Saskia, Germany

"There was this big box full of memories I flew home with: Postcards, photographs, stuffed animals, a hockey jersey, a huge Canada flag – after six months, it felt like packing my whole life into one suitcase. Impossible. Saying goodbye is the hardest part. And the fact that the most precious memories wouldn’t even fit in such a box, doesn’t make it any easier at all. Half a year is enough to fall in love with everything. Abbotsford is a beautiful place to live and study in. Its closeness to both fascinating nature and the amazing city of Vancouver is simply impressive. Most of all, though, it is such an open-hearted city. My teachers and International Assistants at Rick Hansen Secondary School have always had an open door. I’d also like to thank everyone at the International Student Program Office for being so welcoming and caring. I am very grateful for the many moments of joy and laughter with my gorgeous Canadian (host) family, the adventure times with my friends and Sunday mornings at church. I miss everything. During my stay in Abbotsford, I truly found my second home."