I have already made one post about tips during the interview, but I haven’t made one about tips to help you before the interview.
I think the interview experience is different for everyone. Some people have a really great time and seem to be confident in how they were at their interview. Others feel the pressure more than anything and worry a lot about what could have/could go wrong during their individual and group interview.
For me, the interview was tough. I was there for 6 hours, for one. (without any food!)
The tough part was coming face to face with all of the tough competition. When I walked into the building and saw the other semi-finalists, I was terrified. These kids looked great. I also found it hard to truly be myself because I was so nervous and worried about making a good impression. There was definitely very high tension in the room with all of the other candidates. We all wanted it so bad. And on top of that, the questions in the individual interview were just hard themselves.
Most importantly, I think it is very crucial to practice how you will respond to answers at your interview. Don’t go in your room and practice inside your head, you need to speak out loud. Have your parents, friends, or relatives give you a mock interview (I have a post on mock interview questions for reference). But, every year the interview questions are different. I prepared for my interview using questions I thought they would ask, but when I got there they asked something completely different that I was unprepared for. So don’t practice specific responses, practice on how to speak well. I think it is good that they mix the questions up every year so that they get a genuine response.
Secondly, practice on your interaction skills. If you are an awkward turtle, you will definitely not get the scholarship and you will make a very bad impression at the interview. Learn to open up. They want to see people at the interview who know how to strike up a conversation and socialize well.
Lastly, don’t stress (like I did). If anything, it makes everything worse and adds more tension to the interview. Staying calm up until the interview date will ensure that you will have a smooth sailing individual interview. Practice, but don’t be constantly freaking out and having 24/7 anxiety. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it get to the best of you. Think about life as an exchange student in Germany, and keep that as your goal to work towards. I think that a lot of us get so caught up in the interview and trying to do excellent in it that we forget what we are actually working towards in the first place.
CBYX: One month until pre-departure
So, as you can tell by the title, I have exactly one more month left until I leave for D.C! I am getting uber excited and time cannot go by fast enough. Speaking of time, this month is dragging. I honestly thought my summer would speed by but this is not happening. And since this is my last full month in America, everything seems to be going by extra slow since I am constantly checking my countdown. (Advice: don’t even download a countdown! It just makes time go by even slower. This is especially true when you are going through the application process). But, work tends to keep me fairly busy since I work almost every day during the week. But yesterday I put in my 2 weeks notice saying that I will no longer be available for employment after July 21st because I am going to the beach on the 22nd through the 25th, and when I come back that will only leave me with 13 days to prepare for Germany. But, I feel like that will be a long 13 days since I won’t be at work.
In other news, I purchased new luggage! I was attempting to pack a trial run and I could barely fit all of my winter clothes into one suitcase alone. So I went online to Walmart.com and found a huge piece of luggage for an excellent price with free shipping! So I am very excited for that to come in. I also have yet to set up my international bank account, but when I do that then I will be completely ready to go!
I don’t think this will be a busy month for me. If anything, it’s going to be slow and boring. I guess I should really be enjoying the time that I have left in America, but it’s hard when you are just so anxious to go.
I hope my blog posts are still as interesting as they used to be. It’s hard now that all I am waiting to do is depart for Germany. Once I get there they will really start to pick up.
In the meantime, if there is anything you would like for me to post about in particular (from the application to departure or anything in between), just comment and let me know.
I will be keeping you all posted as departure draws nearer!
CBYX: 35 days until departure
As you can already tell by the title, in 35 more days I will be departing for D.C.
Still, the reality has not yet set in for me. I’m putting in my 2 week notice for work, even starting to pack some, and it has still not set in.
I feel like I’m very ready to go. And although I may think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, I don’t think anything can truly prepare me for the year ahead.
I also can’t even begin to describe how thankful I am for this scholarship. This is, literally, my dream come true. There is nothing else more in this world that I would want other than this. I have been so blessed, and my prayers were clearly heard, and answered.
Lately I’ve been finding it harder to blog about things. Maybe it’s because I am running out of things to blog about? At this point, I am just waiting for departure. But I will try to keep posting through this month and as much as I can during language camp.
