October 10, 2025 • 22 mins
We've been honored to welcome 25 students and three delightful teachers from our sister school - Dreieichschule - in Langen, Germany. In this episode we'll hear about this exchange program and the experiences that will last a lifetime.
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Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER1:
Over the last three weeks, we have been honored to have 25 students from Germany
and their three delightful teachers join us for a special exchange program that (00:00):
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we've created between our two schools. Today, we are going to hear how it's been going directly from those in the program.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:20):
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Here is your host, lifelong educator, and our superintendent, Doctor Leslie Bergstrom.
SPEAKER3: Let's begin with introductions. Please share your name and a little bit about yourself. (00:33):
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SPEAKER4: So I'm Jessica Binder. I'm an English and phy ed teacher at the Dreieichschule in Langen. (00:39):
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I've been involved in this program since 2012.
Um, this is my third time being in the US.
I was here the last time as well, two years ago.
And I'm here again with these amazing students this time.
SPEAKER3: And we're so glad to have you back. (01:00):
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SPEAKER4: Thank you. (01:02):
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SPEAKER5: Um, I'm Janik Reisenberg. I go into 10th grade also at the Dreieichschule Langen and a little bit about myself. (01:04):
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I play basketball and I am, uh, doing schoolwork to--for being a first responder.
SPEAKER3: Oh. Thank you. (01:19):
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SPEAKER6: Uh, I'm Maddox Wochenske. I'm a sophomore here at Oregon High School, and I'm part of the exchange program. (01:21):
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Thanks.
SPEAKER7: Uh, I'm Vi Evans. I'm a junior at Oregon High school. (01:28):
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Um, I've been learning German since sixth grade, and I'm very excited to go to Germany next summer.
SPEAKER8: Hey. So my name is Ariana -- short, Ari. (01:42):
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I'm a student at the Dreieichschule Langen, so I'm from Germany.
I visit the 11th grade and it's my first time in the US, and I'm very excited to be a part of this project and in my free time,
I really love to read books.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. (01:59):
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SPEAKER9: I'm Jolene Wochenske. I'm the German teacher here at Oregon High School. (02:01):
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This is technically my first and half exchange, but first time coordinating on the American side.
However, I've been involved in multiple exchanges in different schools throughout my career.
I'm really excited to be working with the Dreieichschule Langen. And yeah, I've been doing German for a little bit longer than some of my students.
SPEAKER1: So you are an old pro at this? (02:25):
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SPEAKER9: I'm an old pro. (02:26):
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SPEAKER1: So, um, if we could begin with our two teachers, could you please describe the program and the exchange relationship we have (02:27):
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between our two schools?
SPEAKER9: Well, the GAP exchange is actually a federally recognized exchange program that is organized entirely by the teachers. (02:37):
undefined
So it's called the German American Partnership Program, sponsored by the Goethe Institute,
which supports learners and teachers of German throughout the United States.
I'll let Jessi tell you a little bit more about this program, particularly.
SPEAKER4: Okay. So our school is part of the GAP program, which is really special for German schools. (02:56):
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It's really hard to like for German schools to become part of this program.
There are very strict regulations on it other than American regulations.
I think for American schools it's much easier.
Okay. So for example, we have to have ten days of school while we're here.
(03:18):
It's a mandatory, um, thing. So that's why our students participate in lots of classes and gives them amazing opportunities to see the difference between our
two school systems and also the similarities, because there are some and um, for our school,
um, it was for now, the program was established in 1990.
(03:39):
So it has a long it has a long history. And I'm really proud.
I mean, I always see it as something--see it as something bigger than we teachers are,
because the students have such a great opportunity to experience another culture and to kind of really have connections with
(03:59):
American students. And these opportunities you don't get by traveling, just like as a tourist.
Yes. So, um, yeah, that's actually the gist of it.
I could go on, but.
SPEAKER9: Well, that was-- (04:11):
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SPEAKER1: that was really informative. Thank you. And I agree, because people are forming relationships that they could have for many years to (04:12):
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come.
SPEAKER9: Right. And a piece of this is--it's not just a travel program. (04:19):
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A lot of schools can only offer travel programs.
But what's unique to the German language and the German cultural program that we have is we bring in in this school,
it's not the same for every school, but in this school, we've brought 25 students from our sister school in Dreieichschule Langen.
Um, and they come here and our students host them and they go to school.
(04:41):
They attend classes with our kids. They shadow them, they go on excursions to different areas and learn about cultural concepts in
our area. Yesterday we were on a farm, um, playing with baby cows and--and horses and getting to know the dairy industry in
Wisconsin. But then in June, we will travel over and the students that hosted their German students will then stay with them for the time and also
(05:06):
do a little travel. So it's more about the in depth and understanding and relationship building than just seeing a country and being a tourist.
