Isobel’s Exchange Experience in Berlin Germany

Introducing Myself

Hello! My name is Isobel-Louise Catherine Moriarty, and I come from Dublin, Ireland. I am currently in Transition Year in a German school in Dublin, and I have been learning German since the age of four. Languages have always fascinated me. I think they are one of the most powerful tools a person can have, because they allow you to communicate with people from different cultures, understand different perspectives, and open doors to opportunities all around the world.

This passion for languages is one of the main reasons why I chose to take part in this exchange program. However, it was not just about improving my German. I also wanted to experience something completely new and step outside of my comfort zone. Living in another country gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the language in a way that a classroom simply cannot replicate. I wanted to challenge myself, gain independence, and grow as a person.

Another motivation for coming to Berlin was my strong interest in German history, which I have always found incredibly fascinating. Germany’s past, particularly the events surrounding the Berlin Wall and the division between East and West, has had such a profound impact not only on the country itself but also on Europe and the world. Being able to live in a city that played such an important role in history is something truly special.

In addition to this, I was very curious about everyday life here. I wanted to experience what it is like to attend school in Germany, to live with a host family, and to see the city through the eyes of people who actually live here. I was also excited to meet new people, build friendships, and connect with others from different backgrounds.

Ultimately, my biggest goal for this exchange was simple: to create memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

First Impressions

There were countless things that stood out to me when I first arrived in Berlin. Moving to a completely new country at the age of fifteen can initially feel a little overwhelming. Everything is unfamiliar — the language being spoken around you, the surroundings, the customs, and even the small details of everyday life. Being away from home can feel daunting at first, but it is also incredibly exciting.

I arrived in Berlin at the beginning of January, and one of the very first things that struck me was the weather. Everything was covered in snow, something that I am not used to at all in Ireland. The lakes were frozen solid, and the ground was blanketed in white. It felt almost magical to see a winter landscape like that in real life. It was something completely new and made the whole experience feel even more adventurous.

Beyond the weather, the city itself immediately captured my attention. Berlin is a place full of contrasts. On one hand, it carries the weight of its deep and complex history. On the other hand, it is an incredibly modern, creative, and vibrant city. What fascinated me most was how the past and the present seem to coexist everywhere you look.

Berlin’s street art, alternative culture, diverse food scene, and lively atmosphere give it a unique character that is unlike any other city I have visited. Every neighbourhood seems to have its own personality, and there is always something interesting happening somewhere. Walking through the city, you constantly come across reminders of its past — pieces of the Berlin Wall, historical buildings, and memorials — which makes living here feel like being surrounded by history.

My First Week

The first week of an exchange is probably the most challenging part of the experience. It is the moment when everything is still unfamiliar and you are adjusting to a completely new environment. At the same time, you are also dealing with the emotions of leaving your family and friends back home.

Starting school was definitely a little intimidating at first. Walking into a classroom where you do not know anyone can feel quite daunting. Fortunately, my host sister Sofie was there, which made the situation much easier. Having someone to guide me through the first few days made a huge difference.

Very quickly, however, my worries disappeared. Everyone at school was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to start conversations and make new friends. My classmates were curious about Ireland and very interested in learning about my life back home, which made it much easier to connect with them.

My host family has also been wonderful and has made me feel completely at home. My host Dad is Marcus, my host Mum is Sabrina, my host Granny is Bine, my Host Sister Sofie is 16, and my host brother Espen is 8. And, of course, I cannot forget the dog, Obie, who is also an important member of the family.

From the very beginning, they have treated me as if I were part of their family. This has made the whole experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Differences Between Irish and German Schools

One aspect of my exchange that I was particularly curious about was what school life in Germany would be like compared to Ireland. Although there are many similarities, there are also some noticeable differences that took a little getting used to.

One of the first things I noticed was that school in Berlin usually starts much earlier than in Ireland. My school day here begins at 7:50 in the morning, which felt extremely early at first. However, despite starting earlier, the school days are often shorter than in Ireland, and many students finish earlier in the afternoon.

Another interesting difference is the structure of the school day. Breaks are very important in German schools, and students usually spend them outside in the schoolyard, even in colder weather. This was quite different from what I am used to at home.

