Interview with Erika from the Northern Mariana Islands
Part 1: Exchange program CBYX
Erika Pascual has been participating in a cultural exchange program sponsored by the German Bundestag and the US Congress, also known as CBYX (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) or in German PPP (Parlamentarisches Patenschafts-Programm). The program gives her the opportunity to immerse herself in the German culture as well as acquiring the German language while also representing the diversity of America and her hometown Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands. In our interview, she tells us more about the program and her experiences.
1. As participant of the exchange program CBYX, you are staying in Germany for one year. What kind of phases does the program include?
The program includes three sections: the language phase, where we take intensive German courses at Carl Duisberg Centren for two months; the university phase, where we study at a German university and take courses of interest while doing volunteer work, and the internship phase, where we intern at a German company and gain a more comprehensive perspective and understanding of the workforce in Germany.
2. You came to Germany in July 2024. Has the German language and culture affected you and your goals so far?
I have always had this passive goal of becoming a polyglot and being able to communicate with different people from all walks of life in their native tongue. And now that I have acquired some German and have experienced living life abroad, I hope to hone these skills in fostering deeper connections internationally because to me, what is life without connection?
I also see this program as a real catalyst for turning vision into reality. Seeing how deeply embedded sustainability is in Germany gives me even more confidence to pursue a dream of mine: I aspire to build an interior design business that not only elevates living spaces but also empowers consumers to be part of something bigger and contribute to meaningful change.
3. What other chances do you see for yourself because of the program?
After completing this program, I see myself emerging with a deeper global perspective and a stronger sense of cultural empathy. Having represented the United States and the Northern Mariana Islands during my time here, I have the privilege of carrying forward the responsibility of being a bridge between cultures.
The connections I build and the experiences I gain – whether through language immersion, community involvement, or professional development – will shape how I approach future opportunities in international relations and global advocacy.
4. Can you tell us more about your accommodation during this time?
Back when I did my language course, I was placed in Berlin and lived with a host family, organized by Carl Duisberg Centren and my program. I lived in a shared apartment and had my intimate room with walls that were filled with stories through pictures and books. Spending time with my host family was one of my favorite pastimes – I thought we resonated in many values and interests, and I would like to attribute my relationship to them as one of the many reasons my time in Berlin was truly unforgettable.
Here in Cologne I was also given a host family, and I have my room in a “Dachzimmer” (attic room) with my own kitchen and restroom. I am genuinely incredibly fortunate I get to experience the luxury of living abroad with kindred individuals who continue to make my time here remarkable.
5. Did you feel homesick at any point?
I am in an exceedingly fortunate position to say I have not felt homesickness, nor have I felt the inclination to return home during our program. A few tips I would give are the following: attend after school leisure activities at Carl Duisberg Centren or student-run events at your respective German university; keep in contact with your loved ones regularly; establish a routine that helps you look forward to something – for me this was thrifting at my favorite thrift store during the weekends, scoping out flea markets around the city, and taking photos at a photo booth; traveling to neighboring countries with some friends; using BFF (Bumble for Friends); and also intentionally engaging in the intercultural sessions that were provided to us throughout the course of our program.
6. What other advice would you give students that think about participating in the same exchange program?
I would say, go into it with an open mind and real curiosity for meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the opportunity to build intercultural connections. Navigating cultural differences can be challenging at times, but it is exactly through those experiences that you learn and grow the most.
Also, having a genuine interest in learning German – both the language and the culture – really helps you feel more connected and confident in your daily life. At the end of the day, we are given the privilege to live abroad and experience all of this practically for free, so it is crucial to see the bigger picture and make the most of your time here. Embrace the unfamiliar, be open to discomfort, and take every opportunity to learn something new.
Thank you for all the insights!
In part 2 of the interview, Erika will tell more about living and studying in Germany.
