Have you ever thought about being an exchange student? Well, for the last two weeks, JHS has had the opportunity to meet with our very own German exchange students. The students got to experience a seven-hour flight from their homes to South Dakota. On the flight students Julia and Lucy found that it was shocking that an apple would cost more than candy. On their travels to come to South Dakota before their stay with their host families, they spent a week in Chicago and a week in Rapid City. There, the German students visited popular attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and much more. Once they arrived with their host families, they got to have their very own American high school experience. Football games were some of the favorite activities of the students.
Did you know that in Germany sports aren’t a huge deal? Here in America almost everyone is in either a sport or club that can be found in school. In Germany you have to find a specific place and pay a good amount of money to participate in a sport or club. So, what might people in Germany like to do for fun? Like us, going to the gym is a popular activity for them to enjoy. Seventeen-year-old Till enjoys going to the gym 4 times a week. Another popular activity for the students is getting to enjoy different countries such as Greece, Italy, France, and Romania. Countries are so close together in Europe that you could take a drive in any direction and end up in a whole new country. Living in Europe has its advantages as residents receive free college, health care, and cheaper flight tickets.
Some of the stories that were heard in Germany before arriving in America were about how we have a good school system, we’re rude, and that Americans aren’t smart. When asked if they thought that those stories were true, they responded that they were all false. Another way our cultures differ that we wouldn’t expect is that for us it’s normal to smile and to openly speak to each other, but in their country, people are much more reserved. Overall the German students enjoyed their stay in America and wish they could stay just for a little longer. Would you want to go to Germany or become an exchange student?
