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Preparing for exchange in Germany

Case Study: Exchange in Germany

Preparing for exchange in Germany
by Glen from Kent

Germany Glen exchange student

Glen, 17, from Kent, is preparing to depart for his year exchange to Germany starting in September 2017. Glen has his host family and school information and is now just waiting for the departure date to arrive so that his adventure can begin. Glen has shared some insight with us about his preparation and expectations of the exchange ahead.

Why did you choose to go on exchange to Germany?

​I chose to go on exchange to Germany because I really like the German language, the history of Germany is very interesting to learn about, and I think the cultural changes will help me mature.

How have you been preparing for your departure?

​I have been preparing for my departure by trying to develop my language skills, by speaking to my host family, and researching anything I might want to know before I arrive.

What have you been doing to develop your language?

I have been working hard to pay for my German tutor. I have a lesson once or twice a week. This has been very beneficial to my development. I also use Rosetta Stone to advance my vocabulary, and I have an account that I obtained from my school which helps me a bit.

What do you know about your host family and the area you have been placed?

​I know that my host family is a family of 5. A mother, father, sister and two brothers, and also two dogs. I know about the area I have been placed in thanks to the host family information sheet I received, and I know which Bundesland region it is, and what the area is.

What have you learnt about your host school?

From speaking to my host family about start and end times I now know them. I know what type of school it is and that everyone there will be new to each other too, which might be a benefit to me.

What expectations do you have about your exchange? Is there anything you would like to achieve while on exchange?

​My main goal whilst on exchange is to obtain fluency in German and to gain greater understanding about German culture. I expect that there will be many cultural differences and I would hope that the people around me can gain a greater understanding of English culture.

What do you think will be the easiest part of your exchange?

I don’t think there will be an easiest part, which is good in a way since I enjoy a challenge, but daunting too as I know it will be difficult.

What do you think will be the hardest part of your exchange?

The hardest part I expect to be is the language, My German is not fluent and I know there will be a lot of times where I don’t understand what is going on but I will try my best.

Do you have any final tips for other students thinking of going on exchange?

Pick a country which you are interested in, whether it is about learning a new language or something else, pick one that you think is right for you.

A big thank you to Glen for answering our questions and we wish him the best of luck for the experience ahead.

Germany Glen with his dogs

Read more about a high school exchange in Germany