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General Info | Contacts | Role

My name is Charles Smyth. At age 15, back in summer of 1986, I left the small town of Potter Valley, California, 2 1/2 hours north of San Francisco, and flew to Germany, without ever being there or knowing the language. It was the best and most difficult year of my life. I was placed with the Milde family in Hildesheim, Niedersachsen Germany were I attended the 11 Grade at Scharnhorst Gymnasium. After about 6 months I was able to finally start communicating effectively. I say effectively, because although one can learn a language, it's not until you dream and can express your emotions and feelings that you truly feel comfortable. Despite the fact that I would constantly get confused by directions, or not understand the entirety of a conversation, I became self-sufficient and comfortable about who I was. I realized that through perserverance and discipline one can accomplish anything.

I returned to the U.S., graduated High School, and attended the Monterey Institute of International Studies. There I met my best friend, who convinced me to move to Austin, TX. Well, an 1800 mile move is nothing compared to the 9000 miles I traveled before, so off I went. Now, I'm 31, working for HotJobs, in downtown Austin. I visited New York City for Christmas and had the opportunity to meet 2 German sisters from Berlin, and was informed that my German is still exceptional. Oh those Germans are so polite!

What do you remeber from your exchange? What's happening with you now? Let the rest of us know!

Charles Smyth
csmyth@hotjobs.com