My name is Alex Dietze and I am a high school exchange student from Germany. I came to the U.S. through a great organization, International Experience, and have been living with a host family and attending high school in Dowagiac for the 2015-2016 academic year.

I just wanted to say thank you to my amazing host family, my local coordinator and the entire Dowagiac community.

When I arrived last August, I was so nervous about finding new friends and living in a completely new place, but they were so welcoming. They made me feel like I was a part of their family right away.

Not only is my host family fantastic, but the entire community has been there for me through this amazing journey. From the time I arrived until now, I have loved getting to know everyone.

I learned so much in these 10 months and I can’t imagine living without all the people I met this year. They were so welcoming and made this year really special for me.

I know that when I leave in June, I will not be saying goodbye to just a host family. I will just say “see you later” to my new lifelong friends and second family since I am sure we will see each other again soon.

 

Alex Dietze

Germany