"Our family loved the German Exchange Program experience. My daughter and her exchange partner have created a bond that may just last a lifetime. The experience wasn't just great for my daughter, it was a learning experience for both families involved. I had fun connecting to another mom from Germany and learning all about their customs and lifestyle. This opportunity really helped my daughter develop some independence and maturity. Anna, honestly, felt like one of "the kids" by the end of the two weeks. Both girls are already making plans for another trip to connect in the future. I thought I would be more apprehensive to send my daughter off to other country but with the availability of technology it was an easy transition. Thanks to the program, Anna is now part of our family! " - Trudi Bartus
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"Having my son participate in the German Exchange was amazing. It was a growing experience for our entire family. We loved the times when we shared stories about each others families and friends. Communicating was much easier than we expected. It was amazing how different but alike we are! We planned a lot of ordinary adventures like sledding and four wheeling and visiting "Berlin". Hanging out with a few of the other families who hosted and seeing them interact with fellow German students was also fun!
While hosting was fun I was nervous about sending my child to Germany! I missed him a lot but found out the experience was so amazing for both of us! He was challenged to get out of his comfort zone and I think grew a lot from it! I was forced to let my child grow up and take on this responsibility. Looking back we realize how unique his opportunity was and how he will forever remember this time in another country.
Now almost a year later he still has a great friendship with our student and they message each other a lot---even with humorous little stories about their days or things that bring back a memory from our time together. They are planning college Spring Break trips and vowing to one day have more adventures together. I am so glad we took part of this experience!" - Mary Kimble
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"My best memories of the experience are most likely those of the times that we did things as a whole family...sledding, bowling, etc. It was really neat to see the girls bonding and I felt as though Kim really was feeling "at home" with us. I think that my daughter gained a lot of confidence in herself by participating and it helped me see that she's growing up and going to be ok! It takes a lot of faith to send your child on a journey like this without a parent, but I think it was an important step for her to take. We feel lucky that we were able to participate in the experience. I would most definitely recommend the experience to families who are looking to see life from a different culture. I think the hosting is just as important as the going and both ends need to be experienced. Families need to be willing to have an extra child for the two weeks and possibly make some adjustments to their "normal" routines in order to help the exchange student have the best experience." - Diane Raue Schommer
"Having the opportunity to be part of an exchange program with Germany was an unimaginable experience. Personally, the best parts about this exchange for me was traveling to a whole different part of the world, seeing their way of life and how it varies from ours, and the new family that I became part of. Getting to be part of a different culture was also fascinating to see. While on the exchange, it always seemed to have brought me outside of my comfort zone when I was trying new foods, different activities, and being part of a whole new culture. Being part of this exchange has changed me for the better. I have learned how to go outside of my comfort zone and I am more confident in myself now. During this exchange, I gained a new perspective of the world and I am so thankful that I had the chance to be part of this exchange. I hope one day that I will be able to have the chance to be part of another exchange program. I would definitely recommend this to families and students that are ready for a new adventure." - Maggie Alsum
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"My best memory from the experience may be the thrill of being in a new country and the wonder of what I was going to do next. I believe that my family and I learned that while other cultures can and will be drastically different from our own, our feelings and our hearts are all the same. I would definitely 10/10 recommend the exchange to students in the new exchange year. It has been the greatest experience of my life. Meeting new people, seeing new places, and experiencing a new culture was what makes this exchange all worth it. I believe that after going on the exchange and hosting an exchange student, I am more patient and open to new things. I now know how quickly strangers can become family and how that family can stay forever." - Jada Jahn
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"Going to Germany was one of the best experiences of my life. When I first heard about Germany I was all for it and it was even better than expected for me. The food is amazing. The people are so nice, and traveling to another country is very exciting. I think this trip opened me up to how the world really is outside of the United States. I have gained a new best friend and I don't think I will ever forget going to Germany." - Sophie Bergelin
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"It was one of the best times of my life. It was astounding how different it was having someone here from a different country, and then being able to see their home and country. It is something I will never forget, as long as I live, and I hope many more students get the chance to do." - Myles Hensel
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"I loved going to Germany. It is a once in a lifetime experience that you will definitely never forget. You get to meet so many people and form so many bonds that will never be broken. It was so fun figuring out who my German Exchange Partner was. I personally think it was fun when we got to figure how similar and different they were from us. I loved to hear their accents and how they speak their language." - Kylie Lichtenwald
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"The German-American exchange was an amazing experience. I had a great time bonding with my exchange partner while she was here and while I was there. The things you experience and get to see are beyond describable. Germany is so gorgeous. Even just having someone stay with you is great because you get to show them all the things you're interested in and enjoy doing." - Ashley Pionke