What:
Alcoa High School German classes partner with the Regine-Hildebrant-Gesamtschule in Birkenwerder (near Berlin) on a bilateral visit to each other’s schools and homes. Even if you haven’t studied german, you can host a student here in 2022 and travel to Germany in 2023.
When:
RHG students visit AHS in August/September 2022; AHS visits Berlin in May/June 2023.
Who:
Although one of the goals of the program is to foster the study of the German language, AHS wants to offer the opportunity to as many students as possible. Priority will be given to those who have/are/will study German or have participated in the program as a host.
How:
Because this is a two-way exchange, the two schools will send delegations to visit the other school and stay in the homes of the hosts. Ideally, the same students will travel to the school in Germany and serve as hosts when the international delegation visits Alcoa.
Program costs are borne by the students involved in the exchange and their families. Because the German school may have more students interested in traveling to the United States, there may be opportunities for participation as hosts who do not travel to Germany.
This is one way to be involved in the exchange that would be less expensive because this person may not choose to travel to Germany. Students who want to be involved but are not able to host or travel can be helpers while the German students are in Alcoa by planning and executing the program of the visit. There are several organizations that support GAPP financially and their contributions offset some of the costs for the participants.
Timeline for the exchange:
- Feb 2022 – RHG students have been selected to visit AHS: – 12 girls/6 boys
- Spring 2022 – Information Evening at AHS
(Wednesday, Apr. 27 6:00 RM 2114) Host families are sought at AHS. - Monday 22 August to Monday 5 September 2022 RHG students visit AHS
- Fall 2021 – Info Evening at AHS to travel to Berlin; applications until September
- May 2023 – (end of May) AHS students travel to RHG for a two-week visit
Goals:
- Intercultural exchange with variable thematic topics
- Long-term relationship possible for German-American cooperation
- Collaborative work on global themes
- Increased intercultural knowledge, consciousness, awareness
Details:
- Accommodation with guest family (1 per family)
- Integration with the host family (meal times, practices, homework)
- The host family treats the young German as a family member and pays for food, electricity and any activity the family may decide to conduct that is not part of the program for all the visitors; when Alcoa visits Berlin, the same treatment will be awarded the AHS student.
- AHS students will join in the GAVE activities (Virtual Exchange) before the travel component. The activity period scheduled during the regular school day will prepare students for the visit.
Considerations:
Even if your child has homework or practice, the German student will be able to be a part of that activity. Dinner time can be just like it is for your family. No need to do anything different or special. The RHG students want to live like Americans while they are here.
- Some activities will be planned for the whole group and other activities will be planned by the host family.
- We will be planning welcome/departure events and any ideas or assistance would be appreciated.
- The German students will come to the US with travel insurance as well as health insurance. They will also have spending money for their own souvenirs.
- Depending on the airfare to Berlin in May 2023 (which we can’t know until July 2021), my hope is that the overseas visit by AHS will be approximately $2000.
- The German-American Virtual Exchange (GAVE) will be conducted by students in German classes at AHS and other interested students.
Your interest:
Please email Ken Brown further information, or to sign up as a host for GAPP August/September, 2022. Alternatively, individuals may fill out the Participation Form and return to Herr Brown.
🚨 Information meeting on Wednesday, April 27th at 6 pm in AHS Room 2114.
🚨 Information meeting on Wednesday, April 27th at 6 pm in AHS Room 2114.