Since 2009, Northgate has welcomed many students from Germany, through the German American Partnership Program. In the past, this program has been extremely successful in making lifelong friendships, as well as exposing both American and German students to a different lifestyle. “Learning by doing is a big strategy in teaching. Learn the language and use it with teenagers from Germany,” German teacher Andrea Marek said.

According to the German American Partnership Program website, the GAPP is, “dedicated to creating intercultural learning opportunities that forever impact the lives of countless students in Germany and the US.” Northgate fulfills this goal by greeting the exchange students with open hearts.

The success of this program goes hand-in-hand with the students from Northgate and Germany, as well as, the amazing teachers and faculty who have helped aid the program to such great esteem in the past few years.

“I started teaching at Northgate in 2009 and brought the program with me from my other High School. Learning by doing is a big strategy in teaching. Learn the language and use it with teenagers from Germany,” says Marek. “It has been very successful in the past. I have been personally doing it since 1998. This year is very successful.”

One of the greatest factors that has aided Northgate’s GermanExchange Program into being so successful is how open and welcoming the student body is as well as the keen interest the students take in getting to know the exchange students.

When first talking to a group of the German exchange students they expressed how America is such a unique place, even for the few who had previously visited the country.

“ I liked chilling at the beach when I came to America before and now being at school and meeting all of these American teenagers,” says Phillip Sengpiehl.

By experiencing new things as well as doing average everyday activities both the American and German students were able to enjoy themselves and get to know each other.

Raveen Sekhon, a senior and host for the exchange program said, “It was interesting to see American culture from a different perspective. This exchange was an amazing experience and I am glad I was a part of it.” Aside from all the activities both set of students were able to do, experiencing In-n-Out Burger was a highlight for many of the German students.

On the other hand, school sanctioned events such as our football games and Homecoming, was a centerpiece for a large group of the visiting students from Stuttgart, Germany. “We don’t have that in Germany at all so it was so cool seeing everybody dressing up…and also the dance part was fun,” said exchange student Sara Hadzic.

After an entire week of celebration and rallies leading up to the Homecoming game and dance, spirits were high and excitement was in the air. “Everyone was so passionate for their grade because there is a rivalry between the seniors and the juniors and that was funny, I think it was because we don’t have a rivalry between grades and everyone is so passionate here,” exchange student Cansin Yildirim said.

“It wouldn’t be that cool in Germany because it’s not like a tradition and in America everyone is used to it,” elaborates Sara. “Except when we graduate, we don’t have school dances, it’s not really a German thing to do.”

As their three week exchange trip comes to close, both the German exchange students and their hosts feel this trip has made a lasting impression. Sara reflects on her time at Northgate and the people she’s met. “The people are all great and so kind and it’s so cool that everybody is all for Northgate and for the Broncos because we don’t have that spirit in Germany,” said Hadzic. Sengpiehl also enjoyed his trip to America, hoping to visit again. “America is so big and I just want to see more, to explore more.”

Now, the German exchange students and their hosts are all excited to spend the upcoming summer together, in Germany.