Interview with CBYX Vocational Alumni!

Introduction:

First, a massive "Thank you!" to Luke and Sally from the 2016 CBYX Vocational Program. Both have played a great role in the creation of this blog post, and their time in answering the interview questions is greatly appreciated. Their insights provide a valuable perspective on the success of participants after their exchange year.

The CBYX Vocational Program is an exchange program dedicated to 18- to 19-year-old high school graduates. The program focuses on providing internships that align with participants' future career paths. The vocational program is fully funded, as it is sponsored by both the German Bundestag and the United States Congress.

CBYX as a whole has had over 26,000 participants since its beginning in 1983. Today, I had the opportunity to speak with Luke and Sally, both members of the 2016-2017 cohort. Each was asked a series of short questions about their time in CBYX and how the program has helped shape their future.

Interview with Luke:

Q: What was your best moment while abroad on the CBYX Vocational Program?

A: "The moments I truly valued during my year abroad were the evening dinners with my host family. First of all, the food was always incredibly delicious, and I grew so much by trying new cuisines. I can definitely say I am far less picky now—I used to be the 'plain everything' guy. Thank goodness for sauces! Not only was the food fantastic, but the deep conversations I had with my host family were an amazing way to learn about German culture as well as reflect on my own."

Q: What is an inspiring event that occurred?

A: "One of the most inspiring aspects of my time in Germany was the incredible people I met and the lifelong friendships I formed. These friendships truly transcend borders. From my German friends and host family (whom I still talk to regularly) to the international travel friends I met, and most importantly, my fellow American CBYX participants, this experience connected me with people across the world. Even nine years later, I have friends all over the U.S. whom I remain in constant contact with and visit often."

Q: How has CBYX helped you in the future? What did it help you achieve?

A: "CBYX is truly a transformative experience. It's a time in your life when you discover who you are and who you want to become. The exposure to new experiences teaches you invaluable life lessons. Additionally, CBYX gave my career a major boost. Having three impressive internships with reputable German companies before even starting college was a huge advantage on my resume. I don’t think I would be at the professional level I am today without this experience."

Interview with Sally:

Q: What was your best moment while abroad on the CBYX Vocational Program?

A: "It's really hard to choose a single moment, but I'd say my favorite part of the year was when the entire CBYX group was together during the summer, as well as during the mid-year and end-of-year seminars. We all became incredibly close, and many of them remain some of my best friends today!"

Q: What is an inspiring event that occurred?

A: "Before CBYX, I was already inspired to pursue a career in education, but my internships in Germany really solidified that path for me. One of my favorite moments was working at a Grundschule (elementary school), teaching English. I was asked to help tutor a new student in German—she was a Syrian refugee, about seven years old, who spoke very little German or English. It was a huge challenge for me since I wasn’t technically qualified to teach any language yet, but we actually made real progress together! I still remember how excited we both were when she was able to read an entire paragraph from her textbook in German. Looking back, I consider her my first 'real' language student, and that experience reinforced my passion for teaching."

Q: How has CBYX helped you in the future? What did it help you achieve?

A: "I learned so much about myself during my CBYX year, especially about my role as a global citizen. Beyond gaining real-world experience using German, CBYX provided me with invaluable cultural insights and leadership opportunities. Since completing the program, I have pursued a degree in German Education, received a DAAD scholarship, and worked as a Fulbright scholar. Today, I teach German and history at a high school in Seattle, and I still draw on my CBYX experiences in the classroom every day!"

Conclusion:

Luke and Sally's experiences on the CBYX Vocational Program show that the program is not just a year-long exchange, but rather an educational journey that fosters new relationships, career opportunities, and a deeper understanding of German culture. Take initiative—start your application today for an opportunity unlike any other!

*This post has been proofread for grammar mistakes and clarity. All ideas, events, and experiences are all my own.