During the summer of 2026, students have the opportunity to go to Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg through a trip I have created with Passports. This is not a school sponsored trip, but will be an amazing experience that allows students to use the German language in an authentic setting and to see the places they have only studied.

We still begin in Bruges, Belgium, where they get to travel on a canal cruise, eat chocolates, and visit the French Fry Museum. From there we cross the boarder into Germany to visit the fantastic city of Cologne, including a climb to the top of the towers of the gorgeous cathedral. Next, we travel back into Belgium to visit the Patton War Memorial and World War II Museum in Bastogne. It's onto Luxembourg to the capital city. It is a quick overnight stop before we leave once more to Heidelberg. But first, we travel along the Rhine and see the ruins of medieval castles along the way. The city of Heidelberg is home to the oldest university in Germany and the ruins of a expansive castle destroyed by the French. Then we are off again to stop off in the quaint city of Rothenberg, o. d. Tauber with its medieval wall still surrounding the centuries old buildings. We get a special tour of the city with the night watchman, touring as dusk settles and hearing the unique history in the perfect mood setting. From there we travel to Herrenchiemsee to visit one of King Ludwig II's most incredible palaces modeled after the Palace of Versailles. Complete with a boat ride to the island on Chiemsee, we are greeted by an impressive marble fountain before being stunned by the grand architecture of this beautiful palace. We spend the night in the vibrant city of Munich before flying home with dreams of chocolate and suitcases full of memories. 

Students who are interested in pursuing the Seal of Biliteracy, can check out the district website to the left. On this site are details regarding the who, what, when, how, and why of this nation wide recognition. This distinction is a process that culminates during a student's graduating year of high school. Students who earn the Seal of Biliteracy will look forward to a lifetime of benefits of being bilingual. All students in world language classes should begin working toward this distinction beginning in their first level of language learning. 

Studying abroad is easier than you might imagine. There are numerous exchange programs, even if you are not fluent in the language. I am attaching a link to the State Department and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Exchange Programs. German LOVES exchange students, whether you go in high school or university. I will write recommendations for any of my students who are interested. So far, I've had one of my high school students study abroad in 2019-2020 school year and have had numerous students who studied abroad while in university. Please consider learning more about these program, scholarships are available. I cannot say enough how much students learn - from the language, to culture, to true understanding of other cultures and regions. In short - the experience is life changing.