Just getting started!

Hey everyone! My name is Michael Steiner and I am starting my first blog today! I was asked to start this blog while I take my trip around Germany for my 2014/2015 school year. In the process I hope to share some tips, tricks, and helpful hints to those who read my blog. As well I hope that you will be able to keep updated on my journey. 

 I am going through a program called AFS (American Field Service). When I first started looking around at all the different programs I realized that AFS is a good fit for me. I really liked all the support that this program has put into place to help ensure a fun, safe, and easy trip. When I first started the application progress it was quite a lot to take in. With the help of some of the very nice volunteers from AFS, as well my friends and family, I was able to complete the application in a few short weeks. I have now received my host family and am more than exited to start the whole experience. 

Even though I am not over in Germany as of right now, there has been some small bumps in the road. While I was filling out the application I received an email from a volunteer by the name of Sue Poet regarding my application. It seemed as though she was criticizing me at the time, but that didn't turn out to be the case. After a few further emails, she was the one person I would turn to if there was a question to be answered. I still ask her questions even if it isn't her field. After submitting my application, I received an email that seemed to be somewhat rude and demanding. (If you are trying to work on your application you will most likely receive an email like the one I did. Do not fear it, just do as they say; it makes things so much easier.) Again Sue stepped in to help me out with this. Besides the application, which wasn't that bad, there wasn't anything else I had trouble with. I have learned to just be patient with them and they will get you what you need to know. 

There is a lot to take out of this though. With a new language, new culture, new family, new rules/laws, and a whole new meaning to the phrase "common sense," I am sure to have an amazing and bumpy road ahead of me. Although I am trying to learn German with some online programs, it still is extraordinarily hard to learn the language. I have had some progress with this however. I started by trying to learn it through YouTube videos, but that just turned into something that seemed too hard. I then went to something called Duo lingo. This has worked for me so far but it has become very difficult and I have had to go back and redo lessons. With that said, it allows me to work at my own pace and learn when I have time. I also predict that there will be conflicts between friends, teachers, and even my host family. I will not however allow this to stand in my way, and these will be the times in which I learn the most. I am also worried about flights and transportation to the host country, however I'm sure I will be well prepared before leaving. 

With all of this comes fame and, well, angry people. When you bring up the topic of going abroad for a year, everyone will have their own way of responding. Some of the categories that I can put people into are the stranger, the distant friends, the friends, the closest/best friends, siblings/other family, and the parents. When in conversation with a stranger, or someone you don't know, they will most likely not care, or be slightly jealous that you get to visit another country. The people who you know, but haven't seen for a while, will be excited for you. They will also be jealous that you get to go have an adventure and they get to stay home. Your friends will miss you, but will be exited for you to go. They believe it will be a great experience and will try to help you out with learning about the country, culture, and will most likely give you some places to visit. Most of them will miss you, but probably will forget about you over time. As for some of the more difficult people to leave are your siblings and other family members. As for your siblings, they may or may not admit to missing you, but they will from time to time. Your family will defiantly miss you during the holidays while you are gone. You will also miss them and some of your traditions while out with your host family. The most important people to listen to, and the very hardest to leave, are your parents and best friends. You will miss having someone to talk to from time to time. You may feel as if no one cares at first, but people will. Your friends will beg you not to go, and even jokingly threaten to kidnap you before you leave. I have to say your best friends, parents, (and your pets) will be the hardest to leave, so make sure you hang out with them a lot before you go.  Although I do not have experience behind this, I have done some research and asked other foreign exchange students what they miss the most. 

I plan on writing roughly every other week until I get closer to my departure date. Feel free to leave any questions, comments, or helpful hints, but please be courteous of your language.

Thanks everyone!

~Michael Steiner