STUTTGART, Germany -- Newcomer orientation at Army garrisons throughout Europe is becoming more streamlined.
As of Aug. 1, Installation Management Command-Europe replaced Headstart, the former in-processing cultural program used overseas for the past 40 years, with “Culture College,” which will be offered through garrison Army Community Service offices.
The command is “amending the curriculum of the cultural adaptation program as part of its ongoing effort to eliminate redundant programs and improve efficiencies in all aspects of Army installation operations,” said Jane Helfrich, ACS chief for IMCOM-E.
The main difference between the two programs is that Culture College is two days, compared to the three to five days Headstart ran in many garrisons.
In U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Culture College is the new version of the ACS “SNO” program, or Stuttgart Newcomer’s Orientation.
The class still teaches service members, civilians and family members about German customs, culture and transportation, but will focus less on language skills, according to Dan Adams, ACS Relocation Readiness Program manager for USAG Stuttgart and the Culture College program manager.
However, Culture College students will still learn basic phrases to use while shopping, eating in a restaurant and using public transportation.
Culture College offers a great overview of Germany for families who are on their first German tour, as well as returning families, Adams said.
By enrolling in the optional program, “you’re setting yourself up for a successful tour,” he said.
The class is also an opportunity for new arrivals to make friends early on, he added. “You’re meeting other new people in the same situation as you,” he said. “That usually builds friendships … that may last the entire tour.”
USAG Stuttgart’s Culture College is taught by Edith Hoffmann, a local national who has taught SNO here for 20 years. The class is currently offered every other week on Tuesday and Thursday, to accommodate Tricare’s hospital tour for newcomers on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Hoffmann highlights German history and culture, and teaches students the German alphabet, numbers, commonly used phrases and how to count money. She also describes the public transportation system and helps students practice ordering food in German.
“It really helps, especially if you haven’t had German before,” Hoffmann said. “To the majority of people, it gives them some confidence.”
Students’ new skills are tested on Thursday, when they take a field trip to downtown Stuttgart using public transportation.
“I’m not afraid to go to the train station by myself now,” said Chris Bligh, a military spouse who attended Culture College July 26 and 28.
Students also visit a cultural point of interest, such as the Lichtenstein castle, and stop at the Ritter Sport factory in Waldenbuch on the way home, where each student receives two free chocolate bars, courtesy of the factory.
Just getting off post and seeing the sights makes enrolling in Culture College worthwhile, Bligh added. “I think it’s a shame if people come here and don’t explore. If you don’t get off post, you’re doing a disservice to yourself,” she said.
Since Culture College is replacing Headstart, the class itinerary may change in the near future to accommodate more students, Adams said. It will also follow a curriculum designed by IMCOM-E.
However, “we will consistently continue with the same offerings … cultural understanding, awareness and useful phrases,” he said.
Stuttgart’s Culture College is free, except for public transportation and food during the field trip, and is open to all ID cardholders age 12 and above. Free child care for up to 16 hours can be arranged in advance through Child, Youth and School Services.
The next Culture College will be Aug. 16 and 18 from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Building 2915 on Panzer Kaserne.
Editor’s Note: Troy Darr, IMCOM-E Public Affairs Office, contributed to this article.
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