BHS hosts school exchange

BITBURG, Germany – Patrick Gross, Bitburg High School principal, speaks with American and German students during an assembly as part of a school exchange program at BHS Feb. 25, 2013. Students from St.-Willibrord-Gymnasium, the German equivalent of an American high school, visited BHS to learn about the American education system and culture. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

BHS hosts school exchange

BITBURG, Germany – Teachers from St.-Willibrord-Gymnasium, along with members of the Host Nation Council sit in the Bitburg High School cafeteria during a school exchange program Feb. 25, 2013. The teachers from St.-Willibrord-Gymnasium, the German equivalent of an American high school, joined the students on a tour throughout the BHS campus to experience a day in the life of an American student. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo/Released)

BHS hosts school exchange

Published March 5, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

BITBURG, Germany - -- Editor's note: This is part one of a three part series highlighting a school exchange program with Bitburg High School and a local German Gymnasium. This part of the series features the first exchange held at Bitburg High School.

Twenty-two students from St.-Willibrord-Gymnasium, a local German school, visited Bitburg High School for an exchange program Feb. 25, 2013.

The aim of this program is to better acquaint the students and foster partnerships between the BHS students and their host nation neighbors. Both schools are located in Bitburg, Germany, so it is likely that these high school students have crossed paths in town before not knowing anything about each other.

The program began in January, when students from each school wrote letters and e-mails to one another and became pen pals. This gave the students a chance to introduce themselves get to know each other before meeting in person at the first exchange.

When German students arrived at BHS, they met up with their pen pals and accompanied them for the day to see what life is like in the shoes of an American high school student.

"We hope this personal time spent learning about each other can bridge intercultural gaps," said Susanne Debald, training teacher from St.-Willibrord-Gymnasium.

St.-Willibrord-Gymnasium students saw how a typical American classroom was taught. They even got to experience social time during a traditional American lunch.

"It was great showing and teaching our German neighbors about American culture," said James Finney, 11th grade, son of Capt. Yulonda Finney. "I think they really learned a lot about us by getting to see and sit through our classes."

"The practice in language for both sets of students is a great opportunity to see other cultures' education systems in practice and build lasting friendships," said Patrick Gross, Bitburg High School Principal. "We hope to see more of this program in the future. It is worthwhile to create something this meaningful and valuable for all involved."

The second part of the program will take place when BHS students visit St. -Willibrord-Gymnasium April 23, 2013.