During the last few years, the
ratio of German exchange students going to the US has slightly decreased. Compared
to the 2003-2004 school year when the ratio of attending students was 8.483, it
was “only” 6.746 this year. This is most likely do to the fact that the German
school system has changed and is one year shorter now. For this reason it is
harder for the students to miss one year of school in Germany .
Most students spent their year abroad in 11th grade, whereas most of the current students do their
exchange during 10th grade, because they cannot miss 11th
grade anymore. Some might feel too young to stay away for such a long time now
and others may just be afraid to miss one year of school, because the subjects
being taught are still the same as in the old system and the students simply
have to learn everything in a shorter period.
Despite this decrease, Germany is
still by far the number one country sending high school students to the US,
leaving China in second place with a ratio of 2.253 exchange students this
year. But why is this?
In Germany ,
the USA
is very popular. Everyone listens to American music, watches American movies and
English is taught beginning in 4th grade. Also, German TV shows show
German students going abroad and experiencing their own “High School Spirit”.
The food is different, everything is bigger than in Germany and there is just so much
to see! Schools offer much more, like a big variety of extracurricular clubs,
sports and performing arts opportunities, which do not really exist in Germany.
The girls are excited for all the dances like Homecoming and Prom, but the
students in general are just excited to take different subjects than back in
Germany, like sewing, a different foreign language or cooking.
Former exchange students come
home and tell their friends about their stay and everything they have
experienced, which will make their friends want to go too.
It is a great opportunity to
improve one’s English skills and also to experience a different culture and lifestyle.
Additionally, it has academic and professional benefits - former exchange
students will have more opportunities in university to expand on their
experiences, as well as in their future careers.
-- Sarah Wondratschek
-- Sarah Wondratschek
Nice article, Sarah! Thanks for sharing your insights!
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