SPEAKER4: And it's also special because many schools don't offer these like really exchanges. (05:13):
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So most of the time Germans come here and they are hosted, but many students don't come back.
Right. And it's a challenge for everyone.
And they also I don't I mean, you guys can just tell us about it in a second, how much you've already learned beyond the language this is.
SPEAKER1: So what you're (05:36):
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SPEAKER9: saying is this (05:36):
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SPEAKER1: is a unique experience for our for our students. (05:37):
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SPEAKER9: Right? Yes. (05:39):
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SPEAKER1: Thank you. So let's start at the beginning here. (05:40):
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Um, and I'll go to our German guests first.
Um, how was the trip to Oregon and what was it like when you finally arrived?
SPEAKER5: So for me, I've been put in late to the exchange. (05:52):
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It was a bit stressful because I only had a few weeks to prepare, but when we arrived we were really happy.
We have--We traveled about a whole day and we we are happy felt very welcome.
(06:13):
We had a welcome dinner and it was a great atmosphere.
Um, there is some videos online about the teachers getting to know each other.
Um, after a long time. It's really funny.
SPEAKER1: Oh that's great, thank you. (06:27):
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SPEAKER8: Yeah, we were welcomed pretty warmly. Um, so everyone was nice and they were just genuinely excited to see us. (06:29):
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I feel like we felt very welcome here in the US and the travel was very long.
The flight was very exhausting, I would say.
And then also to, um, have a two hour bus ride
SPEAKER1: from (06:52):
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SPEAKER8: Chicago to Oregon. It was pretty exhausting for students, but I think the welcoming dinner and just getting to know your exchange student (06:52):
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and their families and just seeing the school for the first time in general just made that like,
appear in nothing. So I think it was very, very nice.
SPEAKER1: Well, I'm so happy that both of you felt welcomed because that certainly was the goal. (07:11):
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I was there that evening and there were a lot of people there who were so excited to see you.
Um, now for our OSD students, um, what was it like for you to welcome our guests?
SPEAKER6: Um, it was very exciting, you know, because I've been looking forward to finally seeing my German exchange student. (07:28):
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And once I saw him get off the bus, it was this awesome feeling, like, "hey, I got a new friend now."
SPEAKER1: So, yeah. That's great. (07:40):
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SPEAKER7: Um, for me, it was really surreal. Um, it was like we had spent so much time getting ready and preparing for this. (07:42):
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Um, with just like, uh, very little actual contact with, um, the partner and then to finally get to,
like, uh, see them and meet them after so much speculation was really cool.
SPEAKER1: "There's a real person!" Yeah. That's cool. (08:06):
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All right, so this is for all of the students.
Uh, talk to us about your experience. What have been the highlights for you?
And I'll go to our German students first and then our OSD students after that.
SPEAKER8: Okay, so, um, our highlights were pretty much experiencing things that you usually don't have in Germany, (08:22):
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for example, my personal highlights were the football games especially, and the pep rally.
I thought that was a pretty cool concept that should be considered at our school too,
because it's like--it's realistic to like bring it into more, more schools.
(08:43):
Um, I think it was very exciting getting to experience the, like, high school life and just like having those school spirits around you and
like everyone is just genuinely so excited for everything to happen and to see everything develop.
So it's like very nice.
SPEAKER1: I am so glad you were here for homecoming because that gave you a very special perspective. (09:00):
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Yes. How about you?
SPEAKER5: Yeah, I agree with Ariana. Um, I think everything was great in that part. (09:07):
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Um, what I enjoyed most were the day trips.
So the day trip to Madison, or the day trip around Oregon, where we got to see the fire department and police department.
That was really cool. Um, in Madison, going to the capital, going into a thrift store with friends,
(09:32):
trying on clothes. Uh, that was really cool.
SPEAKER1: Oh, I'm glad you liked that. And I'm glad that you, as someone who is in potentially in the future in emergency management, (09:35):
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to be able to see the police and fire department.
That was a great opportunity. Thank you.
Now, our OSD students, um, what have been your highlights?
SPEAKER7: Um. Well, I really loved when I got to take Ari to Costco. (09:52):
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Um, because, like--because, like, I go there all the time, right?
Sure. It's nothing new for me. But then, like, I take Ari in there, and it's just like shelves and shelves of stuff,
and it's--And the things she pointed out, she's like, "everything is so big." And it was just like,
(10:20):
this is really cool. Like, I, I take some things for granted here.
And I think that's really interesting to learn about.
SPEAKER1: Costco is a uniquely American experience. (10:28):
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Yes. How about you, Maddox?
