Throughout the fall of 2024, 15 exchange students from Lahntalschule, located in Hessen, Germany, were hosted by Penn Manor families.
The Penn Manor students raised money to show the exchange students meaningful, local experiences while they were in the states. The exchange students and hosts bonded during bonfires and cookouts. Took tours throughout Lancaster City and County, and trips to Washington DC, Manhattan, and Harrisburg.
The exchange students attended classes at Penn Manor High School where they were able to gain an understanding of the educational opportunities American high schools have to offer.
On June 9, 16 Penn Manor students (Maryam Alfayaddh, Seth Barrett, Lexi Blechschmidt, David Ferre, Caiden Gegg, Eamon Helfrich, Maija Jurgensen, Carson Keller, Olivia Margevich, Gage Myers, Ava O’Hara, Emmy Sauder, Brooklyn Showalter, Sophia Telesco, Emilia Thomsen, Lyla Walter), German teacher Nadine Smith, and a chaperone, embarked on an 18 day visit to Germany.
The PM students attended classes in the greater Marburg area where they experienced the German school system. The students gave speeches in German and English to German students, educating them on American history, geography and culture.
While in Germany, the students stayed with the host family of the German student they hosted in the fall. This allowed the students to immerse themselves even further in German culture.
The trip attendees visited many historical places, such as the city of Heidelberg, former concentration camp Buchenwald, and the Wartburg. Students had the opportunity to view some of the places they learned about in their German, English and Social Studies classes.
The Penn Manor Education Foundation generously provided a grant for the students which allowed them to take a four day field trip to Bavaria. The grant provided the opportunity to hike the Bavarian Alps, swim in Lake Starnberg, and visit King Ludwig II famous castle.
German teacher Nadine Smith said, “Our students rose to the occasion and I could not be more proud. A person who can partake in an experience such as a student exchange, learns more than a language, they learn about life in general, and I am beyond proud to say that we as a Penn Manor community have prepared our kids well for life after high school.”
Well done, students!