I'm trying to get in to a German exchange program for next year. Anyone have any advice?

Want to tell me about German culture? What I should see? What I shouldn't do? What kind of mindset do the majority have (politically and religiously) etc. etc? Random advice?

Any q's for me?

She lived in Germany for six years. She said she once fell asleep on a train in Germany, and woke up in Turkey. :o :hide:

Loved it .

I do travel arrangements for the German Consulate here, Germany is awesome!!! :woohoo: :hi:

A lot depends on the culture of the area. I would say to at least have a minimal conversational use of the language. Generally, Bavarian folks are a bit friendlier than the folks in Frankfurt, but this seems to be true of most countries you visit in towns as opposed to larger cities.

I haven't been there since the early 90's, but the general culture is much less puritanical than here. Prostitution is legal, taxed, and regulated, as an example. They just figure it's the oldest profession, will always be, so why not make money on it. Alcohol isn't as much of a taboo. Older kids will have a glass of wine or a beer at dinner.

As far as food goes, you must go to an imbiss, which is a small fast food type restaurant, and have pommes mit mayo, fries with mayo. I know it sounds icky, but it really is good. Also, the jaegerschnitzel is highly recommended.

Do not, I reapeat, do not mess with the Polizei there. They do not take crap and will mess you up.

:)

:P

The consequences are not good at all

Also. refrain from pointing at your head to do the nutjob swirl

On second thought, keep you hands in your pockets at all time

Oh yeah, and learn German

e.g. Barvaria - but don't miss the Rhine Castles

Viel Glück!

My daughter is a Rotary Exchange student, not in Germany, though.
The kids in Germany have a BLAST.
TOO much fun, if you ask me.

Beer seems to be the major cultural draw from what I see
of their Facebook postings.....

She's German and currently lives in Frankfurt. She can help considerably.

Link to Pacific Intercultural Exchange here: http://www.pieusa.org/

For starters, I would recommend going with a program that allows you to stay for 6 months to a year. Also, know that German kids are much more mature than most American kids. They are allowed much more freedom and are very independent. You should meet up with some students that are here now in whatever program you are considering and talk with them before you go.

My family hosted many students from all over the globe through PIE. I, however, did not go abroad for a year during HS because I was in an accelerated program, but I've been to Europe several times including an entire summer at the age of 16. It was a fantastic experience for me and also for all of the kids we hosted over the years. You should go for it!

:hi: