Sprechen Sie Deutsche?

Twenty-one German students flew into Colorado and were greeted with open arms by Windsor families during the spring.

This summer, 15 Windsor High School students took a flight to Germany, and were welcomed by families in Gaggenau, Germany, who wanted to return the favor.

As part of the exchange program, sponsored by the GAPP-German American Partnership Program which helped connect high school students in Windsor and Germany, the Windsor students spent four weeks living and learning about German culture, heritage, food, education and more.

“I enjoyed, rather than going on a long tour on a bus, I liked staying in one area. It was more of a cultural learning thing,” said senior Tyler Mayle.

The students stayed with hosts families, who they said were very “friendly, accepting and understanding.” They got to attend school, worked around the homes, traveled to Germany landmarks (concentration camps, castles and the city of Munich) and lived the German teen life.

“The coolest part was living with them,’ said Breanna Koch.

“And where we got to exert ourselves and not be like, ‘Here is this and this is the history of this,’” added Samantha Rhys.

Ruth Warner, Windsor High School foreign language teacher, introduced the trip to students last school year and for most of her German students, this was an opportunity of a lifetime.

“We probably wouldn’t ever have a chance to go there again,” said junior Chris Sheeley.

“I’ve always been interested in Germany and learning about Germany so I really jumped at the chance (to go),” Breanna said.

The students from Windsor described life in Germany as a bit different than what they were used to.

“The way they eat (is different),” said Samantha.

“You are constantly eating there,” Breanna added.

At school, the students attended French, English, Latin and science classes. The German teachers traveled to the classrooms, and students did not have to move. During the “passing periods,” the German students got to play pingpong and no attendance was ever taken.

But some aspects of the German life was similar to what they were used to back home.

“’They wore a lot of preppy style clothes,” Breanna said.

“They had a McDonald’s,” said Tyler with a laugh.

The students got to experience entertainment including, the soccer European Cup, beer gardens and disco clubs.

“When they had some spare time they would do work around the house,” Breanna said. “A lot of time when we had nothing to do, we’d bike ride down to an ice cream parlor.”

Besides drinking the “disgusting” water and milk, the most difficult aspects to get used to in another country were the humid weather, language and different family traditions.

“One of the things that was frustrating that you had to deal with was when you would go places and they would try to speak to you in English,” Samantha said. “Just because I’m an American doesn’t mean I can’t speak German.”

Coming back to America, the students said they have changed in many ways including, accepting other cultures, recycling more and the love to travel more.
“You grow up a little more,” Samantha said.

“I’m more conservative,” said Chris. “What they do kind of imprinted me. I’m more aware and not watching as much TV.”

Warner said she has seen a big change in her students.

“I’ve noticed a change in their German,” Warner said. “And their knowledge for the culture and appreciation for things that are different.”

The students encourage their peers to travel outside their comfort zone.

“It opens your eyes to how people live,” Samantha said. “You see a completely different culture.”

“It’s a great learning experience. You learned the culture and learn more of the language,” Breanna said.

Warner said the Germany trips are tentatively scheduled for every two years.

What they said
Some of the Windsor High School students who visited Germany over their summer break summed up their trip in one sentence.

“I would like to live there,” -- Tyler Mayle

“I felt at home there,” -- Shane Rothe

“It was the most life-changing experience,” -- Breanna Koch

“It was less of a vacation and more of a home away from home,” -- Samantha Rhys

“Words cannot express,” -- Colton Bigler

“I felt more accepted and welcomed,” -- Chris Sheeley