Farewell to our exchange students

Auf Wiedersehen, goodbye to our German Exchange Students!  

From February to April, Year 10 students James N. and Neddy A. each hosted a German student through the Bayerischer Jugendring (BJR – Bavarian Youth Council) exchange program.  We caught up with their partners, Nic and Tobias, to find out more about their experience.   

What were your first impressions of Box Hill High School? How does BHHS compare to the German school you usually attend?  

Tobias: My first impression of BHHS was very good because everyone I met was so nice. In Germany we don’t have to wear a school uniform and our school day starts and ends earlier. We also have more and different subjects. One school day is usually six periods which each last 45 minutes. 

Nic: Box Hill High School was certainly a different school to what I’m used to, not in a bad way. I find it’s a nice school. Yet there are some noticeable differences to my German school, like the need to wear uniform, school time and length, number of subjects, possibility of choice of subjects and the strictness in regard to the usage of phones and listening to music in class.  

What have been your favourite experiences or memories while in Australia?   

Tobias: My favourite experience is the camp I went on with all of the other German exchange students. The camp was at Wilsons Prom and we went hiking, canoeing and surfing! The landscape and night sky were so beautiful. I also saw wombats and wallabies. They were so cute and everything was just so fun.  

Nic:  I’ve made many wonderful experiences in Australia and am hoping to make more during my stay here. My most notable good experiences and memories I’ve made here are for example the meeting of Australian students and being welcomed by them, surfing/boogie/swimming boarding at the beach and the overall Australian lifestyle, which I really enjoy. Of course, you must also not forget the amazing and unique animals of Australia. Koalas, kangaroos, wombats, cockatoos, etc. are all wonderful animals which were new to me.  

What are the biggestdifferences about living in Australia you noticed? What are the similarities?   

Nic: The biggest is no doubt driving on the left side of the road. Other differences are also the need to wear sunscreen, the temperature and weather. Similarities also exist, but aren’t too noticeable to me, as I did move from a small town in Germany to a major metropolitan area in Australia.  

Tobias: The biggest difference is probably that you drive on the left side of the road and it is way hotter in Australia. For my school, the similarity is the use of electronic devices at school.  

What do you think Australia and Germany could learn from each other? (i.e. What could Australia learn from Germany, and Germany from Australia?)  

Tobias: Germany could learn to be nicer from Australia. For example, in sports or just generally like saying “hello” and “thank you” more often. Australia could learn to be more environmentally friendly by using less plastic or by building more wind turbines.  

Nic: Germany could definitely learn to speed up the digitalisation process and improve our train network. Australia could digitalise their school (you use laptops but also write on paper) and become eco neutral (not saying that Germany is better at that) but Australia has a massive coastline which could produce lots of eco neutral energy. Germany could also learn to change its mentality in areas like sports. In Germany athletes can get very mad at each other, especially in football, whilst your athletes, like in footy, are really nice and caring towards each other, even after a tackle.  

What advice would you give other students who might be thinking about going on exchange?   

Nic: Do it! If you have the possibility, then do it. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I really find it’s amazing to increase your understanding of the world and other cultures.  

Tobias: Go on the exchange, trust me. Do it! It’s worth it! You’ll never get this experience again. It’s such a good adventure and during the exchange you should try to do as much as possible. Don’t stay in your room, be open to new things!  

Their partners, Neddy and James, will visit Germany in November this year as part of the reciprocal exchange. Our sincerest thanks to them and their families for opening their homes to provide this incredible experience. We know James and Neddy will have an amazing time in Germany!  

More information on the BJR exchange can be found here. 

Keep an eye on the newsletter for more information about BHHS’ own exchange program with our sister school in Lippstadt, and scholarship opportunities with SAGSE.