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German exchange students visit the Cleveland sign at Edgewater Park.

 

After spending time living with LHS families and navigating the halls of American high school life, the exchange will come full circle this summer when 15 Lakewood students head across the Atlantic to experience German culture firsthand.

First Impressions

Stepping off a plane into a new culture can be jarring, but the Braunschweig cohort has found the transition to be a warm one. The visiting students all agree: "The people here are very friendly." A simple “hello” from a random student during class change, or a quick “I like your shoes,” from another student passing, at first seemed jarring for the German students who experienced it, only because small talk with strangers in not a cultural norm in Germany.

While Lakewood is their home base for two weeks, a busy itinerary will expose them to some “must do” trips outside of Lakewood, in addition to experiencing all that our city offers. Here’s just a sampling of some outings that will be taken both individually and as a group:

• Topping one student’s list was a trip to Target
• Another was eager to thrifting through Lakewood’s various vintage shops.
• Everyone was excited to visit the Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park to catch a Lake Erie sunset.
• The group will take in a Cleveland Guardians baseball game to experience the quintessential American pastime
• One student and their host family attended an Ohio State spring football scrimmage to experience the rabidness of college football.

Together, the group saw many tourist highlights such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Little Italy, Lake View Cemetery, West Side Market, and a trip to Niagara Falls.

Breaking Down Stereotypes

The heart of the GAPP program lies in its ability to dismantle preconceived notions. While movies and social media provide a certain lens of American life, living with a host family offers a reality check that a textbook can’t provide.

German teacher Annika Kluck emphasizes that this immersion is the most vital part of the journey.

"My students will truly experience what it's like in the U.S.," says Kluck. "They have stereotypes built that once they meet their counterpart students, they can adjust."

Kluck also noted how important the language immersion aspect of the program is for students from both countries. She notes that each year she has led a group here, she sees a large improvement in their English skills, and likewise the Lakewood students.

A Reciprocal Journey

The exchange is a two-way street. By hosting these visitors, Lakewood families get a taste of German perspectives, while our own students prepare for their summer departure. This reciprocal relationship ensures that the bond between Lakewood and Braunschweig remains as strong as ever, proving that despite a few thousand miles and a language barrier, high schoolers everywhere have more in common than they think.