Monbulk College has welcomed eight German students, front, Marlen, Jette and Tobias, and in back, Lara, Vera, Anne-Marie, Fabian and Tim, as part of their sister school exchange program. 20948 Picture: Luke Plummer.
IT’S a long way from Schwerin in Germany to Monbulk but well worth the trip.
Eight students from Germany have done just that, travelling more than 16,248 kilometres across the globe to experience the joys of Australian culture.
The students are taking part in a sister school exchange program between Monbulk College and Sportsgymnasium (a German school).
The program, now in its eighth year, has continued to develop, with students from both schools taking the opportunity to improve their language skills, experience a different culture and make new friends.
Since arriving on 13 July, the students have experienced the joys of visiting the penguins at Phillip Island, a trip to Healesville and the Melbourne Aquarium.
It also wouldn’t be Australian if they didn’t attend at least one AFL match, which they have.
Student, Vera Sonntag said going to the football was an amazing experience.
“It (the atmosphere) was wonderful,” she said.
Vera even confessed that Monbulk College was better than her school at home.
She said it was more laid back and friendly in Australia.
“Everyone is so friendly and the teachers are so nice,” she said.
“And I love the landscape and all the people.”
But Vera said Australia is not at all that she expected.
“It’s not what I imagined,” she said.
“I thought it would be all flat and straight, I didn’t expect there to be so many hills – it’s great.”
The students have also visited Sydney on a five-day trip, which included taking in a live show at the opera house.
Teacher Paul Wilson said many friendships had already been formed.
He said the program was a great chance to create cultural awareness for participants from both countries.
Students from Monbulk also take part in the scheme and spend 10 weeks with a host family in Germany, which they will do later this year.
“Our students not only get the chance to increase their proficiency in German but they also get to experience life in a European culture,” Mr Wilson said.
The students will return to Germany on 13 September to regale their friends and family with tales of the friendly Aussies.
