Students represent United States at Ministry of Education in Dusseldorf, Germany during OBHS German Exchange 2024
Ever wonder how to become a global diplomat who gets to travel the world, make friends and represent the USA at important (but way cool) meetings? At OBHS, it's as easy as eins, zwei, drei!
1. Sign up for the 2024-2025 German Exchange program (email bschmitz@obps.org)
2. Pack your bags
3. Get on that plane!
Yes, that's exactly what 16 OBHS students accomplished this April. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, district German Exchange students embarked on a two-week trip to Germany on March 28, 2024. Staying in Berlin for the first three days of the trip, the group discovered many famous sights and travelled back in time to discover what life was like in a Berlin divided after WWII. They participated in activities and toured the city, gaining new perspectives on how others live.
The exchange program crossed from East to West to meet with our exchange partners at the Steinbart Gymnasium in Duisburg. During the 10 day stay, the group experienced everything ‘Ruhr-Valley’ – from Currywurst and Döner to getting a glimpse of what it is like to work in a steel factory. Staying with local families offered an opportunity to see what life in Germany is like on a daily basis, including how to recycle bottles in a grocery store, use the extensive public transport system and being able to leave school grounds during free periods!
Especially exciting was the special invite to the Ministry of Education in Dusseldorf on one of their last days in the area. The German American Partnership Program, sponsoring organization for the exchange planned and executed a meet and greet with several dignitaries, including school officials, government leaders and the German American consul for the region. Old Bridge students were welcomed as representatives of the United States and spoke on behalf of our community. Our student ambassadors left a lasting impression on the other guests as they participated in Q and A sessions, as well as several one-oo-one discussions with the Consul general who led the discussion on their experiences in Germany.
All returned with many memories, new friendships and an understanding and appreciation for global citizenship. A special thanks to the German-American Partnership program (GAPP) for their support of our program. Check out the photos and slideshow here! (Photo slide show credit: Ms Tierney.)
If you are interested in joining next year’s (2025) adventure and hosting a German partner in October 2024, contact Frau Schmitz at bschmitz@obps.org.
Tschuss!
