Caroline Procak & Lena Moritz
What do you remember most vividly about your GAPP exchange?
CAROLINE: Of the memories I cherish the most from this exchange, bike trips to visit Lena’s friends and family and trips to nearby cities are the most memorable. We frequently rode bikes throughout various towns and around the countryside to visit Lena’s friends and family, including her grandparents and cousins. Lena’s family always treated me as one of their own and made me feel welcomed while in their homes.
Aside from going to school each day, our exchange group also took day trips to surrounding cities. We experienced the culture, history, and cuisine of Berlin, Leipzig, Weimar, and Dresden. Each city had beautiful buildings and public spaces illuminating its distinct history and culture. Discovering all that each city had to offer while alongside Lena and my friends definitely created some of the best memories I have from the GAPP exchange.
LENA: Of all my exchange memories, the times I spent with my host family stand out the most, especially with her sisters. We shared so many everyday moments that made me feel like I truly belonged. One weekend, we went to the beach with Caroline's mom, which was a such a fun experience. I also enjoyed our trip to Philadelphia with her dad. We tried a Philly cheesesteak from his favorite shop and explored the farmers’ market. Even the quiet evenings at home were special e.g. sitting in the living room together, eating ice cream while the dogs cuddled up with us on the couch. I also loved exploring the supermarket with Caroline and her dad because we are all massive foodies. These moments showed me how warmly they welcomed me into their family. Beyond family time, I have also made great memories with the exchange group on trips to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Exploring the sights and culture with friends made the whole experience more exciting and unforgettable.
How did you feel when you first met each other, and what were your first impressions?
CAROLINE: I instantly knew that we would become lifelong friends! Prior to Lena coming to the United States, we spoke online for a few months getting to know each other and bonding over our love for food and trying new things. By the time she arrived in Delaware, I felt like we were already friends. My first impressions of Lena were that she had a fun, goofy personality, and she loved adventure. When Lena first arrived, she was first greeted by my parents and my sisters since I was in the middle of one of my high school basketball games. I was overcome with excitement from the court as she walked into the gym to watch the last half of my game. When we finally met after the game, it was like we were already best friends.
LENA: I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness when we first met. Caroline’s parents and sisters welcomed me with a big, handmade sign, making me feel special right from the start. In fact, that sign still exists in my childhood bedroom because it reminds me of that memorable time. I was a little nervous to finally meet Caroline in person after only talking online, but that feeling disappeared as soon as we walked into the gym where she was playing basketball. Cheering for her from the stands felt natural, as if I had known her for years. From that very first moment, I had a feeling that our connection would be lasting.
Was there anything that surprised you about living with your host family or in your host country?
CAROLINE: Lena’s sheep and rabbits were the most surprising things about living with her family. As soon as I arrived at her home in Torgau, Lena immediately took me on a tour of her home, including a shed behind her home with multiple pet rabbits, and a backyard with two grazing sheep. I was surprised that her family had farm animals on their property. I grew up in the suburbs of Wilmington, DE and never saw farm animals on any residential property.
LENA: One of the biggest surprises for me was how Caroline and her sisters spent their free time. After school, she often practiced different sports several times a week. I wasn’t used to that kind of schedule since, in Germany, we usually don't participate in so many extracurricular activities alongside school. I was impressed by how much energy and dedication she had for all of it.
I was also surprised by how big everything was in the United States compared to my small hometown. Even though Caroline lived in a city, people still drove for almost every trip, e.g., dropping off their kids at school. Back home, many places are within walking or biking distance, or people use public transportation, so relying on driving everywhere felt very different. These differences made me realize how unique everyday life can be in different countries.
How have you kept in touch since your exchange? Have you been able to celebrate any milestones together?
CAROLINE: I recently got married in February this year and I was fortunate to have Lena by my side as one of my bridesmaids. With over ten years of friendship, it was a no-brainer to have her as a bridesmaid alongside my sisters for my big day. Lena has also attended my older sister’s wedding and in 2020, she traveled to Italy to join my family on a vacation to Florence and Rome. I know we will continue to celebrate many more milestones over the years. Aside from in-person visits and trips, Lena and I have remained in contact thanks to many Facetimes and WhatsApp chats.
LENA: Earlier this year, I had the honor of being one of Caroline’s bridesmaids at her wedding in February. Standing by her side on such an important day was very meaningful to me and demonstrated the strength of our friendship over the years. I was also able to attend her older sister’s wedding in 2023. In 2020, I joined her family on a vacation to Florence and Rome, which was a very special experience.
Even though we live in different countries, we have always found ways to stay close. Through FaceTime calls and WhatsApp chats, we’ve shared everyday life as well as big milestones. I’m certain that we will continue to celebrate many more important moments together in the future. We have already planned our next vacation together in London in April of next year with her husband, my boyfriend, and another friend of Caroline's whom she met and stayed with on a trip abroad. It's amazing to see how we grow together, and how we continue to be a big part of each other's lives.
What do you value most about your friendship, even across distance and time?
CAROLINE: No matter the amount of time that passes between our visits, it feels like we can pick up where we have left off each time. This is what I value most. Despite distance and time, our friendship is stronger than ever. After over 10 years of friendship, Lena is not only one of my best friends, but she is like a sister to me. We have seen each other grow up, maybe not always in person, but through sharing big life updates, from starting college to dating and everything in between, on our many calls throughout the year.
LENA: The most valuable aspect of my friendship with Caroline is the sense of trust and reliability we share. Even when life gets in the way and we can't talk every day, whenever we connect, it feels completely natural, as if no time has passed at all. The same goes for seeing each other in person; every meeting feels warm and comforting, like being with family. Caroline and her family have become like a second family to me. I can laugh with them, share my thoughts, and create memories that I will always cherish. In our more than ten years of friendship, we’ve built countless memories, and every time I think back on them, I’m reminded of how special and lasting our bond truly is.