SPEAKER6: Um, I'd say the same thing. Like doing normal things for me is so different for him, (10:34):
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you know, because when you go to the US, it's a whole lot different than in Germany.
So yeah.
SPEAKER1: That's great. So has there been anything that has surprised you? (10:46):
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So whomever wants to start with this one, go right ahead.
SPEAKER5: Uh, so me, um, my biggest surprise was how dependent you are for a car. (10:55):
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If you don't have a car, you can't really do anything in the US.
I'm used to going by bike to school everywhere, to my sports, to my job.
And so that was a big shocker for me. What I also found surprising is everybody in Germany told us that the weather was going
(11:22):
to be very bad. There were, um, I have neighbors who told me when they came on the exchange,
uh, that it snowed the whole time they were here.
And it's been great weather since we've been here, so we got pretty lucky for now.
SPEAKER10: You did, you did. (11:39):
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SPEAKER1: It's very unpredictable this time of year, and you have been lucky. (11:40):
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This has been great. Thank you.
SPEAKER8: So I would 100% agree with YJanik that you are very dependent on a car. (11:47):
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And in Germany we most certainly have more like, um, public transport for example,
trains or busses they like come more often than here.
But another surprise was how many electives you got here and the variety of, like,
(12:09):
um, school subjects you have here and that you can like select so many things that you want to learn because in Germany it's not like that.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Those are both really interesting, um, surprises. (12:19):
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Right. Anything from either of you OSD students?
SPEAKER6: Um, I found it surprising how fast new friendships can be formed, you know, because within, (12:26):
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like, the first hour that he was here, friendships had already formed, and I'd already seen other people that had come here from Germany.
And I was already friends with some people. So.
SPEAKER1: Yeah. Thank you. That's nice. How about you, Vi? (12:41):
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SPEAKER7: Um. Well, I guess the main surprises were like, in the, in the, like, several months leading. (12:44):
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SPEAKER1: Yeah, yeah, all those things were just meant to help you, but it gave you a different perspective, (12:51):
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I appreciate that. So, um, what do you think will stay with you from this experience?
What do you know you're going to think about for a long time to come?
SPEAKER7: Well, what I think will stay with me the most is, uh, Ari is a very social person, (13:07):
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and I am not really, uh, and I think that contrast has been really good for me.
Um, like, I, I think my, I think my mom definitely misses me because now I'm like,
(13:30):
uh, like, going places, things, um, a lot more than usual.
But it's it's been nice to kind of, like, force myself into some interaction and getting out of my regular group of
friends.
SPEAKER1: That's great. Yeah. (13:46):
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SPEAKER8: Yes. Like I already mentioned, I'm a very social person, so I think what will stay with me the most is like the contact that I created (13:47):
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over like several students of the OHS High School, I made very many new friends.
I got to see very many places, and I got to communicate with very different people that have very different opinions on everything,
basically, and that have very different life experiences and that, yeah, I think that will stay with me the most.
SPEAKER1: That's great. How about either of you? (14:13):
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SPEAKER5: Uh, so for me, it's, um, I agree with you both, um, that friends and being social is very important. (14:17):
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But what I also--also am taking with me is a memories, photos and souvenirs that are that I've collected over the past
few days. So yeah, they're going to be secure in my room.
SPEAKER1: Do you have a favorite souvenir yet? (14:41):
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SPEAKER5: Um, I have a mug, which I bought for my mother. (14:43):
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Nice. I'll give that to her.
SPEAKER1: I'm sure she will appreciate that. Anything from (14:49):
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SPEAKER6: you? I feel like knowing I have somewhere to stay. (14:52):
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If I were to go to Germany is something that I wouldn't say comforts me, but makes me feel better,
you know, because I feel like I will want to go back to Germany eventually. So. That'll be nice.
SPEAKER1: That's great. So what advice do you have for Oregon students who will visit during the next exchange to Germany? (15:07):
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What advice do you have? Anybody? Um.
SPEAKER8: I would say that you should, like, be prepared for very many surprises because, like, (15:18):
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we got to we got to experience the similarities, but also the differences.
The difference, I would say the OHS students should be, like, prepared for very many new things,
a very, very different culture and a different, um, school system and that everything can everything.
(15:41):
Even if it's different, it can be positive.
So always see the positive things. Just be open up, open up to people and don't be afraid to like,
use your language and what you learned your German skills because.
Yeah.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. That was nice. (15:54):
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SPEAKER5: Uh, so I'm going to elaborate on being open. (15:57):
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Um, I think what is really important with the exchange is you should try doing everything well being here,
because if not, you're going to regret it.
Because if people are meeting, you shouldn't stay in because it's once in a lifetime.
