KAG-Novi High School Exchange Program Celebrates 15 Years of Intercultural Exchange
Fifteen-year long bond of camaraderie in Erding
The Korbinian-Aigner-Gymnasium (KAG) in Erding, Germany, and Novi High School in Michigan, USA, have been fostering mutual understanding and learning for 15 years through their exchange program. This year-long event saw German students travel to the USA for their part of the exchange, followed by the return visit to Erding.
Program Highlights
The program offers students a unique opportunity to learn from each other's cultures, immersing themselves in day-to-day life through host families, school activities, and sightseeing excursions.
- City Rally and Excursions: The German students participated in a city rally, visited Munich, Salzburg, Dachau, Wildpark Poing, and spent weekends exploring Bavaria with their host families.
- Academic Engagement: During their stay in the USA, the German students were taught at Novi High School and held presentations on various topics, some in German, such as the US school system, the Great Lakes, or everyday life in Michigan.
- Cultural Immersion: The American students and their teachers Meghan Turske and David Baldwin were welcomed by German host families and KAG principal Andrea Hafner.
Experiences and Learning
The exchange program provides students with an enriching experience, helping them gain confidence, broaden their cultural awareness, and appreciate differences in education, social norms, and everyday life.
- German Students in the USA: Encountered more casual school environments compared to Germany’s structured system. Participated in American school spirit, including sports games and pep rallies. Practiced conversational English extensively outside the classroom.
- American Students in Germany: Adjusted to a more rigorous academic schedule and different grading system. Experienced formal classroom protocols and focus on discipline. Enjoyed German cultural experiences like local festivals, excursions to historical sites, and traditional cuisine.
Cultural Comparisons
| Aspect | American Culture (Novi) | German Culture (Grafing) | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Education Style | More relaxed, focus on participation and creativity. | More formal, emphasis on discipline and thorough academic achievement. | | School Environment | Large schools, lots of extracurricular activities, school spirit emphasized. | Smaller class sizes, less emphasis on sports culture, more focused on academics. | | Social Interaction | Informal, friendly, often first-name basis with teachers. | More formal interactions with teachers using titles and last names. | | Family Life | Varied family structures, with emphasis on individual activities. | Strong family traditions, often multi-generational activities. | | Language | English, idiomatic, diverse accents and slang. | German, structured, regional dialects vary. | | Holidays and Festivals | Celebrations include Thanksgiving, Halloween, Fourth of July. | Celebrations include Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, local saints’ days. | | Daily Life Pace | Generally fast-paced with multi-tasking. | More structured daily schedules, with designated breaks (e.g., "Kaffeepause"). |
A Lasting Impact
The experiences gained and the friendships formed during the exchange are expected to remain, fostering a lifelong appreciation for different cultures and promoting global mindedness.
The press release from KAG principal Andrea Hafner highlights the importance of fostering mutual understanding and learning, emphasizing the program's primary goal of promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and learning among students.
A joint farewell picnic marked the emotional highlight of the visit, signifying the end of the exchange but not the end of the friendships forged.
Would you like information on how to participate in such programs or tips for students preparing for exchange? Please reach out to KAG principal Andrea Hafner or Novi High School's exchange program coordinators for more details.
Lifelong learning and education-and-self-development are fostered by the exchange program, as it allows students to immerse themselves in different cultures and gain valuable insights from one another's lifestyles and school systems. The experiences and friendships formed during the program are expected to impact the students positively for a lifetime, promoting cultural awareness, appreciation for differences, and global-mindedness.
