The purpose of the German Exchange Program is to expose the students of Glenbard East to German culture and language on a deeper level. Glenbard East students are paired with a German partner who they live with for 2 weeks. During this time, they go everywhere in and outside of school together. Together, students experience what both America and Germany are like on their respective visits.
First, the German students are welcomed to America to begin the program, and then in the summer, Glenbard East’s students travel to Germany to be immersed in German culture.
There are many benefits from being a part of the German Exchange Program. For one, students can cultivate lifelong friendships. Frau Gstalter, a German teacher at Glenbard East shared, “There is no other program provided at our school quite like the exchange program.” Frau Gstalter said this commitment “allows for students to be independent and create bonds with students from both Glenbard East and Germany.” Additionally, students may develop their interests, and themselves in general through stepping out of their comfort zones, although through this program, students don’t have to step out of their comfort zones alone.
Many students who took the leap in joining the German Exchange Program shared their enjoyment in the program. Elanor, the German Exchange Program partner of Caroline Marchewka who is a Junior at Glenbard East, expressed how welcomed she felt when she first arrived through a welcome presentation as well as students’ kindness towards her. “Students were very nice to me the entire time,” Elanor stated. When the German students first arrived at the airport, they were welcomed by their American partners with signs and smiles. Another German Exchange student, Jakob, the German Exchange Program partner of Tommy Lynch, Junior at Glenbard East, commented on how he would want to stay longer in America. “It’s been pretty fun here, and I enjoy spending time with Tommy,” Jakob explained. Additionally, Jakob shared how he would recommend this program to other in Germany, as he felt that he learned a lot.
Herr Howenstine, one of Glenbard East’s German teachers shared, “This program provides people with the best form of opportunity to learn about German culture and their way of life within Germany.” In the summer, Glenbard East students will have the opportunity to travel to Germany for 2-3 weeks. In Germany, they will enjoy boat rides, authentic food, school life, hiking, and much more. Herr. Howie also communicated how being involved in the German Exchange Program when he was in high school got him into teaching German, as well as finding a lifelong friend that he is still in contact with today. Herr. Howenstine noted, “You never know what may come of taking the German Exchange Program.”
