The billowing of scarves, love of pop-tarts, and adorable accents are what JHS students have come to love about the German exchange students. Every fall season comes with the expectation of the three weeks that the Germans are here at JHS. That time is here again!
On September 30 a group of 18 students and two teacher chaperones arrived at JHS. They will stay in America until October 20 when they depart from Chicago.
For those who are unaware, Jacksonville High School and Herzog-Ernst-Gymnasium, HEG, have exchanged in a partnership program that began 28 years ago. In the summer JHS sends students to Germany and in the fall our sister school sends a group of their students to come here and experience America.
While they are here, the group will participate in many activities. They will take a bus and bike tour of Jacksonville, attend classes at JHS, go to the homecoming dance, visit Springfield, tour Woodland Farm, go to Cahokia Mounds and St. Louis, visit Hannibal, attend classes at Illinois College, and visit area grade schools before spending the weekend in Chicago.
The German students have opportunities to experience even more of American culture through their host families. Seventeen JHS students have volunteered to welcome one or more German students to live in their homes and become a part of their family.
Chris Bauer, a senior at JHS, gave this reason for hosting: “I’ve always been interested just to see what it’s like hosting an exchange student and…of course it’s a good opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures.” He also stated that he thinks the program will be a good opportunity to learn what Germany is like and how the cultures are different. Bauer also hopes that he can give his student a very enjoyable stay and positive experience.
Mason Pohlman, a sophomore at JHS, said that he can’t wait to get to know his host student and learn his view of America. He also said that he looks forward to taking a special family trip to St. Louis and to play soccer with his German student. Pohlman said that he hopes to gain a better understanding of the German culture and recommends the program to any student who is interested. “The German exchange program is great for students to experience a different culture in high school,” Pohlman stated.
Jonathan Pattie, also a sophomore, said he can’t wait to get to know his host student, Stephanie. He has never hosted an exchange student before but said that he would love to learn about the German culture and see what a foreigner thinks of America. “I think that the GAPP exchange is a tremendous opportunity. Most kids our age don’t get a chance like this: to learn from another person that lives on the other side of the world!”
Stephanie Schulz, a sophomore student from HEG, said that she can’t wait to experience America. Schulz is excited to see what the American culture and a typical American family is like and how different it is from her culture. She also said that she is very excited to visit Chicago and hopes to gain more confidence around people from this experience. She recommends participating in GAPP to anyone. “The GAPP program is a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and learn their routines and get to know other people.”