Every two years, the District 219 German department organizes a exchange trip with students at Schönborn Gymnasium in Bruchsal, Germany.  Last week, the German students left for a trip to Boston on their way home after staying with Niles West and Niles North students for 11 days. The NWN talked to students Karen and Susanne staying  junior Melanie Leftakes and senior Krista Dawson, respectively.

NWN: Was this your first time to America? If yes, how is it different from what you expected? If no, where else have you been and how does Chicago compare?

Karen:  Yes, but everything was how I expected it.  However, everything is so far away from each other.

Susanne: Yes. I didn’t expect so many great experiences. I expected more of a boring tour-like trip.

NWN: What was your first impression of your host partner? 

Karen: A little crazy!

Susanne: She was very friendly, I thought that the house looked nice and the family was friendly.

NWN: What has been your favorite activity been over the exchange? 

Karen: Visiting the John Hancock building, spending the day at the high school and all the shopping!

Susanne: I enjoyed my trip to the Willis Tower with my host family and one Saturday night when we went with a big group of exchange partners to Sky High, Red Robin’s, then bowling.

NWN: Favorite American television show? 

Karen: “Pretty Little Liars.”

Susanne: I liked watching “Wipe-Out” with my host family, and also “Minute To Win It.”

NWN:  What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed between America and Germany?

Karen: The school. There are no athletic clubs at the school in Germany and it was cool to see a gym class during the school day.

Susanne: You can drive when you are sixteen, not eighteen, which makes it easier to hang out with friends.