Washington DC Part 1

The first part of my orientation program began in Washington DC. The Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Program takes place on the campus of Georgetown University in Northwest Washington DC. On Monday, June 27^th, I was invited to attend the final seminar for the 2008-2009 CBYX program year at the German Embassy in Washington. Arriving at the embassy was really the first signal to me that I was about to embark on this full year program abroad in Germany. I arrived along with other guests, and we had to first pass clearance at the gate just to get in. Once inside the compound, I followed the signs to our seminar and luncheon. I immediately located the other American participants that were part of the 2009-2010 CBYX program year. We mingled as were supposed to, spoke about our fears, especially concerning our host families and what we expected to get out of the program. In total there are 75 participants taking part in the program this year. At the embassy, we discussed the year the Germans just had finished and what their experiences were like. They also discussed how their experiences in the US can prepare them for their return to Germany. Also, the program organizers spoke about the reverse culture shock that were about to encounter upon return to Germany. During the luncheon, I decided to meet some of the Germans. After speaking with them, I realized that we, the Americans, were in many ways more fortunate then the Germans. Once of the kids that I met told me that he was placed in the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky and live with what seemed to me a redneck family. Most of the Germans were placed in small-town America, and as we all know there is a significant difference between suburbia, urban living and rural America. I felt bad for the students placed in Kansas and Nebraska.

We CBYXers were scheduled to arrive between 4-5pm at Copley Hall. Upon arrival, we were instructed to check-in and receive our room keys.  The university campus is actually quite small. The buildings are pushed up together, and there are not very many open spaces. The weather was hot and humid, with temperatures reaching above 90°F daily. The first evening we had a barbecue, which really wasn’t a barbeque, but a poorly catered college dinning services meal. However, at the reception, we were able to fully meet all 75 participants. Michigan was extremely well represented with 7 participants, and 5 of those being students or graduates of the University of Michigan. There were also participants from Alaska, Hawaii, Nebraska, Arizona and many other states. I would definitely say the selected group represented all aspects of the United States. It was amazing to see how well we all got along. Of course there were the icebreaker activities, but we all seemed to have similar interests (and not just Germany). The following day was filled with guest speakers about culture shock, people from the department of state and one guest from inWEnt gGmbH (our program’s partner organization in Germany). Later that day, we went to the Capitol to take a picture of the entire group, and I was fortunate enough to be able to schedule an interview with my local congressman, Gary Peters, from Michigan’s 9^th District. 

His staff was very nice, and gave us a tour through the Capitol building after I met briefly with my congressman. It was very interesting to see how the congressmen and senators vote. Afterwards, I decided to walk back to Georgetown (that was a mistake, as it was 4,8 miles and extremely hot and humid). After finally making it back, I rested on my bed and gave myself a break. Later that evening, I went out to this restaurant for dinner called Tombs. It was our last night in the US, and I ate a salad. Something I think I will really miss in Germany.

 

Washigton DC and Flight to Germany Part II – coming soon.