Reflecting on My Time at Humboldt21. July 2026 by Humboldt-Institut

by Ari Walsh

Some experiences shape the course of your life in ways that you never expect. Attending Humboldt was one of those experiences.

As a descendant of German and Swiss immigrants, the study of German provided me with a way to reconnect with an important part of my family’s heritage. Being able to communicate in the language of my ancestors has not only deepened my appreciation for their history, culture, and traditions. It has transformed my connection with my family history into something deeply personal.

Unlike many high school students, I didn’t have the opportunity to become proficient in German at my high school. That is because my high school didn’t offer German as a foreign language. Without Humboldt, I therefore would not have had a pathway to be able to learn German at such an advanced level. The Institute’s immersive programming and supportive environment provided the platform that high school students need to be able to achieve B2-level proficiency.

What made my own experience especially memorable was the community that we had during my time at Humboldt. Some of my closest friendships were formed through the many excursions and activities that brought students together outside the classroom. That is what differentiates Humboldt from your typical foreign language class.

Whether we were exploring new places or spending time together after lessons, we were constantly encouraging one another to practice our German. Those shared learning opportunities made learning the language feel natural and less invasive in our lives. As I reflect on my time at Humboldt, I realize that the silly conversations, constant laughter, and never ending encouragement were just as important to my learning journey as the lessons themselves.

If I was asked, I would wholeheartedly recommend Humboldt to any high school student with a serious interest in learning German. The program offers far more than language instruction. It’s an environment where students can grow both academically and personally.

Earning my B2 certification has had a lasting impact on both of those aspects in my life. It has given me the confidence to communicate effectively in German in both academic and everyday settings. It has also opened doors to opportunities I had never imagined.

Thanks to Humboldt, I am now able to engage with communities that speak endangered Germanic languages in my own country (e.g. Pennsylvania Dutch speakers). I also am able to pursue future educational opportunities where my newfound multilingualism will be an essential asset.

At the end of the day, I will always be grateful to Humboldt for the impact that it made (and continues to make) on my life. It strengthened my connection to my family’s history, inspired a lifelong commitment to learning, and provided new friends who made the entire journey unforgettable.

This article was written by our student Ari Walsh who attended multiple courses in Bad Schussenried and Lindenberg. She started in A1 when she was 10 years old and now at 17 years of age she has made it up to B2. Congratulations, Ari!