Youth For Understanding (YFU)?

yepunsarang
Sat, 14 Apr 2007 23:19:00 +0000

LaLa, i’m so glad you’re so interested! I’m happy that i’m making you excited too!! Cause you should be!! Yeah…i’ve never been so far away and for so long that summer. It was the first time I was so independent. But ultimately, it made me into a more mature, self-confident person.
About the language…I don’t think you’ll be in such a bad situation but just know your basic German you know. Like “Help!” you never know what’s going to happen…haha. Just kidding. Anyways, still know your basics and learn as much as you can! But don’t be so worried about it cause there will be people who are willing to teach you. But once again, the more you know, the more you can practice the language and get a better understanding of the German people by talking with them.
About the school thing, I don’t think all people are assigned to schools, but roughly 80 some percent do get matched with a local school. My host mother spent one day showing me the way to my high school. And it wasn’t a short trip…I had to walk up these killer stairs everyday and walk a lot. But, it was fun anyways. My host mom told me which classes I had, and talked tot he school ahead of time to make room for me in one of their classes. I then basically stayed with this class for all their lessons (english, french, math, chem, gym, etc etc.) English was fun since I got to correct the teacher and read passages! But i’m sure that if you’re going to a high school, your host parents have already talked to the school’s principal, had everything arranged for you, and will show you how to get to school. It’ll be fun…although I know how nerve wrecking it could be. But trust me…the kids there will be sooo sweet. I found the Japanese teenagers to be so much sweeter and nicer than American teens. I bet it’ll be the same in Germany! Good luck Lala, and let me know your host family info when it comes in! (It might even come a week before your departure) Ask me more questions too if you need!

PS: take tons of pics!