Was there a particular moment during your exchange that changed the way you see the world?
CAROLINE: At the beginning of our trip, the American students went on a tour to Hartenfels Castle in Torgau which was right down the street from the high school. While there, I started reading signs describing the castle’s history. One sign by the castle’s chapel read that it was constructed in the 1540s. I was amazed that it was much older than most buildings in the United States. This made me consider how Europeans and Americans think about history on much different time scales. In the US, our country is only about 250 years old, whereas in Germany you may come across structures that are several times older than the whole history of the US. This shifted how I thought about time.
LENA: There were more than one moment that really changed the way I see the world, such as realizing just how big the United States is. Places that looked close on a map—like Wilmington, Delaware, and New York City—actually required much more time and effort than I had expected. Even everyday things made me notice the scale, like the large packaging in supermarkets or the enormous popcorn sizes at the cinema. Experiencing these differences firsthand helped me understand how space, routines, and consumption shape daily life. It also gave me a new perspective on how life can differ from what I was used to at home.
What cultural differences stood out to you at the time, and how did you adapt to them?
CAROLINE: The biggest cultural difference that stood out to me was how much the Germans value conservation. I would always see people walking, biking, or taking public transportation, typically leaving driving as the last option. This was easy to adapt to because I could not drive, and I soon learned the Torgau bus route by heart. Lena and her family also prioritized recycling and would usually save all glass and plastic bottles to receive a refund from the grocery store. Additionally, Germans tend to conserve water much more than Americans. For example, when showering, Germans turn the water on only when they need it. When it was time to shower, I followed suit and did my best to conserve the water; after a few days, it became a habit. I learned that these small differences were not necessarily bad, but rather they opened my eyes to new ways of doing things.
LENA: One cultural difference that stood out to me was how people interacted with each other. Most of the people I met in the United States were incredibly open, friendly, and welcoming. Their warmth and hospitality made it easy to feel at home, even in new situations. Coming from Germany, where people can be more reserved, this openness was striking. Experiencing this firsthand helped me become more confident in meeting new people and approaching
strangers with curiosity and interest. . It showed me how much a friendly attitude can shape everyday interactions, inspiring me to be more open in my own life.
If you could give advice to your younger self before your exchange experience, what you say?
CAROLINE: If I could give my younger self advice, I would tell young Caroline to always be present in the moment and enjoy what each day brings. Take those photos, eat that extra ice cream cone, ride the bike all around town, build friendships, immerse yourself into German culture, read and learn all that you can about German history. Time flies, especially when you are having fun. It is so important to just focus on what is in front of you because you will want to relive each and every moment, so make it count!
LENA: If I could give my younger self some advice before the exchange, I would tell myself not to worry about language barriers. No one will judge you for using the wrong tense or making mistakes. Every attempt to communicate is valuable. I would also remind myself to live in the moment and enjoy the experience fully. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build lasting friendships, explore new places, and appreciate the simple joys of being with others. Cherish every laugh, every conversation, and every shared memory because it's those moments that will stay with you for years to come.
What would you tell current students about why they should participate in a GAPP exchange? Any tips?
CAROLINE: I would tell them to participate in a GAPP exchange because it is an investment in their future selves, and one they will be grateful for. Traveling to another country and learning about other cultures is the best way to learn and gain a better understanding of the world. Challenging yourself by being in a different environment will not only help you grow but will cause you to learn so much about yourself.
As soon as you find out who your GAPP sister/brother is, I would recommend immediately reaching out to them. Building a foundation prior to the exchange will make the initial meeting easier. Finding commonalities and learning about each other prior will make it seem as though you are already acquainted and friends.
LENA: I would encourage current students to participate in a GAPP exchange because it offers a unique opportunity to experience another culture, meet new people, and form lasting friendships. This kind of exchange allows you to see the world from a different perspective and learn a lot about yourself. My advice would be to embrace every moment and enjoy your time with your host family and exchange sister pr brother. Be open to trying new things, asking questions, and stepping out of your comfort zone. These experiences will stay with you forever, and the friendships you build can become as meaningful and close as family.
Looking back, what was the biggest lesson of your GAPP exchange experience?
CAROLINE: I think one of the biggest lessons from my GAPP exchange is that the more you seek to learn, try new things, make lasting friendships during an exchange or trip, the more you will enjoy it and be rewarded by those experiences. Traveling to Germany and having a GAPP experience was extremely rewarding because I was open to trying new things that came along with it. As a result, the exchange provided me with lasting memories.
LENA: Looking back, the most valuable lesson I learned from my GAPP exchange was that embracing new experiences and opportunities makes the experience truly rewarding. Stepping out of my comfort zone, spending time with my host family, and building lasting friendships allowed me to create memories that I will cherish forever. This experience also showed me that friendships can thrive across language barriers and distances, which is something I might never have realized without participating in the GAPP program. This program taught me to appreciate the small moments, enjoy time with those around me, and approach new situations with curiosity and confidence.
Caroline: Did your exchange spark or deepen your interest in international affairs or diplomacy?
Absolutely! I already loved to travel because I was fortunate enough to go on many family vacations during my childhood. But my experience with the GAPP exchange, which was the longest time I had ever spent away from home, gave me an appreciation for new cultural encounters. Getting to learn about German culture, interact with new people, and try different things formed my interest in diplomacy. I learned that, despite vast distances and cultural or linguistic differences, that people all have very similar motives and passions. Forming friendships across borders can help us all to see that we have a lot more in common than we think. My exchange influenced my decision to study international affairs in college and pursue a career involving diplomacy and international relations.