I hope this next month goes by faster.
August, where are you?
It is only June 22nd, and I still have 46 days left until departure.
Why is this summer going by so slow? I thought that it would go by speedy quick because I would be trying to get everything together and visiting all of my friends. But nope, this is not the case. This summer is dragging and departure feels like such a long time from now. I am ready for August 8th, to be on a plane to D.C. July will be the longest month ever, when it finally gets here.
On other news, all I have to do now to prepare is to set up an international bank account. Hopefully I can get that done soon so I can quit stressing. And I know this sounds crazy, but after that I just want to forget about CBYX until August comes, so hopefully time will fly by quicker. Other than that, I have no other pre-departure news or anything.
Time is just slowly ticking by.
Pre-Departure Feelings: 2 months left in America
In 55 days I will be headed to Germany. It seems so close yet so far away! I’m so excited and scared, there is just a huge mixture of emotions going on at once.
Aside from the excitement, I am very worried about homesickness. I’ve never been away from family for more than 13 days at a time, so I’m scared as to how I will handle my homesickness over there. I’m also dreading the day where I will have to say goodbye to my family for a year. That will be a very exciting day, but also very emotional; probably the hardest thing I’ll have to do in my life thus far.
I also wish that my host family would communicate with me more. I emailed my host mom and my host dad, but never got a response from them. Instead, my host sister Inga responded. I don’t know if it was because my host parents don’t English or because they are just busy. My host mom works every day (not sure about weekends) and gets off at 7. My host dad is a stay at home dad and I believe he doesn’t speak much English. My host sister and brother are still going to school until July 6th I believe. Hopefully they will communicate with me more.
I still feel like departure is a long way from now. The only thing I need now before I leave for Germany is a universal bank account. I ordered my adapters online today and I recently bought a new camera. I technically still need luggage, but I have a friend who has some that I can borrow and I have a large suitcase upstairs.
Overall, my emotions are very mixed. I’m sure this is typical, but it’s very confusing. I’m not getting cold feet or anything, but tons of things are rushing through my head. How I’ll miss my mom, dad, brother, and sister for a year. And my cat, she is my baby.
But, at the same time, I’m extremely excited and I feel like departure can’t come soon enough. This upcoming year has so much in store for me.
Dear Future CBYX Applicants,
Dear future CBYX applicants,
If you’re reading this, congratulations to you
applying to CBYX is the best thing you will ever do.
The application is tough
The essays are a pain
but push through it all
there is so much you will gain.
Don’t become frustrated
or give up so fast,
though the competition is tough
it doesn’t mean you’re last.
You may be shocked at how the judges score
even the smartest kids aren’t always selected for
the interview,
ah, the interview,
what a dreaded fear, what a doom!
“What shall I wear, what will I say?”
Stop there, nothing can prepare you for the important day.
You can practice, you can rehearse,
But the judges don’t care, they’ve been in your place
It ultimately comes down to how your heart will race.
If you want it so bad it will surely show,
not by your practiced answers,
but at how your eyes glow
when asked why you want to go to Germany,
or “Why should we choose you?”
The dull, fake answer may sound good,
but the genuine one will surely shine through.
The nerves are natural,
they will come and they will go;
but what you must remember
is to not put on a show.
Being yourself is not only vital,
but it is the important key;
if it is trully meant to be,
it will shine through your personality.
So I leave you with this,
all hopefuls and future applicants:
Don’t be afraid to be yourself,
or go outside of your comfort zone
the world isn’t just a continental shelf.
CBYX will teach you a lot
about patience, hope, and virtue
but ultimately,
CBYX will give you the opportunity many others will never get to do.
So if you’re reading this, congratulations to you
applying to CBYX is the best thing you will ever do.
5 Tips That Will Win You A CBYX Scholarship
If you are reading this, you’re most likely applying or plan on applying for CBYX. This program is a great opportunity to study abroad and experience a whole new culture- I would recommend that everyone apply!
