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Ingolstadt Exchange 2000 |
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German-American Partnership Program CSG-Ingolstadt - MUHS-Milwaukee "The more feedback we get from participants, the better for our program."
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My family experience - der Alltag in einer deutschen Familie
My family in Ingolstadt could not have been more accommodating or friendly. They made sure I felt right at home the moment I arrived. My family was very patient and understanding of my "American" habits, such as long showers and leaving doors open. They made sure my transition from one culture to another went smoothly, and I was always well fed. My host family made my trip relaxing and worry free.
My family experience whle staying in Germany was very positive. Staying with a host family allowed me to learn far more about the culture of Bavaria than if I would not have stayed with a family. There was always plenty of food and it was always very good. I learned many things about Bavarian lifestyle. I found that Germans in general tend to eat up to five meals daily, which is a good thing. Although I stayed with a host family in Ingolstadt, my freedom was not reduced. As long as my exchange partner and parents knew where I was and what I was doing, I could do almost anything I wanted. I think that staying with a host family is one of the essential components of the German-American exchange program.
Impressions at school - Eindrücke vom kurzen Schulbesuch
School was very hard to understand at first. The schedule and building were very confusing. The staff for the most part was helpful, especially the English teacher in the class we spoke with. However there were some teachers who just teased us instead of helping.
Snapping at teachers to get their attention? Really? School was interesting, not very boring. I particularly enjoyed attributing to a discussion regarding civil rights in an English class. Classroom atmosphere is much lighter here than in the U.S. However, I think that sometimes students may take advantage of that freedom...
Living in Ingolstadt/ Germany - Erfahrungen in Deutschland
The small city environment made it easier for me to adjust to being away from home. Everyone was so helpful in the city that I had no trouble finding my way around or buying things. I think the lifestyle and attitude of people in Ingolstadt and Germany in general is much more laid back and liberal than that of people in the US, which suits me just fine.
As a group, we experienced a variety of aspects of the German culture. We stayed in host families and ate real Bavarian meals. We learned how to make the most of public transportation. Attending school helped to give us a better understanding of the life of a teenager in Germany. Visiting the AUDI plant showed us the true heart of Ingolstadt. Travelling to Nürnberg, Salzburg, Berlin, Regensburg and München allowed us to see many churches, historical sites and shops. Ingolstadt was an interesting city with a lot of history. The town was the perfect size for this type of program.
Personal comment/ criticism - persönliche Meinung/ Kritik usw.
I believe that the trip is a very good program. You learn a lot about yourself, and a lot about others. You make friends that will last forever, and by the end you do not want to leave. I hope that I can come back next year, I want to experience what I experienced this year.
I hope to return to Germany again. Being here for this program only gave me a taste of Germany. I want to thank Herrn Kreilein, Herrn Kundmüller, and Frau Röll for the opportunity to come to Ingolstadt. I would like to return and improve my German, and meet more cool Germans.