Student Exchange 

In Week 2 of this term, Mullauna College welcomed six German students for a 10 week exchange. The students are in Years 9 -11 in Germany and travelled to Victoria from Bavaria with almost 60 other teenagers as part of the AGTV (Association of German Teachers in Victoria) and BJR (Bavarian Youth Organisation). 

They are staying with students in Years 10 and 11, who are looking forward to spending 10 weeks in Germany at the end of the year with their host families. Our exchange students spent their first week shadowing their hosts,  adjusting to our climate, their new school routines and helping out in some junior German classes before selecting their own subjects for the rest of the term. Other than the language, the biggest changes were getting used to wearing uniform (they appreciate the time and energy saved not thinking about clothes in the morning) and a later start school day (most Germans start school by 8am and are finished by 2pm). 

Last week, the students enjoyed our swimming carnival, with two making it through to the division competition; as well as participating in  interschool sport, band and a bush dance organised as part of the exchange.

We asked some of our guests to share their first impressions of Australia and Mullauna College. 

I like Australia because it is really different to Germany. The nature is beautiful. The Australian people are very friendly. I like my host family because they are very nice to me and I look forward to visiting many new places with them. In Germany, we don’t wear uniform so it is really interesting to wear it here. The teachers and students are all really friendly at Mullauna.  – Mathea

I like Australia because of the beautiful landscapes and the different animals. Most of the people here are really nice and friendly. I also really like my host family because they are very nice, funny and friendly. The only thing which is a bit difficult for me are the hot temperatures sometimes. One thing I really like about Mullauna College is that you can choose your subjects. In Germany you have to do every subject whether you want to or not. Also, because you aren’t always in the same class, you meet many more people and make more friends. In Germany you are in the same class with the same people for every subject for most of your high school years. Most teachers here are better at explaining things than in Germany. For example, I understand the stuff in year 10 maths here better than year 9 maths in Germany. It is really nice to be here - Nicola

The First thing I noticed in Australia were the people. Australia seems like a very open–minded country with heaps of friendly people in it. You can also observe and experience this at Mullauna College. I received a very warm welcome and feel very comfortable, supported and included at Mullauna. Regardless of whether you are on the Tennis Team or in the Band, you will be welcomed everywhere. – Sophie

My first three weeks here have been really great. I made friends in school quite easily, Australians are so much nicer than German people! I also went to Melbourne with my host family and it’s so different to Munich because Melbourne has very tall buildings. (I love it 😉) – Milo 

Kathy Halpin

German and Personal Development Skills Teacher