(16:19):
So I think you should go and try everything you do.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. (16:23):
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SPEAKER6: And I think that you make sure to make as many friends as you can and meet as many people as you can on the exchange, (16:25):
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because these people are people you might never see again, so you might as well be friends with them while they're here.
SPEAKER9: Thanks. (16:38):
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SPEAKER7: Yeah. Um, I definitely agree with Ari. Um, I think that it's important to, uh, embrace when things are different than you (16:39):
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expect, which can be difficult at times, but it's, um, important that you stay open,
like Janik said.
SPEAKER1: Oh, I like how you tied in pieces of everybody's. (16:57):
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That was really nice. So, um, I'm about to ask you if there's anything else you would like to share with listeners.
Um, so think about that. And before, um, before I open that up, I'll say that I would love to share that our teachers,
our guest teachers from Germany, all of them participated in the staff dance at the homecoming assembly,
(17:23):
and we were all super excited to see that.
And thank you for that. Was it fun?
SPEAKER4: It was definitely, um, it was fun in the end. (17:28):
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I was very nervous about it, but I think it was really cool.
And it was it gave us the opportunity to not just exchange with our German teacher,
but also with other members of the staff, which is something we haven't done before.
And we have now. I have the feeling that more people, more staff members know about the exchange because of that.
SPEAKER1: That's a really good point. You're you're right, because you had to rehearse with other staff members, (17:55):
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right? Correct. That's that's a great point.
SPEAKER9: And I will say that they honestly took on homecoming with full gusto and served as fantastic role models for their students. (18:03):
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I even twinned with one of them with PJs for Animal Kingdom Day.
Like they got dressed up, they took on all the things.
And the kids are saying like, take on those opportunities.
It's been wonderful just to see all of the opportunities that they're taking.
(18:25):
And Janik said it best, like, you are going to regret something that you didn't do.
You get the one chance and and dive deep, do all the things.
It's the only way that you can truly experience it.
And that discomfort that Vi was talking about.
That's where the growth happens. And it's building relationships.
It's creating. It's taking down borders, it's building understanding.
(18:47):
But it's also about having fun. And one thing I want to say before, and I didn't get the chance,
was you talked about how the kids were excited to see each other.
SPEAKER1: Oh, well that's true. The adults-- (18:55):
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SPEAKER9: This exchange... (18:57):
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SPEAKER1: You and the teachers were very excited for sure. (18:58):
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SPEAKER9: Right. This exchange is not just about the kids, but what Jessie just said. (19:00):
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They got to get together with other teachers and get to know their teachers.
But when I saw my friends get off that bus that I haven't seen in a year, that they have become truly people that are my support team when it comes to
this exchange. And I couldn't do it without them, and I just adore them so much.
(19:21):
And that friendship that happened in the one and a half years, it's going to be something I'm going to take with me forever. So I can't wait to
get back to Germany and see them again.
SPEAKER1: You guys are all making me want to go on an exchange. (19:29):
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SPEAKER9: You're welcome (19:32):
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SPEAKER1: to. You're welcome to. This is pretty great stuff. (19:33):
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So, students, is there anything else you'd like to share with anyone listening to the podcast?
SPEAKER6: Um, I would just like to say, if you have the exchange, the chance to go on an exchange, (19:41):
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make sure you do it, because it's an experience of a lifetime.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Anyone else or do you feel like you've said it all? (19:50):
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SPEAKER7: Um, well, I know obviously your German is going to improve on an exchange. (19:54):
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Well, if you're an American, your German's going to improve.
Mhm. Um, but also I feel like my English is improving, which is very, very interesting because like,
as a native English speaker, uh, you kind of don't hear how you talk very fast and,
(20:19):
um, you use like slang and shorten words that maybe a non-native English speaker wouldn't understand.
So I think being with non-native English speakers has been, um, good to like, uh,
slowed down my speech, become more clear and just be more, um, verbose, I guess.
SPEAKER1: What an interesting observation. Thank you for that. (20:40):
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SPEAKER8: I would also say, um, I know very many students find school boring or don't go to school, (20:43):
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um, because they don't like it. But in my eyes, you should, like, get to experience the full American school life as a German.
Um, because they have different classes you can take.
I think it's very, very interesting what they do in those different classes.
(21:06):
And I'm also going to take very many things that I learned here with me in Germany.
Um, so yeah, be excited for this school and learning new people.
SPEAKER1: Great. (21:15):
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SPEAKER5: What I loved about the exchange is that you got to see the many different people and how they think about different topics, (21:17):
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and so you got to see many different, um, perspectives on topics and that really is something I
enjoyed.
SPEAKER1: Thank you all so much. This was so interesting to hear you reflect on the experience that you're having, (21:37):
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what you will take forward with you. And I am excited for all of you to find out what more is going to happen and the rest of your exchange.
Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submit topic ideas on our website at
(22:02):
OregonSD.org/Podcast. You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to get notifications on the most recent episodes.
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
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we've created between our two schools. Today, we are going to hear how it's been going directly from those in the program.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:20):
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Here is your host, lifelong educator, and our superintendent, Doctor Leslie Bergstrom.
SPEAKER3: Let's begin with introductions. Please share your name and a little bit about yourself. (00:33):
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SPEAKER4: So I'm Jessica Binder. I'm an English and phy ed teacher at the Dreieichschule in Langen. (00:39):
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I've been involved in this program since 2012.
Um, this is my third time being in the US.
I was here the last time as well, two years ago.
And I'm here again with these amazing students this time.
SPEAKER3: And we're so glad to have you back. (01:00):
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SPEAKER4: Thank you. (01:02):
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SPEAKER5: Um, I'm Janik Reisenberg. I go into 10th grade also at the Dreieichschule Langen and a little bit about myself. (01:04):
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I play basketball and I am, uh, doing schoolwork to--for being a first responder.
SPEAKER3: Oh. Thank you. (01:19):
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SPEAKER6: Uh, I'm Maddox Wochenske. I'm a sophomore here at Oregon High School, and I'm part of the exchange program. (01:21):
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Thanks.
SPEAKER7: Uh, I'm Vi Evans. I'm a junior at Oregon High school. (01:28):
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Um, I've been learning German since sixth grade, and I'm very excited to go to Germany next summer.
SPEAKER8: Hey. So my name is Ariana -- short, Ari. (01:42):
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I'm a student at the Dreieichschule Langen, so I'm from Germany.
I visit the 11th grade and it's my first time in the US, and I'm very excited to be a part of this project and in my free time,
I really love to read books.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. (01:59):
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SPEAKER9: I'm Jolene Wochenske. I'm the German teacher here at Oregon High School. (02:01):
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This is technically my first and half exchange, but first time coordinating on the American side.
However, I've been involved in multiple exchanges in different schools throughout my career.
I'm really excited to be working with the Dreieichschule Langen. And yeah, I've been doing German for a little bit longer than some of my students.
SPEAKER1: So you are an old pro at this? (02:25):
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SPEAKER9: I'm an old pro. (02:26):
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SPEAKER1: So, um, if we could begin with our two teachers, could you please describe the program and the exchange relationship we have (02:27):
undefined
between our two schools?
SPEAKER9: Well, the GAP exchange is actually a federally recognized exchange program that is organized entirely by the teachers. (02:37):
undefined
So it's called the German American Partnership Program, sponsored by the Goethe Institute,
which supports learners and teachers of German throughout the United States.
I'll let Jessi tell you a little bit more about this program, particularly.
SPEAKER4: Okay. So our school is part of the GAP program, which is really special for German schools. (02:56):
undefined
It's really hard to like for German schools to become part of this program.
There are very strict regulations on it other than American regulations.
I think for American schools it's much easier.
Okay. So for example, we have to have ten days of school while we're here.
(03:18):
It's a mandatory, um, thing. So that's why our students participate in lots of classes and gives them amazing opportunities to see the difference between our
two school systems and also the similarities, because there are some and um, for our school,
um, it was for now, the program was established in 1990.
(03:39):
So it has a long it has a long history. And I'm really proud.
I mean, I always see it as something--see it as something bigger than we teachers are,
because the students have such a great opportunity to experience another culture and to kind of really have connections with
(03:59):
American students. And these opportunities you don't get by traveling, just like as a tourist.
Yes. So, um, yeah, that's actually the gist of it.
I could go on, but.
SPEAKER9: Well, that was-- (04:11):
undefined
SPEAKER1: that was really informative. Thank you. And I agree, because people are forming relationships that they could have for many years to (04:12):
undefined
come.
SPEAKER9: Right. And a piece of this is--it's not just a travel program. (04:19):
undefined
A lot of schools can only offer travel programs.
But what's unique to the German language and the German cultural program that we have is we bring in in this school,
it's not the same for every school, but in this school, we've brought 25 students from our sister school in Dreieichschule Langen.
Um, and they come here and our students host them and they go to school.
(04:41):
They attend classes with our kids. They shadow them, they go on excursions to different areas and learn about cultural concepts in
our area. Yesterday we were on a farm, um, playing with baby cows and--and horses and getting to know the dairy industry in
Wisconsin. But then in June, we will travel over and the students that hosted their German students will then stay with them for the time and also
(05:06):
do a little travel. So it's more about the in depth and understanding and relationship building than just seeing a country and being a tourist.
SPEAKER4: And it's also special because many schools don't offer these like really exchanges. (05:13):
undefined
So most of the time Germans come here and they are hosted, but many students don't come back.
