by Katie Hill
On Oct. 9, approximately 20 teenage students arrived to the United States from a small area just outside of Stuttgart, Germany, called Leinfelden-Echterdingen. The program that brings them here, York Twinning, allows the students to explore central Pennsylvania through day trips.
The students will stay for two weeks and will get the opportunity experience several adventures throughout their stay. While most places are local, like Maize Quest and Amish Lancaster, the students will also have the opportunity to see the United States’ capital, Washington D.C. as well as the bright lights of New York City.
Perhaps the greatest obstacle of hosting a German exchange student, or any exchange student for that matter, is wanting them to be comfortable. “At first it was a little awkward living with someone that I’ve never met before, but as the days have progressed, I’ve formed a great friendship with my exchange student and have really enjoyed her presence,” said German II student Elise Atkinson.
Often times American’s take their culture and daily lifestyle for granted. “I went to the Baltimore aquarium with my exchange student and I really enjoyed seeing how amazed she was because she never saw anything like it before,” said Atkinson. Something as simple as a trip to Walmart is fascinating to the students who have gone fifteen plus years without seeing a shopping center so large.
German culture is centered around being efficient and practical. Everything from their small, eco-friendly cars to their friendly public transportation is modeled to fit this lifestyle. So it is a drastic jump to come to america and see how different day to day life is. “It was a big culture shock coming here but in a positive way,” said German exchange student Pia Heinkele. “I think you take your life more easily and you don’t think about your life as intensely as we do. You’re all very casual and I like that,” said Heinkele.
Although culture varies vastly, there are some similarities. Brands such as Nike and Timberland are popular in both countries. This type of familiarity is comforting to those traveling students as it’s something common, something from home. “We’ve become best friends,” said German IV student Lucy Cook about her exchange student. “The best part is just living with her everyday and hanging out with her constantly. I’ve loved every part of it,” said Cook.
The language barrier is but a small price to pay for a chance of a lifetime, to live in another person’s shoes!