The Journey from Germany to America

Ally Pendleton, Journalist|August 31, 2018

German exchange student, Luca Maurer, jams out while playing the drums during his first year in band.

Being a foreign exchange student can be extremely difficult because you have to understand new languages, as well as everyday things. This year, junior Luca Maurer took on the challenge to come to America as an exchange student to learn about the completely different culture in America rather than his home in Germany.

Maurer began his journey to America a few months ago. Making this choice has its benefits when it comes to learning new things.

“I came to America to improve my skills at speaking English, to experience new culture, make new friends, and to experience new things,” said Maurer.

However, leaving Germany would come with the challenge of leaving friends and family behind. This can be very hard to some people, but it wasn’t as bad as Maurer thought.

“

Leaving definitely wasn’t as hard as I expected. I don’t usually get homesick, so that may be why. It was harder to leave my friends than my family, but it isn’t too bad because I still have contact with them.

— Luca Maurer

“Leaving definitely wasn’t as hard as I expected. I don’t usually get homesick, so that may be why. It was harder to leave my friends than my family, but it isn’t too bad because I still have contact with them,” stated Maurer.

When it comes to experiencing a completely different country, you notice many things that you may not be used to. Experiencing new culture has a lot of things people may like or dislike.

“I enjoy the sports. I’ve also realized that everyone has pets. I like the opportunities of classes to take here as well,” said Maurer, “but I don’t like the traffic and how you are reliant to cars. The temperature in Ripon is a little too hot for me.”

The hardest part about the entire journey to America was starting school. You are put in a completely new environment with new people and things. Maurer has already gotten involved in a couple of activities at Ripon High, such as joining the band.

“I don’t really know what my favorite class is here yet, but I really enjoy band. I like it and it is really fun in general. I also really like psychology. In psychology I learn interesting things,” explained Maurer. “I really like this school overall.”