Margot's Take on German Bread, the CBYX Scholarship, & Study Abroad Adventures

In this inspiring episode of Life Exchanged: Stories of Understanding, host Kelsey Ross sits down with Margot, a U.S. high school student currently studying abroad in Germany through the prestigious CBYX (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) Scholarship Program.

Margot opens up about her transformative study abroad experience in Germany, from adjusting to cultural differences and building meaningful relationships with her host family, to discovering the unbeatable charm of German bread. She shares candid insights into the challenges and rewards of being a high school exchange student, and why she believes more American teens should consider international education opportunities.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator curious about how to study abroad in high school, or simply love stories about global learning and cultural exchange, this episode offers a firsthand look at the life-changing impact of the CBYX for High School Students program.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• What it’s really like to be a high school student in Germany
• Tips for navigating cultural differences abroad
• Why studying abroad builds confidence, independence, and global awareness

Follow Margot on Instagram: @margot_in_deutschland

Learn more about the CBYX scholarship: https://usagermanyscholarship.org/

For more info on YFU USA: https://yfuusa.org/

Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

00:22 – Meet Margot: A 15-Year-Old Exchange Student

01:25 – Instagram Takeover & Social Media Reflections

02:12 – Discovering the CBYX Program

03:13 – Application Process & Acceptance Story

06:00 – Why Go on Exchange in High School?

07:00 – Preparing for Germany & Learning German

08:22 – First Impressions & Language Camp

10:08 – Host Family Challenges & New Beginnings

12:00 – Embracing German Traditions

13:26 – Favorite Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations

14:04 – Weather Differences: Mississippi vs. Northern Germany

15:24 – School Life & Academic Culture Shock

17:16 – Favorite Subjects & Learning to Ask for Help

18:00 – Extracurriculars & Playing in the School Orchestra

19:27 – Making Friends & Cultural Differences

21:14 – German Directness & Honest Communication

22:13 – Tips for Future Exchange Students

23:50 – Coping with Homesickness

26:00 – Favorite German Foods (Bread Gets a Shoutout!)

27:43 – Language Learning & Unexpected Growth

28:49 – Staying Connected After Exchange

30:22 – Breaking Stereotypes & Being an Ambassador

33:05 – Traveling Across Europe

34:26 – German School Traditions: “Abistreich"

36:38 – Customs Margot Wants to Bring Home

38:08 – Advice for Future Exchange Students

39:48 – What’s Next for Margot

40:56 – One Word to Describe the Experience

42:09 – A Story of Independence in Munich

43:25 – Final Thoughts & Where to Follow Margot

Host: Kelsey Ross

Producer: Mel Dyjak

Director: Megan Michels