Right. And it's a challenge for everyone.
And they also I don't I mean, you guys can just tell us about it in a second, how much you've already learned beyond the language this is.
SPEAKER1: So what you're (05:36):
undefined
SPEAKER9: saying is this (05:36):
undefined
SPEAKER1: is a unique experience for our for our students. (05:37):
undefined
SPEAKER9: Right? Yes. (05:39):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Thank you. So let's start at the beginning here. (05:40):
undefined
Um, and I'll go to our German guests first.
Um, how was the trip to Oregon and what was it like when you finally arrived?
SPEAKER5: So for me, I've been put in late to the exchange. (05:52):
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It was a bit stressful because I only had a few weeks to prepare, but when we arrived we were really happy.
We have--We traveled about a whole day and we we are happy felt very welcome.
(06:13):
We had a welcome dinner and it was a great atmosphere.
Um, there is some videos online about the teachers getting to know each other.
Um, after a long time. It's really funny.
SPEAKER1: Oh that's great, thank you. (06:27):
undefined
SPEAKER8: Yeah, we were welcomed pretty warmly. Um, so everyone was nice and they were just genuinely excited to see us. (06:29):
undefined
I feel like we felt very welcome here in the US and the travel was very long.
The flight was very exhausting, I would say.
And then also to, um, have a two hour bus ride
SPEAKER1: from (06:52):
undefined
SPEAKER8: Chicago to Oregon. It was pretty exhausting for students, but I think the welcoming dinner and just getting to know your exchange student (06:52):
undefined
and their families and just seeing the school for the first time in general just made that like,
appear in nothing. So I think it was very, very nice.
SPEAKER1: Well, I'm so happy that both of you felt welcomed because that certainly was the goal. (07:11):
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I was there that evening and there were a lot of people there who were so excited to see you.
Um, now for our OSD students, um, what was it like for you to welcome our guests?
SPEAKER6: Um, it was very exciting, you know, because I've been looking forward to finally seeing my German exchange student. (07:28):
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And once I saw him get off the bus, it was this awesome feeling, like, "hey, I got a new friend now."
SPEAKER1: So, yeah. That's great. (07:40):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Um, for me, it was really surreal. Um, it was like we had spent so much time getting ready and preparing for this. (07:42):
undefined
Um, with just like, uh, very little actual contact with, um, the partner and then to finally get to,
like, uh, see them and meet them after so much speculation was really cool.
SPEAKER1: "There's a real person!" Yeah. That's cool. (08:06):
undefined
All right, so this is for all of the students.
Uh, talk to us about your experience. What have been the highlights for you?
And I'll go to our German students first and then our OSD students after that.
SPEAKER8: Okay, so, um, our highlights were pretty much experiencing things that you usually don't have in Germany, (08:22):
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for example, my personal highlights were the football games especially, and the pep rally.
I thought that was a pretty cool concept that should be considered at our school too,
because it's like--it's realistic to like bring it into more, more schools.
(08:43):
Um, I think it was very exciting getting to experience the, like, high school life and just like having those school spirits around you and
like everyone is just genuinely so excited for everything to happen and to see everything develop.
So it's like very nice.
SPEAKER1: I am so glad you were here for homecoming because that gave you a very special perspective. (09:00):
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Yes. How about you?
SPEAKER5: Yeah, I agree with Ariana. Um, I think everything was great in that part. (09:07):
undefined
Um, what I enjoyed most were the day trips.
So the day trip to Madison, or the day trip around Oregon, where we got to see the fire department and police department.
That was really cool. Um, in Madison, going to the capital, going into a thrift store with friends,
(09:32):
trying on clothes. Uh, that was really cool.
SPEAKER1: Oh, I'm glad you liked that. And I'm glad that you, as someone who is in potentially in the future in emergency management, (09:35):
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to be able to see the police and fire department.
That was a great opportunity. Thank you.
Now, our OSD students, um, what have been your highlights?
SPEAKER7: Um. Well, I really loved when I got to take Ari to Costco. (09:52):
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Um, because, like--because, like, I go there all the time, right?
Sure. It's nothing new for me. But then, like, I take Ari in there, and it's just like shelves and shelves of stuff,
and it's--And the things she pointed out, she's like, "everything is so big." And it was just like,
(10:20):
this is really cool. Like, I, I take some things for granted here.
And I think that's really interesting to learn about.
SPEAKER1: Costco is a uniquely American experience. (10:28):
undefined
Yes. How about you, Maddox?
SPEAKER6: Um, I'd say the same thing. Like doing normal things for me is so different for him, (10:34):
undefined
you know, because when you go to the US, it's a whole lot different than in Germany.
So yeah.
