Jamal hosted in Wyoming (top) and Sina hosted in Missouri (bottom)
The CBYX program is proud to present the U.S. Department of State’s German CBYX students of the month! Learn more about our winners below!
Jamal Ali Gaal
Jamal is a German ASSE student is who currently participating in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. He is being hosted in Cheyenne, Wyoming where he enjoys participating in family activities and being a big brother to his host siblings. Upon his arrival in Cheyenne, Jamal quickly became part of his new host family. His host mother praises him for being an extraordinary young man and a great son, and is very pleased that Jamal fits so well into her family.
Jamal also enjoys volunteering. Within the first few weeks after his arrival in Cheyenne, Jamal completed 15 hours of volunteer service. He has volunteered his time for a number of service projects, including helping at a homeless shelter by cooking and serving food to the needy. He has also volunteered at an assisted living center where he helped with a community dinner and with setting up an Alzheimer’s walk. The volunteer coordinator at the assisted living home speaks highly of Jamal and his services.
When not volunteering, Jamal enjoys school, spending time with the many friends that he has made, and participating in sports. In fact, he looks forward to joining local indoor track and soccer teams in the fall.
Congratulations Jamal!
Sina Hansen
Sina is a German AFS student who is currently participating in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. She is being hosted in Pacific, Missouri and is having a wonderful exchange experience with her host family in her adopted community.
During her time in the United States, Sina has come to truly appreciate the value of her exchange program. She observed that educational exchanges offer great opportunities for young people her age, and that exchanges should not be viewed simply as an opportunity for a free trip to another country. She shared that not only has the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange provided her with a wonderful scholarship opportunity, it has also enabled her to attend an American high school, learn about American culture, and give back to her host community through a variety of service projects.
Sina views each of her volunteer experiences as an eye-opening adventure that she has had the pleasure of sharing with her host family and members of her host community. During a recent service project, Sina worked with members of her extended host family on Operation Clean Stream. She and her host family teamed with the leaders of a local Boy Scout troupe to remove debris from a community park. During the daylong event, Sina observed that the event was not only an opportunity to teach children about the environment, it was also a way for the community members to connect with each other, and simply have fun.
Sina is a wonderful ambassador for Germany and the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. She is looking forward to many more opportunities to volunteer within her community and experience American culture.
Congratulations Sina!