Technology
Why bring students to Germany?
For many high school students, an exchange program is the first opportunity to travel abroad. For others, it’s a unique chance to test their foreign language skills. Over the years, the student exchange program between Humboldt Gymnasium and Wayzata High School led to life-long friendships across the Atlantic – and even three marriages! When the exchange program was launched nearly 50 years ago, no one could have imagined the personal impact it would have on hundreds of students.
It all began in 1975 when the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) asked Humboldt Gymnasium if they would be interested in an exchange program with a school in the U.S. One of the school’s English teachers was Bob Pohl, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota – and he jumped at the chance to expose his students to the culture and surroundings of the region where he grew up. Following Mr. Pohl’s lead, a partner school was quickly found in Wayzata High School.
The first group from Humboldt Gymnasium traveled to Minnesota for three weeks in the spring of 1976. Students and teachers were placed with host families in the immediate area, who included them in their daily activities. Students also attended classes at Wayzata High School and went on field trips. And because an exchange is not a one-way street, in the summer break, Wayzata High School students had their turn to come to Düsseldorf, staying with local families, attending classes at Humboldt Gymnasium and traveling.
For financial reasons, Wayzata High School has now had to end the partnership, so Humboldt Gymnasium hopes to find a new school to continue this German-American student exchange in the future.
Humboldt Gymnasium
Humboldt Gymnasium
Humboldt Gymnasium
Become the new partner school
Would your high school like to step up – and continue this tradition? A student exchange program provides an excellent opportunity for students to practice their foreign language skills but, just as importantly, to share experiences and cultures, broaden their horizons and create lasting bonds.
In the past, participating high school students have often come from German language classes, as well as other students who simply have an interest in new cultures, travel and history. Living with a host family gives them a unique opportunity to experience real life in Germany and discover a new country.
And when German students come to your school? It’s a chance to open minds and hearts, as well as learn more about everything we have in common. Some of these friendships last a lifetime – with host families and students staying in contact and visiting each other over the years.
Would you like to know more about becoming a partner school and creating a student exchange with the Humboldt Gymnasium student body and community? Please drop us a line at NRW-USA@stk.nrw.de
