I know this isn't what I typically do but YOLO! So here is my list of things I think every American should expect and prepare for before they go on an exchange year in Germany.
1. Despite popular belief just because you go to a European country does not, by any means, mean you will lose weight. In fact you will probably gain weight. Everything will be new especially the food and trust me you are going to want to try everything. But you are an exchange student and changes in weight are just part of the job, don't worry if you gain weight you can always lose it.
2. This may seem obvious to some people but learning a new language is never easy and just because you live with it does not mean it will come easily or fast. You have to want to learn German and then do something about it.
3. You are going to be thousands of miles away from home. Things will happen at home you have no control over. You will get homesick. Sometimes when you least expect it. Don't worry it's normal.
4. No one feels bad for you. Not the people back home. Not the people here. This year is not easy, communication isn't always good because of language barriers, and it takes time to make friends and you will miss home. You are an exchange student getting to live in another country for a whole year. You chose to take this year, remember that.
5. Ignorance is bliss and most likely not socially acceptable.
6. Never take the fact that there is ice in your drink for granted. There are suffering parts of the world who haven't discovered this concept yet.
7. Don't be shocked when you find out that you might actually like country music after all. It'll make you feel American when you're thousands of miles away from anything American. Also non-Americans are not allowed to like country music.
8. Spend time with your real parents before you leave. No matter how awesome your host parents are you will miss your natural parents. I know this may be hard to believe but trust me it will happen. They are the only people in the world who love you unconditionally and you are going to miss that being so readily available.
9. You are going to fall in love with the place and not even realize it. Even if you do not fall in love with the people or the food or anything else. The place will take you over and trust me you'll fall in love with that.
10. Befriend other exchange students. Regardless of which country they come from or their location in Germany. They will become your best support system. They know exactly what you are going through because there experiencing it too. Plus they're awesome. (Love you itty bitty titty comitee)
11. There will be boobs on the television.
12. Before you depart drink all the root beer and eat all the steak, mac and cheese and fish. Or other foods you really love. Germany won't have the same menu as you're used to and you'll miss American food.
13. They will play bad rap songs in the clubs. Such as Bubble Butt. This should embarrass you.
14. People generally won't care that you are an exchange student or that you are from America. It's not the same as back home, trust me. Everyone in America always wants to at least know the foreigner, but they don't have these same feelings.
15. Mineral water is not all that bad. It will take a good 2 or 3 months to get used to but you will learn to like it. But be careful it will make you gassy, from both ends. Prepare accordingly.
16. People will speak english to you because they think they are being nice. DON'T LET THEM. You are here to learn their language and you won't if you are speaking english all the time.
17. For such an environmentally cautious country Germany is really lacking in fresh air. Almost everyone smokes and second hand smoke is unavoidable. Get used to it.
18. Europeans don't always knock before they open doors. Keep this in mind and learn to use the locks on the doors.
19. They listen to the song Thrift Shop but don't be fooled they by no means "pop tags."
20. Make this the best year of your life. You only have one chance to live this year. Don't just exist, and make it one you'll never regret.
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