German exchange students experience Minnesotan culture
Park receives responsibility to continue contact
February 27, 2016
Because of his previous experience with international guests, junior Will Poulter welcomed a German exchange student into his home when he heard the need for another host family — despite the fact that he does not take German or know the language.
German teacher Shari Fox said the Feb. 7-20 exchange immersed the German students in traditional Minnesotan activities. This completed the cultural exchange begun when Park students visited Germany last summer.
“Since when we went over there, they showed us their region and the cultural, social and historical aspects of their area where they live and our goal was to show them what it’s like to be Minnesotan — going to school, some of the core values, what are the things we like to eat, we like to do?” Fox said. “It turned out to be a thoroughly Minnesotan experience for them and they got it.”
German exchange student Paula Klein said she noticed differences between the people in Minnesota and Germany.
“I think that here, the students are very open and friendly and interested in you and me. In Germany they are not so nice,” Klein said.
Poulter said the experience of the German student’s visit taught him about current events in Germany and more of his own culture.
“I was able to for sure just learn a lot about Germany and what’s going on there, especially since it’s an area I don’t necessarily pay quite as much attention to when I’m reading the news,” Poulter said. “It also helps you to pick up on more things from your culture that maybe are different, so learning a little bit more about your history and where you’re from.”
German exchange student Laura Kobisch said her trip to Minnesota improved her English vocabulary.
“You can ask everyone ‘oh what’s that’ and stuff so your English gets better,” Kobisch said.
Now the exchange is over, Fox said contact between the Park and German students lies in their own hands.
“It’s in their court now, because next year I go back with a different group of kids, and then we’ll start the whole process again,” Fox said. “It’s like the exchange brings people together, helps them kind of gel and then sends them off on their own.”
