Germany For You: A Journey of Discovery and Exchange

The 15 students and adviser, Janice Kato.

From June 8th to 21st, 15 Michigan high school students explored the city of Halle (Saale) and participated in historical learning, cultural immersion, and community service projects. Janice Kato, a seasoned YFU USA Local Coordinator and host mom, guided the students on their exchange experience. For many, it was their first international experience, amplifying their excitement. They were eager to live with host families, volunteer, and immerse themselves in German culture and history.

Creating Exchange Opportunities

Following the success of the USA For You program, YFU Germany, in partnership with YFU USA, introduced Germany For You this summer. The program provides full scholarships to students who might not otherwise be able to experience such a program. It allows them to live with host families, volunteer, attend school, learn the language, and engage in cultural activities in Germany for two weeks.

The initiative, funded by the Transatlantic Program of the Federal Republic of Germany and the US Embassy in Berlin, aims to promote educational equality and ensure that every student has access to exchange opportunities. YFU volunteers are crucial in offering support, translation, organization, and motivation throughout the program.

The program was hosted at Lyonel Feininger Gymnasium in Halle. The school provided a room for the group and integrated them into various school events, fostering peer-group intercultural exchanges. All of the host families who hosted are from the Lyonel Feininger Gymnasium community. Volunteer and host mom Anne Geiß was dedicated to finding host families from the school community, ensuring a memorable student experience and a warm welcome.

An Engaging and Diverse Program

The students participated in various activities, including working at the Nature Conservation Association's education center and cleaning "stumbling blocks" with the Zeit-Geschichte(n) eV association. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling blocks,” are commemorative brass plaques memorializing a victim of the Holocaust found throughout Germany and Europe. They engaged in workshops on democracy and historical topics organized by Zeit-Geschichte(n) eV,  discussed democracy and community engagement with Dr. Karamba Diaby, a member of the Bundestag representing Halle, and exchanged ideas with the Children and Youth Council of Halle. They also made clay building blocks at the Schwemme eV Cultural Center. The bricks were then used to help build a home for a local family.

Students cleaning Stolpersteines, or “stumbling blocks,” commemorative brass plaques memorializing Holocaust victims and their families.

Their media skills were enhanced through a workshop at the youth radio station "Radio Corax," where they produced their radio program. They also visited the State Museum of Prehistory. While there, they created their own version of the Sky Disk of Nebra, an important bronze age archaeological find depicting a map of the stars. The students explored the Francke Foundations and combined German language courses with trend sports at the Halle “Trendsportring.”

The group traveled to Radio Corax, a German youth radio station, where they produced their own segment.

As with all YFU programs, students received intensive preparation and follow-up, reflecting on their experiences through orientations before, during, and after the exchange program. YFU volunteers dedicated their efforts to providing the best possible exchange experience.

A Resounding Success

The project's success was evident in the students' and host families' desire to extend the program to three weeks. Reflecting on the experience, one student shared that they were initially nervous about it, especially trying to communicate and meet their host families. But those nerves quickly faded away, and thanks to the loving support of the host families and volunteers, the students were able to create memories they’ll never forget. “Exchange is worth it just to hear the stories you wouldn’t be able to if you visit as a tourist,” said a student reflecting on their time abroad. “I attended my host grandfather’s 80th birthday party, and my host aunt shared her story about being at the Berlin Wall hours before it fell. It’s a different experience living with the locals.”

Many of these new global diplomats, who never contemplated or even knew about the possibility of an exchange program before this experience, now express a strong interest in longer-term exchanges. Their newfound enthusiasm for cultural immersion and international education highlights the transformative power of programs like "Germany For You." We seek funding to turn these aspirations into reality, ensuring that these students and others like them can continue to benefit from life-changing global experiences.

The students with Dr. Karamba Diaby, a member of the German Bundestag who represents Halle.

Read YFU Germany’s blog here to discover more about the Germany For You program from the German perspective. Stay tuned for updates on the next Germany For You program application period.