My time in Germany was a once in a lifetime experience. From day one STS helped me with everything that needed to be sorted for my trip overseas, all my flights were booked, ready to go. My host family was carefully selected by finding things that both I and the family had interest in. Everything was made simple by the help of the STS staff. I arrived at the airport on the day of departure and met several other students who were about to experience the same thing I was. At arrival at Hamburg airport I was met by my host family and that's when it all began. We drove from the airport all the way back to their hometown of Plon, in the north of Germany. I was quickly welcomed into the family and treated like one of their own. I had my STS representative living around 5 minutes drive from my house. She was there for all my problems or anything else I needed, she was always there to lend a hand. I experienced so many things that I would never had known about, had I not left my comfort zone in Australia. I made countless friends who I still keep in contact with. I've seen places that you only see on pictures. I've tried new things that only Europe can offer. It has changed my perspective of the world and helped me realise that it's bigger than we think. All it takes is for you to give it your 100% effort and I can guarantee you that it will be the best thing you ever did.