German Exchange

[Lifesong Farm]

I went to school with two German exchange students. The one was like you and not sure she would understand anything. Then when she got here she found she understood more than she thought. The other one... I am not sure how he got into the program. He could barely speak english and was failing his math and music classes, which are universal and don't change.

You'll enjoy it and you will find out that you understand more than you thought. You will also go back home with a better understanding of the language.

 

[Dunkopf]

People in south Germany have a hard time understanding people in north Germany. Most people speak English and will usually speak to you in English when they can hear your German isn't the best. I would go in a heartbeat. I was there for 2 years while in the Army. I loved it and I had to contend with the Army while I was there. Beautiful place and the food is the best. Of course you'll need to bring some clothes a size or two bigger for weight gain. Fantastic public transport system. Certainly the cleanest country I've ever been to.

 

[herfrds]

We had a host son from Germany, he did very well. Had a blast being on the football team and the track team, being in a small town really helped.
Only trouble we had was when he went to the graduation party at these people's place and was busted for underage drinking. I don't think holding a beer bottle in each hand and yelling "let's party" was a good thing to do to the sheriff's deputy that just pulled in.

He was in serious trouble. I think there was only a week left of school so he wasn't kicked out of the program and sent home.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I was an exchange student in Germany for a year, back in the days when there were two Germanys (Germanies????). It was a wonderful experience. You might want to look into several different exchange groups. Prices, length of stay, type of exchange vary a lot and can make a huge difference in your experience. I have friends who did Rotary exchanges, and I went through a program called International Christian Youth Exchange.

 

[Matthew3590]

If you plan on going this time of year you will not see any snow.

 

[whiteflare]

Thanks everyone for the experiences... it sure does sound great. I'm going to go for it. It's very reassuring hearing that people over there speak English too

I'm just terrified of making a fool of myself by getting the gender of the peas or the butter wrong at the dinner table... but they sound like a great bunch of people.

Dunkopf: Very glad to hear about the public transport system.

It sucks down here, a couple of times I've had to walk about 5 miles home with my school bags due to the lack of buses coming down that road.

Matthew: If I get in, I will be staying in Germany across December and January, and my exchange partner will come to Australia from February-April.

 

[Matthew3590]

Well I hope you get in!! Plus when the Germany kid comes to Australia you might be able to show him a kangaroo!! Now how many people can say that they have seen a kangaroo in the wild?

 

[whiteflare]

And the emus, I don't think many people have seen emus in the wild either

 

[arabianequine]

If I had a chance to go to Germany I would be gone so fast and no questions asked. I have always wanted to go there. I really hope to someday. I know nothing about Germany and don't care....I just have always wanted to go. I am German and I knew some people from there. Oh and the chocolate and some other food. I would be in heaven for sure.

I hope you get to go and have lots of fun. Make sure to get lots of pictures to share please!

 

[Matthew3590]

Quote:
Whats an emus?