I realized that an "about me" section is pretty much pointless for a foreign exchange student because we CHANGE so much over the 3 year course of pre-exchange, exchange, and readjustment. This "about me" section is more of a timeline that shows how I’ve changed over the months.

27.5.10

Yo- I'm just a guy living life. I'm trying to figure out where I'm going, what I'm supposed to be doing... and just taking advantage of every opportunity that appears. I love adventure challenges, and people. Life is a crazy rollercoaster- I'm just along for the ride... trying to be myself and having as much fun as I can.



25.1.2010

I'm Ben, , and live in Berlin, Germany. 1/2 way through my exchange, life is absolutely amazing. I'm still learning new things every single day, but life remains exciting and full of fun! I am very happy here in Germany, and am so glad I decided to do a full year! I am so excited for what is in store for me in the second half of my exchange!

17.10.2009

My name's Ben and I'm an American exchange student living in Berlin, Germany for the 2009/2010 school year. Right now, I'm learning more about myself than I ever have in my entire life. I'm evolving so quickly into who-knows-what... and to be honest, its a little bit freaky. I love living in the city and having endless possiblilities at my fingertips- but after being away for 2 months I've grown to LOVE my hometown. I took it, and everyone and everything in it for granted. Nevertheless, This exchange year has been the best descision of my life. It's incredibly challenging, but INCREDIBLY worth it. I've met so many amazing people, seen so many beautiful places, and have gained so much experience! I have no idea what I'll be when I touch back down on American soil, but all I know is that after this crazy rollercoaster is over, I'm going to be different... much different.



8/12/09

Hey! My name is Ben Mau and I‘m spending my Junior year (09-10) abroad in Berlin, Germany. I've lived in the Midwestern United States (Madison, WI) for my entire life and I'm dying to get out and see the world. I love to learn about new cultures, and anything language oriented. If I could go anywhere right now I would go to Switzerland. My favorite language is French. I like to be random. As of right now… I AM DONE with American Schooling because it all seems like a giant game to get into the college… and I really don’t think that’s what education should be about! I want to learn real LIFE lessons not textbook shit. Going abroad is kind of like my own form of rebellion! So many people have the same feelings I do about High School but they don’t do anything about it! Well I am! I’m packing my bags, I’m saying goodbye to my family and friends. And I’m going abroad for a year. So who knows what will happen. Maybe I’ll have the year of my life! Maybe I’ll miss American High School. Maybe I’ll be deported. Haha… no I wouldn’t take it that far! All I have to say is that I’m going into this experience with an open mind! It’s going to be one crazy year… I can tell you that.

1/30/09

My Name is Ben, and I'm a sophomore in High School in Madison, WI. What to know about me? I enjoy the challenges of life. I'd rather be over-preoccupied than under-preoccupied. I'm the kind of student who would rather take a hard class, work hard, learn lots, and get a poor grade, than be in an easy class, review what I already know, and get an A+. I believe that life is more than just getting A's in classes, there is so much more to LEARN. I love being well rounded and actively participating in as many activities I possibly can. Specifically, I love forensics and polevaulting. I'm also class president at my school, and compose music on piano regularly. My friends are very important to me. They help me with everything, and back me up in my decisions and endeavors. Hopefully, this trip to Germany will open up my eyes a bit. Give me a new perspective about life, and help me grow as a person.

Hello
Hallo

Good Day/Morning
Guten Tag/Morgen

Goodbye
Auf Wiedersehen

Bye
Tschüss/Chao

See you later
Bis Später/Dahn

What's up?
Wie geht's?/Na

Thank you!
Danke!

Yes
Ja

No
Nein

Please/Thank You
Bitte

Sorry/Excuse Me
Entschuldigung

I speak only a little bit of German