SYA Germany: Guests from America are enthusiastic

Guests from America are enthusiastic: “We already have many friends!”

From The Langenhagen Echo

Translated by Joe Wennik, December 1971

Attending school at the Langenhangen Gymnasium is lots of fun for 17 American guests.

The 17 American students—3 girls and 14 boys—have established themselves well in Langenhangen. They came to Germany about a month ago as part of the American “Schoolboys (sic) Abroad” Program in order to be able to attend the Gymnasium for one school year.

The American guests have all been placed in families in Langenhagen, Kraehenwinkel, Kaltenweide and Godshorn. Their daily life is hardly different from that of their German schoolmates. During the forenoon they attend classes at the Central School. George Smith, “their own” instructor, teaches them mathematics; Volkmar Sturm teaches them German and K. Rinke teaches them English. In all of their other courses the Americans are together with German girls and boys. Early language difficulties were quickly overcome. “We already have made many good friends!” report the 15 to 18 year old Americans who, with but one exception, are visiting Germany for the first time. Their curriculum includes all of the courses with which Gymnasium students are familiar.

Nor do the guests take it easy in the afternoon! They participate in seminars; many row; others take gymnastics, play music or visit the elementary school.

George Smith, who came together with his wife to lead the experiment, is very satisfied with the results thus far. Smith: “It couldn’t be better! Although our program existed in Spain and France, the German experiment still seems like a first try for us.” Smith is also enthusiastic about the fine reception from and the support of the City of Langenhagen. “And the parents who have taken our students are marvelous without exception.”

The Americans want to make use of the vacations to get to know Germany better. During the fall vacation they will take a trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (a preserved medieval city in Swabia). The students will of course spend Christmas with their host families. Smith: “That’s to be expected, for the German celebration of Christmas is something special.” After Christmas a trip to Munich has been planned, and during the spring vacation the 17 boys and girls will fly to Berlin.                                    

George Smith from Phillips Academy was SYA Germany Resident Director from 1971-1974.

Joe Wennik from Phillips Academy was SYA Germany Resident Director in 1974-1975.