Melina - Educator
Anchorage, AK
It‘s already about leaving my comfort zone.
Jessica - Physical Therapist
Cibolo, TX
I learned a lot. During Intensive Therapy or Daily living. Also for myself: leaving Germany and being on my own, which I had never been before, let me grow a lot.
Fenia - Physical Therapist
Arlington, VA
It was up and down all the time. But I grew a lot, and when I go home after my 2 years, I will be a completely different person – but in a good way.
Lotte - Nurse
Alpine, NJ
It helped me to be more confident in myself as well as in what I do, and I made some great new friends.
Maria - Occupational Therapist
Demarest, NJ
Looking back, this journey has shaped me in so many ways. Coming to the U.S. with Apex Social pushed me far outside my comfort zone and helped me grow more confident, independent, and open to new experiences. In many ways, it really felt like “adventure is out there.”
There were many moments that challenged me. For example, traveling alone by plane – I had only flown a few times in my life before, and one of those flights brought me all the way to the U.S. I also faced fears in smaller but meaningful ways, like going on rollercoasters I was honestly scared of. In those moments, I reminded myself to “just keep swimming” and to see how far I could go.
Personally, I’ve learned to trust myself much more and follow my own path. Working with the kids helped me grow a lot too. There were situations with big emotions and meltdowns, and learning how to stay calm, support them and handle those moments showed me how much I’m capable of.
Professionally, this experience has been incredibly valuable. It helped me better understand children, their needs and how important patience, empathy and communication are – especially for my future working with kids. Sometimes all it takes is a little “faith and trust” to keep going and keep learning.
Overall, this journey showed me that stepping into the unknown can lead to the biggest growth.
Sophia - Physical Therapist
Asbury, NJ
My journey has been blessed with new friendships, an outstanding host family, and incomparable experiences and memories. My self-respect and confidence are growing along this journey. I feel strengthened and prepared for all kinds of challenges because I learned that I am capable emotionally, physically, and professionally. My personal growth came with my amazing relationships- a beautiful host family, new friends, and even just a friendly stranger from a store. My professional growth came through that connection with my host kid(s). It teaches me patience and how to see the world through different eyes. My strategies became more effective, more creative, and especially more fun for everyone. I am confident that when I am (sadly) ending my journey, I am going back as a different person. I will walk in confidence and with lots of stories, love, and joy in my heart.
Melissa - Social Worker BA
South Orange, NJ
In retrospect, this journey has profoundly shaped me. I have become more independent, self-confident, and adaptable. I have also learned to tackle new challenges on my own. At the same time, I gained valuable experience working with children. I further developed key skills, such as patience, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. These skills have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Mae Belyn - Educator
North Wales, PA
I’ve pushed myself to my limits; I’ve learned to master and develop new techniques. I’ve done a lot of experimenting on my own.
Sonia - Nurse
Madison, NJ
I learned more about the relationships in my life- which require more effort and which come more effortlessly to me, which feel draining, and which are absolute bucket-fillers. I learned to be a team player on a whole different level. I realized which habits and routines work best for me and where my priorities lie. I got to reflect on what matters most to me and which things and lifestyles I want to adapt to my life in Germany. During my time here, I strengthened my English skills and discovered a different side of me. I got to be less shy and more talkative. I discovered and developed my professional voice and became more secure in my clinical judgement and decision-making skills. Also, I got to discover the US and make many memorable memories here.
Leonie - Occupational Therapist
Hillsborough, NJ
I’ve grown a lot more confident and independent during this journey. Living in a new country and facing new situations helped me trust myself more and step outside of my comfort zone. It also strengthened my communication and adaptability.
Selina - Physical Therapist
Lake Oswego, OR
I feel so confident in myself and my abilities.
Kiana - Occupational Therapist
Arlington, VA
Looking back, this journey has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Personally, it has made me more patient, adaptable, and self-reliant. Living and working in a new environment, caring for a child with special needs, and navigating daily challenges have pushed me to stay calm under pressure, think creatively, and approach problems with empathy and understanding. I feel more confident in my abilities and more comfortable stepping into unfamiliar situations. Professionally, I’ve grown tremendously in my communication and interpersonal skills. Working closely with the child and his family, as well as engaging with new people and situations, has helped me become more flexible, observant, and solution-oriented. I’ve learned to balance care, responsibility, and initiative, which are valuable skills I can carry forward into any professional setting. Overall, this experience has strengthened my sense of independence, resilience, and perspective, giving me a deeper understanding of myself and what I’m capable of achieving.
Lisa - Special Needs and Inclusion Educator (B.A.)
Collegeville, PA
I had the opportunity to experience a different school system, as well as special-needs and therapy programs. While I noticed some similarities to German approaches, I also experienced some differences. I can work more closely with the family and focus more intensively on the goals of my special-needs host child while improving my own skills. Personally, I think it’s already a moment of growth when you board a plane alone to live abroad in a foreign country and speak a different language. Building your daily life, settling in and adapting to new routines, memorizing street names, and no longer needing a navigation app, starting a trip by yourself, and returning with friendships with people who were strangers before are all milestones of personal growth.
Leon - Physical Therapist
Washington DC
Resilience, patience, and gratefulness.
Sabine - Educator
Brentwood, TN
In my first year, I had the chance to grow significantly on a personal level. In my second year, I was looking for a family where I could also develop professionally. I definitely found the right match, and I’m learning something new every day through my interactions with the host kids, as well as with therapists and at school. People now often recognize my strong English skills, and I feel much more comfortable in new environments. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel solo quite a bit, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come—working hard toward my goals and stepping out of my comfort zone every day.
Valeria - Educator, BA
Montclair, NJ
I’ve grown a lot in my communication and responsibility when working with kids. Personally, I feel more independent and open-minded than before, especially in new environments.
Franka - Nurse
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
This journey challenged me in many ways and helped me grow both personally and professionally. It strengthened my independence and confidence while teaching me to stay open to new experiences and perspectives.
Julia - Nurse
South Orange, NJ
Forced myself to leave my comfort zone, got new perspectives, and expanded my horizon.
Lea - Occupational Therapist
South Orange, NJ
Since I’ve been here, I’ve been learning to do things on my own.
Sarah - Occupational Therapist
Arlington, VA
I was able to gain more self-confidence, become more comfortable speaking English, and grow beyond myself.