Going to a new country means going into the unknown. The people, the way you learn, the lifestyle – everything is brand new. For 17-year-old exchange student Zoe Marzin, from Düsseldorf, Germany, this transition has been full of surprise, challenge, and growth. Most importantly, she has found what it means to begin again.
Zoe said that “the school itself [and] how the system works” were the two biggest cultural shocks she felt when she came to America.
“[In Germany], we don’t have one hour of class, and we have a different schedule every day,” said Zoe. “Here it seems like the teachers really want to teach me,” Zoe said. While in Germany “sometimes it feels like they need to.” This difference made Zoe feel comfortable and supported in her new learning environment.
But even with these new experiences, Zoe still misses parts of her old home.
“My friends, my family, and German bread,” and, most importantly, “traditional German foods” were some of the things Zoe said she missed. However, she has established a new life in Franklin.
During her time in the United States, Zoe has also found new favorite foods. She shared that she loves American fast food, especially Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, and joked that she will definitely miss them when she returns to Germany.
After school, Zoe spends time with her host family, caring for their five dogs and even fostering other dogs. She likes to go get coffee with her host sister, and spend time with new friends.
In the beginning, Zoe was concerned with making friends.
“I was scared,” Zoe said. “But, it is easier to make friends here than in Germany.” She stated that people have been nicer and more willing to talk to her, which has allowed her to adapt faster than she anticipated.
Zoe hasn’t just been experiencing American life in Franklin, she has also been seeing the sights. Some of the places she visited include Dollywood, and Helen, Georgia. She mentioned wanting to visit the beach, and possibly go to Disney World.
Zoe says that there are many similarities and differences between Düsseldorf and Franklin. Her hometown feels small and familiar, and “people know each other.” However, compared to the city she is from, Franklin feels quieter and there is “not as much to do.”
For us Americans, Zoe recommended taking an inexpensive trip to Germany by living like a local. She said to try out various German cafes, and to “enjoy your life [in another country].”
Being an exchange student has helped Zoe learn more about herself.
“I am not as shy as I thought I would be,” Zoe said.
Zoe’s story shows that, sometimes, the biggest changes come from taking a chance and seeing life from a new perspective. Her decision to become an exchange student was something she had wanted to do for a long time.
“You hear a lot of stuff [about the United States], not always good [stuff],” said Zoe. “I wanted to see it myself.”
