CBYX Interview

So yesterday was the CBYX CIEE interview in Charlotte, NC and it was soooo amazing! All the other semi's who were there were so awesome and we all got along really well. It was so great finally getting to meet everyone. The interview was pretty laid back and I think I did well in my individual interview. It was kind of intimidating and I was so nervous, especially because I had the first interview, but I think I had good answers, I just hope they were good enough to get me accepted! For the group evaluations I didn't even realize we were being evaluated until after they were over because it was really laid back and we just played some ice breaker games and got to know each other. It was so fun and everyone is so amazing. It's so sad to think that not all of us will make it to Germany because everyone deserves it so much and would be amazing exchange students! After the individual interviews and the group evaluation we had a two hour lunch break. After the break we all went back to the school where the interview was being held for an information session with our parents. One of the ladies from CIEE did a presentation about the program for about a half an hour and then we got to ask questions to the alumni's and the CIEE people. It was great to get to hear their experiences in Germany and I think my parents are a lot more open to CBYX now that they know a lot more about the program. We found out yesterday that CIEE has moved finalist notifications from March, 29th to March, 13th so I only have a couple of weeks until I know if I will be spending next year in Germany!

CBYX Semifinalist!!!

I have big news, I am a CBYX semifinalist! I got an email today during second block at school. I was shaking as I read it and then I saw that I was a semifinalist and I have not been able to stop smiling since! Here is the email.

Dear Danielle,

As you know, the Congress-Bundestag Scholarship provides 50 scholarships for students from the Southeast United States. We had an unprecedented number of applications this year, which made the review extremely competitive. We were impressed with your application and after careful review, would like to offer you an interview. We are interested in learning more about you and your desire to live and study in Germany.

Following this announcement, you will receive an invitation to our selection events in cities throughout the Southeast. At that time, we will also provide more details regarding the exact location, dates, and times for the interview and information sessions. 

Our locations for this year’s selection events include:

• Atlanta, GA

• Richmond, VA

• Charlotte, NC

• Winter Haven, FL

• Lexington, KY

If you do not wish to continue to the next round of selection, please let us know by Tuesday, February 12th, 2013. Congratulations on your advancement to the next round! We look forward to meeting you in person!

All the best,

CIEE Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program Selection Committee

I am so insanely excited and happy and I can't stop smiling! I hear back about semifinals for YES within the next few weeks and I really hope to make it! I have my interview for CBYX on February 23 in Charlotte, wish me luck!