WIESBADEN, Germany - "I think living together in one country, it's really important to learn about each other's culture firsthand."
That's what Tarek Aichach, an English teacher with the Helene-Lange-Schule, had to say about a new partnership with Aukamm Elementary School.
"This is a good opportunity to get together -- a place for both cultures to overcome stereotypes … and a nice way for the students to use their English in a real-world context -- an opportunity they usually don't get in school," said Aichach.
About 25 students from the local German school spent the afternoon with their American peers at Aukamm Elementary School March 26. Members of Aukamm's German Club welcomed their new exchange partners and escorted them to various classes throughout the school.
"The Parent Teacher Association provided an ice cream social for the get-together after school," said Aukamm councilor Inge Moorman. "Parents of the German Club members provided toppings for the ice cream social."
As the American students eagerly awaited their German visitors on the Aukamm school playground, they talked about why they wanted to participate in an exchange program.
"I just moved here, and I signed up because I knew it would be a cool experience and I wanted to know what it would be like to be with the German people," said Aukamm fourth-grader Avagayle Geldard.
"I'm learning German in school," Geldard added, saying she was looking forward to new friendships and explaining the Pledge of Allegiance to the visitors.
"I'm in German Club because I want to get to know the country I'm in right now," said Aukamm student Michael Stephens. "I have experience with penpals; in the third grade I was a penpal with a boy in a German school."
"I've never done anything like this before," said Aukamm fifth-grader Colin Kristolaitis, adding that his older brother was a penpal and that he wanted a similar experience. "In German Club we learn German and go on field trips."
Fellow fifth-grader Matthew Fisher said he was looking forward to the chance to learn about German cuisine. "We might cook things one day -- maybe Schnitzel."
Besides sharing each other?'s languages and cultures, the students also have the chance to enjoy local celebrations.
"A couple of weeks ago we went to the Mainz Fasching Parade," said Aukamm fifth-grader Garrett Cheney, adding that he also marched in the Wiesbaden Children's Parade with his fellow Scouts.
Students from the Helene-Lange-Schule were equally intrigued about getting together with the American counterparts, said Aichach.
"They were really excited, too, and they also felt privileged," he said. "It was the first time having this opportunity for an exchange with an American school.
"The idea is to have a re-exchange in our school in the future," Aichach said, adding that adjustments to the program will be made to accommodate the interests of both schools.
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