I also found that classes can feel slightly different in terms of atmosphere. Students often seem very independent and responsible for organising their work, and teachers expect a certain level of maturity and participation.

Experiencing these differences has been really interesting, and it has given me a new perspective on how education systems can vary from country to country.

Life with My Host Family

One of the most rewarding aspects of this exchange has been spending time with my host family and becoming involved in their daily life.

One of my favourite traditions is what Marcus and I do every Sunday. We both share a strong interest in history, so we often spend the day visiting museums, historical sites, or exploring different parts of Berlin. It is incredibly interesting to learn about German history from someone who has personally experienced certain events.

One topic we talk about quite often is the Berlin Wall. Marcus lived in East Germany during that time, so hearing his perspective and personal stories has been fascinating. Reading about history in textbooks is one thing, but hearing about it from someone who actually lived through it provides a completely different and much more meaningful understanding.

Marcus also used to work as a chef, so we sometimes cook together as well. Cooking with him has been a lot of fun, and I have also had the chance to introduce my host family to some traditional Irish dishes.

My host brother Espen and I have our own weekly tradition too. Every Friday evening, we either have little discos in my room or play games on his Nintendo Switch. Espen absolutely loves Minecraft, and he spends a lot of time building incredible things in the game. Since I arrived, we have grown quite close and developed a really special bond.

I also really enjoy baking, and my host sister Sofie often joins me in the kitchen. One of our favourite things to make together is a Victoria sponge cake, which is a classic and always turns out delicious.

Another thing Sofie and I share is our love for romance movies, so we are currently planning to have a movie marathon before I leave Berlin.

Memorable and Funny Moments

During my exchange so far, there have been countless memorable moments. Some of them are big events, while others are simply funny little situations that happen in everyday life.

One of the highlights was celebrating my 16th birthday on the 2nd of March. To celebrate, Sofie, some friends, and I went to a lovely Indian restaurant, which was a really special way to spend the evening.

Other memorable moments include:

• Our weekly discos with my host brother
• Cooking traditional Irish food with my host dad
• Trying different German dishes, such as Currywurst
• Attempting to pronounce extremely complicated German words
• Trying to teach my host family how to pronounce very difficult Irish names
• Going out for dinner with my parents and younger brother when they came to visit Berlin for my birthday
• The boys at school constantly teasing me about how amazing Conor McGregor supposedly is..

Moments like these are what make the experience so memorable. They are the kinds of stories that I will always look back on and laugh about.

Language Tips

One of the most important lessons I have learned while living abroad is that you should never be afraid of making mistakes when speaking a language.

It can sometimes feel intimidating to speak in a language that is not your native one, but the truth is that making mistakes is one of the most effective ways to learn. The more you practice and the more you immerse yourself in the language, the more confident you become.

One useful strategy that has helped me is carrying a small notebook with me at school. Whenever I hear a word that I do not understand, I write it down and look it up later. Over time, this really helps to expand your vocabulary.

Another important piece of advice is not to be afraid to ask questions. Most people are very understanding and are happy to help if you are trying to learn their language.

What I’ve Learned About Myself During This Experience

Living abroad at a relatively young age has also taught me a lot about myself. Being placed in a completely new environment forces you to adapt, be open-minded, and become more independent.

One thing I have realised is that I am far more capable of adapting to new situations than I might have thought before. Moving to a different country, communicating in another language every day, and building a new routine has shown me that I can step outside of my comfort zone and handle challenges confidently.

I have also learned the importance of being open to new experiences and different perspectives. Living with a host family and being part of their everyday life has allowed me to understand another culture in a very personal way.

Most importantly, this experience has shown me how valuable it is to connect with people from different backgrounds. Even though we may come from different countries, speak different languages, and have different traditions, it is still possible to form genuine friendships and meaningful connections.

These lessons are things that I know will stay with me long after my exchange has ended.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on my exchange experience so far, I can honestly say that it has been one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of my life. Living in a different country, adapting to a new culture, and forming connections with people from another background has taught me so much.

This experience has helped me become more independent, more open-minded, and more confident in myself.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about doing an exchange like this, it would be this:

Make the most of every moment. Say yes to new experiences, step outside of your comfort zone, and create as many memories as possible.

Because in the end, those memories are what will stay with you forever.