MMS German Exchange
Mansfield Middle School's German Exchange program is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in another culture and develop life-long friendships with students across the world. This Exchange has happened annually for over 25 years, and is a 2-year commitment for interested students and families, alternating between travel to Germany and hosting German students in Mansfield. Students will typically join the program as 7th graders and will participate in the two-phase commitment during their 7th and 8th grades.
7th grade students have been introduced to the program in their 6th grade Social Studies classes, when they were able to meet some of the visiting German students and their teachers, and ask them thoughtful questions about their experiences in the United States.
We hope to welcome student applications in September, with a parent meeting for prospective parents likely near the middle of the month (TBD).
We hope that this site will help to answer any questions you may have about the program.
Timeline:
Travelling to Germany: March 2023
We will host an informational meeting for 7th grade (Class of 2024) students and families on September 26 at 6pm.
The application window will open for 1 week following that informational meeting.
Students must complete the application during this window of time. Applications are due by Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
Families must complete the candid Parent Survey as a way for us to learn important details about your child (temperament, adaptability, etc.)
Selections will be made and eligible students will be notified. Eligible students and their families will be asked to agree to a 2-year commitment (traveling to Germany in 2022-2023 and hosting Germans in 2023-2024).
Once student selections have been finalized, we will have regular, mandatory, afterschool meetings with students. We will also have another meeting with all participating students and families.
Hosting Germans: September 2023
We will host an informational meeting for 6th grade (Class of 2025) students and families in April 2023 (date TBD).
These students will be 7th graders during the Exchange in September 2023.The application window will open for 1 week following that informational meeting.
Students must complete the application during this window of time.
Families must complete the candid Parent Survey as a way for us to learn important details about your child (temperament, adaptability, etc.)
Selections will be made and eligible students will be notified. Eligible students and their families will be asked to agree to a 2-year commitment (hosting Germans in 2023-2024 and traveling to Germany in 2024-2025).
Once student selections have been finalized, we will have regular, mandatory, afterschool meetings with students. We will also have another meeting with all participating students and families.
What we are looking for in prospective participants:
The German Exchange Program is a big commitment; it is not easy to travel to a foreign country, stay with a host family, or attend a foreign school for three weeks. It is also not easy to host a student from a different country, and support them while they fully immerse themselves in a new culture and day-to-day routine.
When we consider student applications, we are especially mindful of a student's ability to manage their time. We consult their current (and former) teachers about the student's tendency to make up any missed work, or proactively seek out help when they need it. Although there are many fun trips and events during the Exchange, it is important that students recognize their responsibility to their school work. This means that when we travel to Germany, students are expected to be working on school work whenever their German host is doing their own work.
Due to the heightened independence that is needed as a 7th or 8th grade student in Germany (traveling to/from school, break times during the school day, etc.), we also consult prospective students' teachers about their behavior. Often times, this is reflected in a student's report card, where we generally look for "Good" and "Excellent" behavior grades.
A child or family's financial situation does not preclude an otherwise qualified student from being accepted into the program. Accommodations such as an extended payment window or a subsidized cost can be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a program advisor if your family is in this position.