Overview
Just a short overview of this year's interview process: There were two interviews, on in Richmond, Virginia and the other one at Atlanta Georgia. I went to the one in Atlanta. I got there at around noon Saturday, and interview started at 1:30 and ended at around 6:00. Each person only gets a 30 minute interview, so we also had group activities during that time. The activities were fun and we got to know each other better. Then we had dinner (I got to sit with an alumnus, so we got to ask questions about how the interviews are scored, etc). After dinner we had a little bit of downtime then we sort of had an orientation/group interview thing where we played some group activities to sort of simulate come cultural/language barriers. After that it was bedtime, and we basically just had breakfast (it was really really good) and a Q&A session with the alumni the next day.
Actual Interview
Dress code: dress like you would dress to any type of interview. Church-nice was what I went for, but everyone dressed a little differently, so it's not a big deal, just don't come in jeans, etc.
Interview questions: A lot of the questions were quit general, but some of them were specific. For example, general questions are like: how would you describe yourself as? How would you describe responsibility? How do you think you can regain the trust of your parents? etc. Specific questions to the CBYX program are: Why CBYX? Why Germany? Give three reasons why you chose to apply to this particular program? What would you contribute in Germany? How would you deal with a hard situation like a disagreement with your host parents? etc.
I think just being prepared to answer questions about yourself is the important thing about this interview. I had the advantage that most underclassmen haven't had the opportunity to have- college & job interviews. So I sort of know myself a little better and can answer personal questions a little more truthfully (instead of giving textbook answers). Btw, some of the interviewers told me that they could tell if your answers are too practiced (so parents, don't force your kids to do this if they don't want to, the interviewers can tell who really wants to go and who don't. Also, be as truthful as possible, don't give a generic response). Your goal is to stand out, don't give short answers, expound on what you want to say. And if you have a personal story that relates to the question, share it!
CBYX is looking for people who are hard workers, open minded, positive and independent because these are the qualities you need to have to do well in a foreign country with little or no language skills. I know this because I came to the U.S. in middle school, and I still remember how hard it was to adjust. I can just imagine how hard it would be to adjust in a high school in a country where you don't really know the language, so be prepared! Although, it would definitely be worth it, I am looking very much toward going to Germany. So don't be discouraged!
Side Note:
I promise after I'm in Germany I would actually right about interesting things...
Btw, I hope this was helpful to all future CBYX applicants!
Disclaimer:
They do interviews slightly different every year, I knew last year they didn't have a full day interview process, so be prepared to have different questions every year!
