TOWAMENCIN- Any exchange student can tell you how difficult it is to adjust to a new lifestyle in a new country, and especially how hard it is to communicate when you only know the basics of a language. North Penn senior Ashley Han had it even harder when she studied in Salzgitter, Germany for her junior year, because she had never taken German. Having taken Latin for 3 years, she applied for the exchange program hoping to get sent to any country, thinking it was a long shot.

“I didn’t expect to get sent anywhere since I’m a Latin student. For me it just seemed like a fun thing, and the worst they could say was no, so why not apply? But I’m so happy I went to Germany because I love the German culture and language,” commented Han.

After finding out she was chosen to study in Germany, Han sat in on a few German classes, watched German TV shows, and used the Duolingo app to try to prepare herself. Despite these efforts, she still found herself struggling to communicate in her first few weeks abroad.

“I was terrified and embarrassed most of the time in the beginning. Especially during school I didn’t want to say anything in fear of judgement because my language skills were bad. It was really hard not to be

able to say what I really meant. Sometimes I would say something and know it didn’t come across correctly,” remembered Han.

Once Han found a group of friends, she found it easier to speak and be herself, which eventually led to her becoming fluent in German. Not only did Han speak in German, but in school she began to think in German and even dream in German.      

One of the biggest differences Han noted from her time abroad was the schooling system.     

“Their schedule differs everyday. They have 3-4 two hours classes per day, with a 20 minute break between classes. So some classes you only have once or twice a week. The tests are all writing and essays, which was so different. It’s less memorization and more of how well you can explain the concepts,” explained Han.     

At her school, Kranich Gymnasium, Han was considered 10th grade student. Her full year classes included Religion, Latin, German, English, Math, History, and gym. Her semester classes were Geography, Music, Art, Biology, and Chemistry. 

“In German school, you don’t have the freedom to pick classes, but your day is more free because you can leave the building whenever you want to. Days that we have long lunch breaks you can just leave to get food,” said Han.

Throughout her time in Germany, Han learned to love German food, but she admits to missing food from home.

“I mostly eat Korean food so I really missed spicy things while I was there. My parents shipped over seaweed, microwavable rice, tuna cans, and some other Korean fast food. We had a few nights where I would cook Korean food for my host family, which was so fun. They really liked my Korean Thanksgiving,” remembered Han.

Ashley’s host family lived in village just outside of the town where her school was located. Her host family had three ponies, a horse, two dogs, a cat, and three chickens. She enjoyed the tight-knit community of the 600 person village.

Home for her senior year, the Han family is hosting exchange student Eva from Toulouse, France. Having been in Eva’s shoes just a year ago, Ashley is doing her best to make her feel comfortable in her new home.

“It’s like having a permanent friend in your house. Knowing what it was like to be in her position, I try to accommodate her as much as possible.  I’m happy she eats all of our Korean food!” shared Han.

As she reflects on her year abroad, Han encourages all sophomores to apply for the exchange program. It changed her life for the better and would do it all over again.