SPEAKER1: That's great. So has there been anything that has surprised you? (10:46):
undefined
So whomever wants to start with this one, go right ahead.
SPEAKER5: Uh, so me, um, my biggest surprise was how dependent you are for a car. (10:55):
undefined
If you don't have a car, you can't really do anything in the US.
I'm used to going by bike to school everywhere, to my sports, to my job.
And so that was a big shocker for me. What I also found surprising is everybody in Germany told us that the weather was going
(11:22):
to be very bad. There were, um, I have neighbors who told me when they came on the exchange,
uh, that it snowed the whole time they were here.
And it's been great weather since we've been here, so we got pretty lucky for now.
SPEAKER10: You did, you did. (11:39):
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SPEAKER1: It's very unpredictable this time of year, and you have been lucky. (11:40):
undefined
This has been great. Thank you.
SPEAKER8: So I would 100% agree with YJanik that you are very dependent on a car. (11:47):
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And in Germany we most certainly have more like, um, public transport for example,
trains or busses they like come more often than here.
But another surprise was how many electives you got here and the variety of, like,
(12:09):
um, school subjects you have here and that you can like select so many things that you want to learn because in Germany it's not like that.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Those are both really interesting, um, surprises. (12:19):
undefined
Right. Anything from either of you OSD students?
SPEAKER6: Um, I found it surprising how fast new friendships can be formed, you know, because within, (12:26):
undefined
like, the first hour that he was here, friendships had already formed, and I'd already seen other people that had come here from Germany.
And I was already friends with some people. So.
SPEAKER1: Yeah. Thank you. That's nice. How about you, Vi? (12:41):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Um. Well, I guess the main surprises were like, in the, in the, like, several months leading. (12:44):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Yeah, yeah, all those things were just meant to help you, but it gave you a different perspective, (12:51):
undefined
I appreciate that. So, um, what do you think will stay with you from this experience?
What do you know you're going to think about for a long time to come?
SPEAKER7: Well, what I think will stay with me the most is, uh, Ari is a very social person, (13:07):
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and I am not really, uh, and I think that contrast has been really good for me.
Um, like, I, I think my, I think my mom definitely misses me because now I'm like,
(13:30):
uh, like, going places, things, um, a lot more than usual.
But it's it's been nice to kind of, like, force myself into some interaction and getting out of my regular group of
friends.
SPEAKER1: That's great. Yeah. (13:46):
undefined
SPEAKER8: Yes. Like I already mentioned, I'm a very social person, so I think what will stay with me the most is like the contact that I created (13:47):
undefined
over like several students of the OHS High School, I made very many new friends.
I got to see very many places, and I got to communicate with very different people that have very different opinions on everything,
basically, and that have very different life experiences and that, yeah, I think that will stay with me the most.
SPEAKER1: That's great. How about either of you? (14:13):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Uh, so for me, it's, um, I agree with you both, um, that friends and being social is very important. (14:17):
undefined
But what I also--also am taking with me is a memories, photos and souvenirs that are that I've collected over the past
few days. So yeah, they're going to be secure in my room.
SPEAKER1: Do you have a favorite souvenir yet? (14:41):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Um, I have a mug, which I bought for my mother. (14:43):
undefined
Nice. I'll give that to her.
SPEAKER1: I'm sure she will appreciate that. Anything from (14:49):
undefined
SPEAKER6: you? I feel like knowing I have somewhere to stay. (14:52):
undefined
If I were to go to Germany is something that I wouldn't say comforts me, but makes me feel better,
you know, because I feel like I will want to go back to Germany eventually. So. That'll be nice.
SPEAKER1: That's great. So what advice do you have for Oregon students who will visit during the next exchange to Germany? (15:07):
undefined
What advice do you have? Anybody? Um.
SPEAKER8: I would say that you should, like, be prepared for very many surprises because, like, (15:18):
undefined
we got to we got to experience the similarities, but also the differences.
The difference, I would say the OHS students should be, like, prepared for very many new things,
a very, very different culture and a different, um, school system and that everything can everything.
(15:41):
Even if it's different, it can be positive.
So always see the positive things. Just be open up, open up to people and don't be afraid to like,
use your language and what you learned your German skills because.
Yeah.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. That was nice. (15:54):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Uh, so I'm going to elaborate on being open. (15:57):
undefined
Um, I think what is really important with the exchange is you should try doing everything well being here,
because if not, you're going to regret it.
Because if people are meeting, you shouldn't stay in because it's once in a lifetime.
(16:19):
So I think you should go and try everything you do.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. (16:23):
undefined
SPEAKER6: And I think that you make sure to make as many friends as you can and meet as many people as you can on the exchange, (16:25):
undefined
because these people are people you might never see again, so you might as well be friends with them while they're here.
