Taking a group of middle schoolers, the most obedient children in the world, as everyone knows, on a two-week language exchange trip to Germany... That’s the wild gamble some teachers take, including mine back in seventh grade.
I was young, optimistic about the future, and still innocent when I first crossed the border to stay for a couple of weeks with my exchange partner. It’s this true epic journey that I’d like to talk to you about today, hoping that my experience might be useful to future young German students.
I - Cutting the cord
Leaving your family for a few days sounds easy on paper. But leaving them to land in a foreign country where you barely speak the language turns out to be much harder than you’d think! We had barely started learning German as our second foreign language.
Almost 10 hours on a bus. Ten hours, an eternity for a kid. The trip quickly takes on the feel of a Hollywood chamber drama; the tension rises and reaches its peak when the perennial "sick kid" starts feeling nauseous. Everyone holds their breath: will they or won't they? Luckily, the driver planned a few stops where we could get some air and stretch our legs.
Leaving early in the morning; thank goodness you can finish your sleep on the bus.
About ten kilometers before the border, we were allowed to use the facilities at a highway rest stop. It wasn't exactly pristine, but it did the job. We quickly made the most of those last few minutes where we could still send texts without being hit with heavy roaming charges, and despite the fatigue, we kept our eyes peeled to soak in the French landscape passing us by.
II - Through the looking glass
France and Germany: two countries that seem quite similar at first glance
The moment of truth was approaching, just as the teacher had announced: in a few minutes, we would cross the border! A new world was opening up to us; a foreign land would be part of our daily life for the next two weeks. Full of wonder, we expected something grand...
But no, there was no red carpet, no honor guard, just a routine check for the driver, and that was it, we were finally in Germany. Being able to travel freely within the Schengen Area is incredibly practical, but for a kid with a wild imagination like mine, it was a bit of a letdown. The landscapes looked the same; even the cows looked identical!
I was feeling a bit disappointed (though also somewhat relieved) when, suddenly, I SAW it. The difference between the two countries, two completely opposite mentalities. The site of this revelation was none other than a German highway rest stop.
But culture shock is waiting around the corner!
Yes! You guessed it! The RESTROOMS, the facilities! As stupid as it may seem, that was the first place I noticed a radical difference. They were clean, more than clean, actually; they were shining. The only catch: they were pay-to-use.
I know, clean, pay-to-use restrooms exist in France too. But having stopped at many highway rest areas during my own travels, I have to say it’s quite rare to see them in such places.
Better to have some change on you to pay...
Anyway, feeling both amazed and disoriented (seeing all those newspapers written in German gave me a little pang in my heart), I got off the bus late in the evening (it was winter, so it was already dark by 6:00 PM) and met my exchange partner.
III - Meeting of two cultures. And more, if the chemistry is there
The difficulty of communicating in another language
That was it, I had arrived in Rüsselsheim, a small town near Frankfurt. There I was, alone with people who barely spoke a few words of French, and I only knew three words of German. This prospect can be daunting for some, but know that you can always find a way to be understood. Of course, you won't be able to dive into a philosophical debate with your host, but through gestures and a few words that sound vaguely German, you manage to exchange the basics.
A welcoming and open host family
And you should know that people who host foreign exchange students in their homes are generally quite open-minded. When you sign your child up for a program like this, you’re aware that it means their partner will be staying with you, so you do your best to welcome them properly.
If things go wrong despite all that, the teacher is there to resolve conflicts and, if necessary, find another host family. No problems on my end; I received a warm welcome. They even went as far as paying tribute to French gastronomy by buying a baguette and... the essential camembert for the night I arrived!
A good piece of camembert and voilà! You feel right at home.
Of course, you can also be less lucky. One of my friends ended up with a German exchange partner, sure, but whose parents spoke exclusively Chinese. Needless to say, he felt a bit lost! Even if it was an opportunity to discover a bit of another culture.
Conclusion
Is a school trip to a foreign country a good idea? I think so. Having been on four throughout my school years, I always enjoyed them, even if it can be a bit intimidating the first time. I felt like I grew a little bit each time and learned to adapt more easily. They say travel broadens the mind. Of course, not everything is perfect, there are unexpected hiccups, but in the end, you keep great memories, and it’s often a chance to make new friends.
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