GAPP 2012!Bonnie Worstell

German-American Partnership Program

• The GAPP supports partnerships and exchanges between high schools in the U.S. and schools in Germany.

German-American Partnership Program

• Our family hosted a German student in April as a part of the exchange. This summer she hosted me.

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What I thought Germany would be like…

• I thought I wouldn’t know any German. At all.• I wouldn’t be a bit homesick.• 5 weeks was going last FOREVER.• Every historical part of our trip would be boring.• I would die from all the walking we were

expected to do.• I wouldn’t enjoy any of my classes in Köln.

In actuality…

• I really did know quite a bit of German, and was able to pick up on a lot.

• I became more independent…but I REALLY missed home.

• 5 weeks went super fast.• I REALLY enjoyed many of the historical sights and

tours we experienced. I learned something new EVERY day!

• I obviously didn’t die from the physical activity.• I enjoyed many of the classes that I took in Köln and

learned a lot about the education system in Germany.

Best Parts of the Trip…

• My favorite activities…..

The Euro Cup

The Schokoladen Museum

Spreewald

Pretzel-making

Heidelberg Hike

Hike from Torfhaus to Brocken

My Host Family!

Stefan Götz

Astrid Götz

Ramona Götz

About My Homestay…

• I learned a ton from my host family! They helped me improve my language skills. I got to see cultural differences between German and American families.

• I felt like part of the family.• I got to see inside the every day life of a typical

German family.

What I Learned…Language

• I learned how to order pretty much anything I want to eat.

• I improved my grammar from listening to my host family and students from Köln.

• I’m more confident speaking German in front of people.

• I can understand so much more.

What I Learned…Culture

• I learned a lot of history and got to see many historical places in Germany.

• I learned a few folk tales from the different places we visited.

• And most importantly… I got to see the Germans get extremely excited for SOCCER!

What I Learned…Traveling

• I learned to take care of my things and stay organized.

• I learned to be more careful and aware of my surroundings because my parents aren’t always going to be watching my back.

• I learned how to budget.• I learned to be more independent.

What I Learned…About People in General

• Some people have habits that don’t match mine and you have to learn to be flexible in situations.

• All people have the similar wants, dreams, and goals whether they are from Germany or America.

• Some Germans have very strong opinions that don’t match American opinions.

What I Learned…About Myself

• I love art and architecture.• I want to incorporate German into my job one

day.• I want to study abroad (in Germany) during

college.• I want to travel to Germany again, as often as

possible.

How this Experience Impacted Me…

• I learned more about what I want to do in life; in my career.

• I realized that sharing my beliefs is important, no matter where I go.

Would I recommend this experience to anyone?

My Advice to Parents…

• Make your student pay for part of the trip and for all of their spending money. They will appreciate it more and take in as much as possible. And they won’t spend as much on things they don’t need.

My Advice to Students…

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

– St. Augustine

•Take this opportunity. You will never be able to learn a language better than traveling to a country where that language is spoken and just soaking it up. Oh, and apply for the grant. Every little bit helps.

Parent Comments

What I See as a Parent...

• Independence and courage• Budgeting skills• Improved language skills• Better appreciation of German (and U.S.) culture• A desire to include German as a part of her

career goals

My Advice…

• Have your student “earn” a portion of the funds for the trip. The trip means more to them and they are more frugal with their money. At least make them earn their “spending” money.

• Let them go…you will have a clearer vision of what still needs to be learned by your student before you send them off to college.