But, we all know how tough that application and interview can be. There is a key to writing the perfect application and nailing the interview, and here are five tips that can help you win the CBYX scholarship.
1. Be honest. I know this sounds cheesy and you’ve probably heard it a lot already, but it’s true. The judges are alumni and they know when someone is kissing butt- they have been there before. For example, at my group interview, we had to go down the row and describe that if we could be one animal, what would we be and why. One girl said: “I would be a chameleon because they adapt to situations well.” A chameleon? Really? Who would honestly want to be a chameleon? Nevertheless, the judges immediately recognized how fake and practiced that response was. I said I would be a Komodo Dragon because they are fierce, ancient, and carry a lot of history. It was something that they remembered and that was honest. During my individual interview they asked: “What do you do that causes tension in your household?” A lot of people gave passive complimenting answers such as: “I study too much,” or “I clean my house too much.” That is obviously a fake answer and you are only trying to make yourself look good. I responded and said that sometimes I don’t always get along with my siblings; it was honest and they liked that. An honest answer will show your true personality and what kind of character you are.
2. Act very passionate about wanting to go to Germany. After I had submitted my written application, I actually called CIEE-CBYX and explained to them how passionate I am about going to Germany and how much I really want this scholarship. I said it was amazing that such a program even existed and without it, many people like me wouldn’t even have the opportunity to study abroad. I explained that I really wanted a spot in the scholarship and that they look at my application closely. At your interview, there are going to be many times where the judges will ask something along the lines of, “Why do you want to go to Germany?” or “Why should we choose you?” Be honest and passionate. There’s nothing more they want to see than a person who is on fire about wanting to go to Germany and represent America through CBYX.
3. Stand out. Again, you’ve probably heard this already. At the interview, the judges are hearing 100 people go in and say the same old stuff, and with this it is tough to stand out and make yourself remembered by the judges. By being honest and being yourself, you are standing out. Be outgoing, it is okay to make the judges laugh, they were once in your position too. Talk to them about yourself and ask them questions about the program and their experience with CBYX; show them your personality. Don’t give the same old responses that everyone else would give: “Well I want to go to Germany and break stereotypes, blah blah blah.” Yes, it is good that that is your goal to accomplish while in Germany, but be genuine about it. “I am from Mississippi and that in itself has given me many stereotypes. We do wear shoes and we do have paved roads. Every culture has stereotypes and I am particularly drawn to Germany, I want to break down the walls of negativity that lie in between us, and learn that maybe we aren’t so different after all.” Bring up your hobbies and interests during the interview and possibly tie them into your answer. For example, I was asked that if I could bring one thing to Germany, what would it be and why? I said that I would bring my clarinet. It is something I enjoy doing, for one. Secondly, it’s a part of me and my culture. Living in Mississippi, we have a large jazz/blues influence which is a thing they don’t have in Germany and I would love to bring that part of my culture with me. In return, Germany is one the most musically influential countries in the world; the home of Beethoven and Bach, and I would also be learning a lot about their musical culture as well. They remember answers like that because it ties in something about you. You stand out. Don’t be the chameleon, be the Komodo Dragon.
4. Dress nice for the interview. Guys, it’s time to have your mom iron your clothes. Some guys even wore suits to the interview. Do not show up in jeans in a t-shirt. In fact, don’t show up in jeans at all. At the very least, have khaki’s, a button down shirt, and a tie. And ladies, modest is hottest. Believe it or not, they will judge you on how you are presented. At my interview, one girl walked in to her individual interview and the first thing the judges wrote down on her paper was: “Dressed inappropriately.” She had on a low cut, tight fitting tank top with a sweater, a tight short skirt, and 6 inch stilettos. You’re going to an interview, not the club. If you are going to wear a dress, I would not wear a tight one or one that is barely above the knees. If you are wearing a skirt, I would avoid pencil skirts and anything more than 3 inches above the knees. I wore dress pants, a ruffly shirt, a sweater, flats, and a nice trench coat (it was cold in Atlanta at the time). Remember that how you dress is the first impression the judges have of you, and you are going to Germany to represent America as a youth ambassador.
