Every other year, Penn Manor students have the opportunity to participate in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). This exchange tradition has been offered at Penn Manor for over 20 years.
In order to participate in this program, Penn Manor High School students must have taken at least three levels of German. Before meeting in person, students are paired with a German partner based on shared interests and begin communicating as pen pals via email at the state of the fall semester.
In mid-September, Penn Manor welcomed our German exchange partners for a two-week immersive stay. The German students are from Lahntalschule in Hessen, Germany. In June, our Penn Manor students will travel to Germany for their two-week stay with their host families.
During their time in Pennsylvania, the group attended local experience field trips to the Amish Experience, State Capitol in Harrisburg, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and the Middletown headquarters of Phoenix Contact, a well-known German company.
They also took trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City to deepen their understanding of American history and culture.
The Penn Manor students hosted fun group outings to Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt shop, a pumpkin carving event, the homecoming football game, and a farewell cookout. The visiting German students gave presentations about their culture and school to Penn Manor High School and Middle School German classes.
This experience is organized by Penn Manor German teacher, Nadine Smith, Mr. Otto from Lahntalschule, and GAPP.
We look forward to hearing about our Penn Manor High School student’s experience as they travel to Germany in June!