Ever asked yourself what it would be like to live in another country? I have asked myself that question all my life. Exploring the big world, sounded very exciting – most of all when you are from a small town with 80,000 people and not much going on – but we do have a castle in our city center!

Anyway, after having lived in the medieval town of Celle (Cell-uh), Germany, for more than eighteen years, I decided that it was finally time to leave home and come to America. I chose the U.S. because I was always fascinated by its diversity and beautiful architecture that I have seen so many times in movies and TV shows.

My first stop brought me to Chicago, Illinois, which became my new home for four years. I started my very own American Dream as an Au Pair (oh-pear) and lived with a wonderful American family. Besides taking care of their children, I was (and still am) trying to experience every single bit of the American culture (though I’m pretty sure that one uniform culture does not exist).

In August 2015 I continued my American journey and moved to my new home in the Tampa Bay area. I’m now in my third year of college and just started taking classes in the College of Education at SPC. There is no doubt that the education system is a lot different here than it is back home. For example, I was completely overwhelmed when I was given my first multiple-choice exam, as I had NO CLUE what to do with it!

One of the greatest aspects of studying abroad is learning a new language and being able to speak two languages fluently. Studying away from home helped me become more mature and independent. I learned to appreciate all the things that I took for granted  as a child and that I am now responsible for myself. It even made me appreciate the old, beautiful castle in my hometown! I would choose to study abroad over and over again, but I’m also always beyond excited to see my family and friends back home.