The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

On September 1, Ryley Hofeldt celebrated one week in Ahaus-Wüllen, Germany. She reported that she has met some really great people so far and that her host family has been "loving and helpful."

"The first few days with my host family, Timm and Daniela, were rough since I know very little German. I had realized I was going to be away from my family and home for a longer time than I was used to, but I cried about it. However, my sister told me I couldn't come home cuz I had put way too much time and money into this venture. So even though I still miss my family a lot, I have a really great opportunity that I will never have again," Hofeldt stated.

Hofeldt is on a cultural exchange program through Greenheart Exchange. Committed to cultivating leaders from all around the world through exchange programs in the United States, Greenheart is stationed in Chicago, Illinois. Hofeldt heard about the program from Chinook High School (CHS) Counsellor, Mrs. Fay Friede, who spoke about the positive experiences of former exchange student and CHS graduate, Anna Getten.

When asked what motivated her to take the courageous step to visit another country, Hofeldt replied: "Actually, since I was very young, I have wanted to travel to Germany. The history, language, and culture was always interesting for me. I also have family heritage in Germany and wanted to be able to meet some of these people. Anna Getten was actually the person that pushed me to do it. Hearing about her experience, I wanted to do it too."

Hofeldt has found a friend in a fellow exchange student, an Italian named Giorgia. "She's really awesome. We get along great and are so different but have a lot of similarities," Hofeldt explained.

According to Hofeldt, the town in which she resides is a small place for Germany. "It's a very safe town, and I bike to school every day with Giorgia. She knows a lot more German than I do," Hofeldt remarked.

School has added another layer of difficulty for Hofeldt who described her initial days as more observation than interaction. "I just sat there watching the teachers because I didn't know enough German. Luckily, Timm and Daniela have been very patient with me, and I have already learned so much. The friends I have made also quiz me all the time and ask me to say the most difficult words. The language will come in time, but for now I'll excel in the English and P.E. classes that I have."

Because Hofeldt is new in Germany, having only been in Ahaus-Wüllen a few weeks, she is still a bit awestruck. "Everything is just-Wow! But I think the biggest intriguing aspect is their school system. They are a very technologically based and organized school. The school officials care very highly about the education of their students, so no sports are involved," she reported.

After being invited to consider the most challenging element of her experience to date, Hofeldt said, "I am fully realizing that I am really far from home, and I originally knew nobody here. I try to limit my contact with home so it doesn't make me too homesick, but I have gotten better and just told myself to live in the moment and not think about yesterday or tomorrow. I am excited for this journey for the next few months and can't wait to bring you all along."

Her favorite item on the German menu? "Hmm. That's a tough one, but I would have to say they always have roast beef with gravy as a typical meal, and it is very good."