Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child is ready for this experience?
If your child has read all the information and still wants to do this, s/he is showing that they understand it will be quite a unique experience and are willing to explore a new opportunity! In general, the students that went on the first two exchanges were interested in meeting someone from another culture. Your child might also have an interest in languages and German history. They need to be willing to speak and visit with students in English classes in Germany. They have to be brave enough to be away from home for more than two weeks. Additionally, students sometimes have limited opportunities to communicate with their family at home.
2. How can we sign up for the exchange?
If you wish to sign up for the exchange, please browse the tabs on the left side of this website. Click on the "2024 Application" tab. If you are unable to submit the form online or have any questions, please send an e-mail to Trudi Bartus at barttru@rbsd.k12.wi.us
3. What is the cost of this exchange? When is the money due?
Since we do not know the exact cost of the flight or transportation costs, we will not have a final amount until November. We will not be able to present the final total until our flight is booked and general hosting and travel transportation expenses have been determined. The first payment of $600 is due on Friday, September 29th. This is required for your application to be considered. The remaining balance will be split into two more payments.
4. Does my child need a passport? What other documentation will I need?
Yes, your child will need a passport. Please start this process early, as it takes up to 11 weeks to get the passport back. The procedure is not complicated, but you will need a birth certificate and both parents to sign forms for the passport. You can find more information by clicking on the following link: PASSPORT INFORMATION.
You will also need to sign some additional forms at a later date. These forms will indicate that you permit each chaperone to accompany your child out of the country.
5. Can our child just host a German student and not travel to Germany?
It may be possible to host a German students and not got to Germany. However, we strongly encourage you to consider participating in both parts of the exchange. Once the students get to know each other, they may find that they are more comfortable with the idea of going to Germany.
6. When we host the German student here, does the exchange partner have to have his/her own bedroom?
No, the students may share a bedroom, but should not share a bed. Ideally, the student should sleep on a real bed. If the only “bed” available is a pullout couch or futon, consider having your child sleep on that for the stay, and give the “real bed” to your exchange partner.
7. Do the exchange partners have to be the same gender?
No. Exchange partners do not have to be the same gender. Ultimately, it is up each family to decide if they want the same or opposite gender. Families should clearly indicate their choice on the exchange application.
8. How do the exchange partners get matched?
Once we have our forms filled out, we send the documents to Germany. The German teachers look at things like pets, allergies, personalities, activities, etc. and match our students to their students. Afterward, they send us names and contact information. This ensures that the partners can get to know each other before the exchange. Parent information is also shared so parents can begin discussing the exchange as well.
9. What if the partners don’t get along? What if there is a “problem” in the home?
Getting to know a stranger may be a little challenging! It may take a few days for students to feel comfortable with each other. Families should be prepared for this possibility. Ideally, all parties involved should be honest and forthcoming if there are any issues. All of the chaperones will be available to solve any problems that may arise. Young teens may not be “best friends” immediately, so students have to keep working at understanding each other’s feelings and emotions. At least, they will be respectful to each other; at most, they might become friends forever! Don’t worry if the partner is not talkative all of the time! Travel itself can be stressful. Travel and staying with strangers can be even more stressful.
10. Does the district do background checks on any of the parents?
The district will be conducting background checks on all parents/guardians hosting in the United States. A NEW volunteer form (provided at the family interview) must be submitted to the district by Friday, September 29th. If you are concerned about this decision, please contact Mrs. Bartus and Mr. Weber.
11. What if my child has a medical condition or needs to take medicine?
The same schedule for taking medications can be followed. The student and German parents can work together to make sure that the medicine is taken at the proper time. If you need more help with this, please contact Mrs. Mattheis as soon as possible. She can explain how it has worked in the past. There are drug stores in Germany, and German parents or teachers can help find the appropriate remedies.
12. Is the Wisconsin chaperone going to see my child every day while in Germany?
During each exchange, the teacher chaperones are at school virtually every day with the students. The students and teachers are in different classrooms and buildings. However, they generally see each other during the 10 minute passing times. If the teachers are sick, they might have to stay home. There will be multiple meetings between students and teachers while in the foreign country. The students will miss whatever class is occurring at that time.
13. Does my child need a smartphone? Does my child need an international phone plan?
We have found that it is easier to communicate with students when they have a smartphone in Germany. If they have a smartphone, students are able to use the Whatsapp phone application. However, it is not required that a student has a phone. An international plan is not necessary for the trip. If your carrier supports it, you may choose to utilize an international plan.
14. Does my child need to take a computer along?
Taking a computer or tablet along is optional. If your child wants to be able to use it to complete homework at night or use it for communication, some households do have wifi. It does add some weight to their carry-on luggage, so please keep that in mind. Alfred Wegener Schule only has wifi in the cafeteria. During the school day, students and teachers do not use computers for anything. The German students and teachers work with pen and paper most of the time. Due to recent changes in policy, students may not be able to bring computers on the flights.
15. Will my child have to do all the homework they miss? Do absences count against them?
The short answer is that there will be some homework that they will likely take along. However, some teachers may choose to modify their requirements. More information will be available as the time draws closer. The students will be marked as SAC (School Activity) while they are gone, because they are still “in school.”
If you have any additional questions or concerns,
please contact Mrs. Trudi Bartus at barttru@rbsd.k12.wi.us