German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Washington, DC USA June 6-8, 2011. On June 7, 2011, U.S. President Obama and the First Lady hosted the Chancellor on the White House lawn. ASSE Congress- Bundestag Exchange Students, Shanna Bauer who spent her exchange year in Purcellville, Virginia USA and Kareen Hoffmann who spent her exchange year in Valley Lee, Maryland USA were invited to the welcoming ceremony which was held in the Chancellor's honor. Joining the ASSE Congress-Bundestag students were Ms. Jennifer Hurt, ASSE Area Coordinator and Sandra Eisenmann, ASSE Eastern USA Regional Director.

The four representing ASSE said that they were far from the dignitaries but they enjoyed feeling the excitement in the air. They felt 'goosebumps' when the national anthems from both the USA and Germany were played. Being invited to a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity was an honor the four will not soon forget.