Studying Abroad in Germany: an interview with Jordan Daly

Tell us about yourself (Brief!)

I am a Junior who has attended Mount since 6th grade. 

And I love Mia Norris.

Are you German? Or do you just like Germany? 

My mom’s parents both immigrated from Germany right after they got married. This means I am 50% German. I was raised ‘bilingual-ly’ - meaning I learned both English and German as a kid. Although as I got older, I only spoke German occasionally with my grandparents, since my dad doesn’t speak it. 

How was your average school day different from other sophomores in your grade? 

Aside from the fact that all of my classes were taught in a foreign language. The school I went to was also a Montessori school. Meaning they focused a lot on interactive learning and philosophy. I would have my core classes only twice a week. For example, I had physics for 1.5 hours on Mondays and 45 minutes on Tuesdays. In total, I had 12 different classes. Throughout the day, I had plenty of free time, where I was allowed to spend time in my room, in the library, cafeteria, or even off-campus. Noticeably, the school day is much longer, consisting of 10 periods.

Boarding school looked something like this: 

• Various adults who acted as caretakers/chaperones

• Some students from Germany - who usually went home on weekends

• Students from all over the world

• 3 meals a day, plus brunch. Served in the castle cellar.

• Complete freedom after school/on the weekend. (With some exceptions of course)

• Dorms, - so I had a nice big room that I shared with a roommate

• A fully equipped kitchen/living room space and bathroom

• There were a bunch of different dorm floors. And we were allowed to socialize with all of them.

• I lived directly above the main school building so I was able to get to class very quickly. 

• A small, yet beautiful campus with beach volleyball, basketball, a gym, and other activities.

• Every time I walked from building to building, I would take in the beautiful castle gourds. Literally my happy place.

Where in Germany did you stay? And where is that compared to more recognizable places in Germany?

My boarding school, Schloss Hagerhof, was in Bad Honnef, Nordrhein-Westphalen, Germany. This was about a 1-hour train ride from Cologne, Germany.

Did you meet people your age that were also from the US?

Aside from one 12th-grade student from Las Vegas, Nevada, I was the only American at Schloss Hagerhof. However, I was not the only English-speaking student. Many of the students there learned English as a second or even third language.

Looking very far down the road, do you think you will go back and live there in the future?

I am unsure if I will ever live in Germany again. It depends on career and family circumstances. But I think the German way of life will always resonate with me.

Did you speak more German or English?

English

What was your favorite thing to do outside of school? 

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to travel outside of school. I spent all of my school breaks visiting various European countries, and I spent my weekends in lots of different cities including Berlin, Cologne, Bonn, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich, and more.

This experience would not have been the same without the friends I met throughout the year. My happiest memories are those I made alongside my friends. Some of them still attend school there, or live in Germany, while others went back to their home countries after the year ended.

How did you get around? Obviously, you don’t drive, so was there a bus? Did you walk?

In typical German fashion, I relied heavily on the public transportation system. The little town I was in had 2 bus lines that drove all throughout the day. For long distances, I would usually use the bus from school to the train station, and then take one of the countless trains to wherever I wanted. This really enabled my freedom because I could go anywhere, - and I mean anywhere, - I wanted without even needing a car!

Why did you choose to go in your sophomore year?

Studying abroad had always been in the back of my mind. But it became a priority when my AP German class hosted a virtual information session about the topic. I soon applied to various programs with the help of my Mom and some of my teachers. They were sure I would get in, and with each day I grew more and more passionate about going to Germany. I had my heart set on it and nothing would stop me. Later on, I actually ended up being denied from these programs in the Spring of freshman year. This was absolutely devastating. Yet I was still so determined that I kept the bad news a secret. I wanted this more than anything in the world. 

And then it all fell into place. Through a family friend, I discovered Schloss Hagerhof the summer before I was set to start sophomore year. Within 4 weeks I registered for classes, packed all my belongings, and bought flight tickets. It was starting to feel real.

After endless heartbreaking goodbyes, I was excitedly anticipating the adventure to come. I had no idea what to expect, but needless to say, I was not disappointed. My school ended up being the most perfect fit, and I couldn’t have asked for a better year.

While away, what did you miss most about life in America?

I found myself missing the little things, like my dad’s car, or Dunkin’ runs after school. It was also hard to leave my hometown friends and family behind, but I am thankful to have felt so much support when I made the decision to leave. The love I was shown by people when I left was life-changing in and of itself. 

Why did you choose to only go one year? Would you go back? Why?

Although I couldn’t see myself finishing high school in Germany if I had the opportunity to relive the whole experience... I would do it in a heartbeat.

How would you rate your experience there out of 10? Why? 

10/10. My experience in Germany was a 10/10. I learned so much about not only myself but also the whole world around me. Going away to boarding school showed me a new perspective on other people my age. The connections I formed with other teenagers last year were so pure and I will forever value them. In fact, I am still in contact with many of my friends from Germany. 

 Other comments about your trip? 

My main goal last year was to make the most of every day, every spontaneous, (sometimes even scary) opportunity that came my way.

 It was by trying new things, and seeing as much as possible that I got to live life to the fullest. I saw this exchange year as one big opportunity, but that didn’t keep me from treasuring all of the smaller moments. 

The experience completely changed who I am as a person now; I am forever grateful.