5. Interact with others at the interview. Interaction and communication is one of the vital key components of your interview. Even when you are not having a group interview or an individual interview, there are judges watching how you interact with others and taking notes on your communication. You are being watched at all times during your interview; even during breaks. Talk to others and get to know everyone. During your group interviews, be interactive and have a leadership role; don’t just awkwardly stand in the corner watching everyone else and giggling occasionally. There will be many ice breaker games where you will be tested on your leadership and interaction with others. During your breaks, talk to alumni about their experience and ask them questions. Make yourself known. Furthermore, don’t be too obnoxious. You don’t want to be hogging all of the leadership, but definitely take an active role in everything that you do during your interview.
I think I’ve touched up on all of the important details and tips that may help you win the scholarship. Ultimately, it’s going to come down to who’s really meant to go to Germany, and if it’s meant to be it will happen. The biggest tip I have for everyone who is applying,
have hope and never give up.
CBYX: I have a host family!
Today I got a very exciting email from Juliette informing me that I have a host family!
I will be staying in Mainz, Frankfurt. I have a host dad, Klaus, who is retired and a host mom, Andrea, who is a journalist. I also have a host sister, Inga, who is 16 and likes to play the trombone and computer; and a host brother, Nils, who is 12 and likes to sing and fence. They also have a pet fish and like to read and garden. I emailed them today and I hope I have a response by tomorrow. I really want to Skype them!
I am very excited, especially to have a host sister who is the same age as me. Hopefully she can help me make new friends and show me around my school.
It feels as though everything is starting to really fall into place! I have my passport, a host family, and today I got a new camera. All I need now is an international bank account, converters/adapters, and luggage!
It feels as though this summer cannot go by fast enough. I have 69 days left, a little over two months, and it feels as if it’s dragging. I don’t want to wish away my summer and time left in America, but I also don’t want it to seem like a decade before departure arrives. Hopefully time will start to balance out.
Overall, I’m very happy with my host family. I can’t wait to start Skyping them and talking to them more!
CBYX: Less than 100 days until departure
In 75 days, I will be on a plane to D.C!
This is so exciting, thrilling, and scary. I feel as though I’m ready to go and that time cannot go by fast enough, but also that I’m not yet mentally prepared. 75 days seems like such a long time, but such a short amount of time to prepare to move to a foreign country for a year.
I’ve been getting some pre-departure emails from CBYX, mainly just telling me about Rosetta Stone offers and school credit information. Still no host family.
I got out of school yesterday, so it’s finally summer for me! Whoo! But I do have a job and I am working a lot. Today is my off day, because I have to work on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 7-4 shifts. It sucks but it’s Germany money.
I also withdrew from my high school! This is so exciting because it seems as though everything is becoming finalized. I will re-enroll at Oak Grove for my senior year once I am back from Germany. Luckily, most of my credits are transferring.
My blog has been running very slow lately (compared to what it was during the application process). I feel as though there really isn’t much to talk about leading up to departure; but at the same time I feel as though that there is so much that needs to be talked about that I am not doing. Now that it is summer I will try to update this as much as possible.
I hope everyone else’s summer is going great!
CBYX: Waiting for a host family
As of now, my complete secondary application has been sent off to Germany and I am currently waiting for a host family.
I’m very anxious to get a host family, although I most likely won’t hear back on anything until June (July at the latest). I’m just so ready to have everything in place and go to Germany!
I leave for D.C on August 8th, which is in 102 days. That seems like such a long time from now!
All I need to do now to prepare for my exchange is to:
-get a host family
-get a camera
-get an international debit card
-get luggage
-and receive my passport in the mail.
Still quite a bit do to, but I have the summer for that, and I recently got a job so I’m saving up!
I’m also ready for school to get out. I’m at that point in the year when I’m just stressed and tired of it and ready for it to be summer. I get out on May 24th, so I’m almost there!
I’ll keep you all updated with host family and pre-departure information!
-Wendy
WendyGoesGerman 