Moving to a new country is often imagined as a whirlwind of surprises and culture shock. For Anina Ley, a German exchange student in Muscatine, the experience has been less about dramatic moments and more about gradual growth. 

“I feel like I wasn’t really surprised by anything,” she said, “But the food is even more processed than I thought.” 

When she found out she got placed in Iowa, she wasn’t really sure where it was. The truth is, she didn’t know it even existed. But sure enough, she found out that it is, in fact, a real state. Because she did very little research beforehand, she entered the experience with an open mind. This allowed her to form her own opinions rather than relying on stereotypes.

“I didn’t even know Iowa existed,” she admitted. “When I got my placement, I was like, ‘Where is that?’”

To her surprise, one of the most difficult parts about coming to the United States was making friends. 

“Everybody says it’s so easy to make friends,” she said, “People just talk to you once or twice, and then that’s it.”

Another major adjustment was the school system. Compared to the United States, Germany is much stricter about schooling, and that is something Anina had to adapt to. 

“Germany is a lot stricter,” she explained. “We learn things in high school that you don’t learn until college here.”

Besides academics, something that Anina really misses from home is food, especially doner kebab, featuring roasted chicken or veal, fresh vegetables, and various sauces in flatbread. It is considered Germany’s favorite fast food, with over 400,000 consumed daily.

“That is one dish I really miss,” she said. “You can make it here, but it’s just different.”

Through her time abroad, she has gained a new perspective on her own life. Being away, however, helped her realize how much she values what she has at home.

“I always wanted to leave,” she admitted, “When I came here, I realized I can’t really live without my family and friends.”

Despite the challenges, she has found moments of belonging during her time in Muscatine. One of her best friends from Muscatine has welcomed her with open arms, and her family has, too. 

“Her mom told me, ‘Our house is your home too,’” she recalled. “That made me feel really welcome.”

Her journey shows that not all meaningful experiences come from big, dramatic moments. Instead, they often come from small realizations, personal growth, and the connections formed along the way.