SPEAKER9: Thanks. (16:38):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Yeah. Um, I definitely agree with Ari. Um, I think that it's important to, uh, embrace when things are different than you (16:39):
undefined
expect, which can be difficult at times, but it's, um, important that you stay open,
like Janik said.
SPEAKER1: Oh, I like how you tied in pieces of everybody's. (16:57):
undefined
That was really nice. So, um, I'm about to ask you if there's anything else you would like to share with listeners.
Um, so think about that. And before, um, before I open that up, I'll say that I would love to share that our teachers,
our guest teachers from Germany, all of them participated in the staff dance at the homecoming assembly,
(17:23):
and we were all super excited to see that.
And thank you for that. Was it fun?
SPEAKER4: It was definitely, um, it was fun in the end. (17:28):
undefined
I was very nervous about it, but I think it was really cool.
And it was it gave us the opportunity to not just exchange with our German teacher,
but also with other members of the staff, which is something we haven't done before.
And we have now. I have the feeling that more people, more staff members know about the exchange because of that.
SPEAKER1: That's a really good point. You're you're right, because you had to rehearse with other staff members, (17:55):
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right? Correct. That's that's a great point.
SPEAKER9: And I will say that they honestly took on homecoming with full gusto and served as fantastic role models for their students. (18:03):
undefined
I even twinned with one of them with PJs for Animal Kingdom Day.
Like they got dressed up, they took on all the things.
And the kids are saying like, take on those opportunities.
It's been wonderful just to see all of the opportunities that they're taking.
(18:25):
And Janik said it best, like, you are going to regret something that you didn't do.
You get the one chance and and dive deep, do all the things.
It's the only way that you can truly experience it.
And that discomfort that Vi was talking about.
That's where the growth happens. And it's building relationships.
It's creating. It's taking down borders, it's building understanding.
(18:47):
But it's also about having fun. And one thing I want to say before, and I didn't get the chance,
was you talked about how the kids were excited to see each other.
SPEAKER1: Oh, well that's true. The adults-- (18:55):
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SPEAKER9: This exchange... (18:57):
undefined
SPEAKER1: You and the teachers were very excited for sure. (18:58):
undefined
SPEAKER9: Right. This exchange is not just about the kids, but what Jessie just said. (19:00):
undefined
They got to get together with other teachers and get to know their teachers.
But when I saw my friends get off that bus that I haven't seen in a year, that they have become truly people that are my support team when it comes to
this exchange. And I couldn't do it without them, and I just adore them so much.
(19:21):
And that friendship that happened in the one and a half years, it's going to be something I'm going to take with me forever. So I can't wait to
get back to Germany and see them again.
SPEAKER1: You guys are all making me want to go on an exchange. (19:29):
undefined
SPEAKER9: You're welcome (19:32):
undefined
SPEAKER1: to. You're welcome to. This is pretty great stuff. (19:33):
undefined
So, students, is there anything else you'd like to share with anyone listening to the podcast?
SPEAKER6: Um, I would just like to say, if you have the exchange, the chance to go on an exchange, (19:41):
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make sure you do it, because it's an experience of a lifetime.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Anyone else or do you feel like you've said it all? (19:50):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Um, well, I know obviously your German is going to improve on an exchange. (19:54):
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Well, if you're an American, your German's going to improve.
Mhm. Um, but also I feel like my English is improving, which is very, very interesting because like,
as a native English speaker, uh, you kind of don't hear how you talk very fast and,
(20:19):
um, you use like slang and shorten words that maybe a non-native English speaker wouldn't understand.
So I think being with non-native English speakers has been, um, good to like, uh,
slowed down my speech, become more clear and just be more, um, verbose, I guess.
SPEAKER1: What an interesting observation. Thank you for that. (20:40):
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SPEAKER8: I would also say, um, I know very many students find school boring or don't go to school, (20:43):
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um, because they don't like it. But in my eyes, you should, like, get to experience the full American school life as a German.
Um, because they have different classes you can take.
I think it's very, very interesting what they do in those different classes.
(21:06):
And I'm also going to take very many things that I learned here with me in Germany.
Um, so yeah, be excited for this school and learning new people.
SPEAKER1: Great. (21:15):
undefined
SPEAKER5: What I loved about the exchange is that you got to see the many different people and how they think about different topics, (21:17):
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and so you got to see many different, um, perspectives on topics and that really is something I
enjoyed.
SPEAKER1: Thank you all so much. This was so interesting to hear you reflect on the experience that you're having, (21:37):
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what you will take forward with you. And I am excited for all of you to find out what more is going to happen and the rest of your exchange.
Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submit topic ideas on our website at
(22:02):
OregonSD.org/Podcast. You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to get notifications on the most recent episodes.
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
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