Max Katseff: Germany

Orientation in Berlin:

After a long afternoon and night of travel, we finally arrived in Berlin the next morning. Instead of getting some time to rest and situate ourselves, we were thrown right into Berlin. One of the many great activities we did in Berlin was a scavenger hunt around the city. We had to find several well-known locations and buildings throughout the city of Berlin. We saw part of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag and the Holocaust Museum while we were in Berlin.

The famous Brandenburg Gate

The Reichstag, the German government building, in Berlin

 Homestay in Balingen:

After an eight-hour train ride out of Berlin, we finally arrived in Balingen for our homestay. The homestay was the part of the trip where I felt most indulged in the German culture. I was the only American at my host brother's school. I was only the second American that my host family had ever met as well. I had two host brothers, Felix and Peter. Felix, my primary host brother, was 17 and Peter was 14. I went to school every day with Felix while in Balingen. I really felt like my German skills improved while in school. I also made some great German friends from school with whom I will keep in touch. It was interesting comparing the difference between German school and MBA. One of the days of the homestay, we went to the castle near my host family's house. The city of Balingen was created due to the needs of the castle.

Burger King in Germany with my host family

My host family and I visiting the castle near their house

Day trips to Stuttgart and Tübingen:

While we were in Balingen with our host family, we also had several day trips to major cities. We went to Stuttgart and the Mercedes-Benz Museum one of the days. Since part of my family is from Stuttgart, it was a very personal experience, but also really cool seeing the city. We had a guided tour around Stuttgart and got to see all of the government buildings. Another day trip was to Tübingen. Tübingen is known to be an old and educational city in German with a large university for students. While in Tübingen, we went on a boat ride on the river that goes through the city.

Mercedes-Benz Museum with the American group and host siblings

Community service in Hildburghausen:

After the homestay, we went off to Hildburghausen for the community service part of the trip. We learned the history behind the city as well as helped repair and clean up several graves that were part of a local work camp from World War II. While we were in Hildburghausen we visited Buchenwald, one of the Nazi work camps. We also went to the city of Erfurt and did some shopping. One of the fun activities in Hildburghausen was the soccer tournament we had with some of the local Germans. Although we didn’t win, it was still fun competing against them.

View from the community service in Hildburghausen

To the Wilson Family:

I would like to thank the Wilson family was allowing me to go on this great experience. I feel like it has truly changed my life and has opened my mind up to different cultures. I will never forget all of the experiences that I have had on this trip throughout Germany. I would also like to thank Mr. Gaither, Mr. Paolicchi, and Mr. Dougherty for allowing me to go on the trip.