Walpole holds first German exchange

Walpole holds first German exchange

By Krista Langley and Katie Kiewlicz Class of 2008

After weeks of preparation and planning, the day of the arrival of the Germans in Walpole finally came on October 6. The excitement and curiosity of American and German students alike were apparent in the school hallways because of this long anticipated exchange program. Mrs. Elizabeth Pierce, German teacher and organizer of the exchange program, expressed the great cultural value of the exchange. She said, “It’s always useful to get to know a different culture and for American students to be able to ask questions and develop a more global view about the world beyond Walpole.” As an educator, Mrs. Pierce also saw the educational value of the program. In just one example she cited the importance of the American students’ opportunity to listen to the Germans speak their native language. “I was amazed at how much the Walpole students’ German language fluency and accents improved. I did not expect that to happen,” said Mrs. Pierce. However Mrs. Pierce stressed the point that the Americans will not get the full benefit of the program until they go to Germany in February, where they will be completely immersed in the German language. Speaking about the German students and their linguistic improvement, Mrs. Pierce said, “I can’t judge the Germans’ English because it is already great.” However she added that she does believe that the German’s understanding of the English language improved. Mrs. Pierce also commented that she found the Walpole students to be open minded and ready to experience a new culture. She explained that learning about the Germans’ perspective of our school and the American way of life provided a unique educational experience for the Americans. “I was really curious to know what the Germans think about us,” said Dan Melzar, junior at Walpole High School. Interestingly enough, at first glance, Walpole High School “is not much different looking than German schools,” said exchange student Benjamin Lipp. However the internal atmosphere and structure of school life is much different here in Walpole. In Germany, classes are shorter by twenty-five minutes, and students are given fifteen minute breaks every two periods. Germans are also allowed to leave school property for lunch and breaks, giving them much more freedom than American students experience. American schools focus on the need for security, while German schools do not find it necessary to take such precautions as locking doors and having security cameras. Many German students preferred the American school atmosphere, and felt that Walpole’s sense of school pride was very engaging. Experiencing Spirit Week at Walpole High was especially surprising to the exchange students. “Kids at my school wouldn’t dress up like that,” said Eva- Maria Felka, an exchange student. Also, in German public schools, there are no school-run sports, activities, or clubs. According to German chaperones Rita Weber and Stephanie Baus, German schools focus more on the value of education than many American schools which pride themselves in great athletic programs. At Walpole High, teams and organizations create a sense of unity within the school and town which is not present in Germany. “You feel more part of a community,” said Benjamin Lipp, a German, commenting on this evident feeling of community and pride at Walpole. The itinerary for the German exchange was extensive. The German students visited museums, the Kennedy Library, Harvard University, the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Salem, and spent four days in New York City. “The most exciting trip outside here was New York City, just because it is such an amazing city and was exactly what it looks like on TV,” said Eva- Maria Felka. In regards to Harvard, Salem, and the museums they visited, the Germans found them less glamorous than expected. Viktora Hoffmann of the German school commented that Americans take much pride in what seem to the Germans to be insignificant. Along with Viktoria, Pascal Stoke and Tamara Nurngerber agreed that German history and culture predate American history and that their museums and magnificent castles are very impressive and centuries old. However of all their activities the Germans agreed that they liked the school and home experience the best. “Everyday life was better. Being at the school, I feel less like a tourist,” said Eva Maria. According to Benjamin Lipp, the Germans felt very welcome here, and the host families made everything comfortable. Benjamin noticed that Americans are more openly affectionate to strangers and each other. “You take more time, and share more moments,” said Lipp. Eva- Maria Felka described Americans as generally very kind and friendly. Yet some typical American stereotypes prevailed. For example, she found our fashion very glamorous for school. “I was surprised to see such short skirts, especially in this cold weather,” said Eva- Maria. However, stereotypes all depend on opinion, Eva continued. Coming into the exchange, she told herself not to be influenced by the stereotypes. “Don’t believe in the cliches,” she advised. The German Exchange was overall a great success at Walpole High School. The German teachers and students themselves summed it up best. “The exchange was a great experience. The students learned a lot for school, and a lot for life,” said German chaperone Rita Weber. German students Benjamin Lipp and Viktoria Hoffmann added that they were very thankful to have had the opportunity to come to America. They agreed that the entire school community was welcoming and kind, in addition to those involved directly in the exchange. “We are very thankful. It was really a great time. I think I can speak for all of the Germans,” finalized Benjamin Lipp.