioning, and the overly sweet food. But over time, these little differences became part of our
everyday life.
Most importantly, we’ve grown more independent and confident. Visiting abroad forces you to step out of
your comfort zone. You figure out how to navigate new systems, talk to strangers, and find your place in a
new culture. That’s something no textbook can teach.
As we head home to Germany, we’re taking with us not just souvenirs or photos, but a new perspective.
We now see that exploring a diPerent culture isn’t simply about observation—it’s a journey toward
understanding our own perspectives.
It almost felt like the U.S. didn’t want us to leave. Because of the ongoing shutdown, our flight home was
delayed — apparently, some airport operations were running with reduced staP. We joked that it was a
sign that America wanted to keep us a little longer. Even though the delay was unexpected, it gave us one
more quiet moment to look back on everything we’ve experienced here before finally saying goodbye.
The U.S. has challenged us, inspired us, and changed us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. And even
though it’s hard to say goodbye, we know this isn’t really the end—just the beginning of a new chapter,
shaped by everything we’ve experienced here.