Work & Travel Students Exchange Program

As part of our Work & Travel program, this school year saw the third edition of our international exchange program with our ninth-graders and students of the IES Pedro de Toloso School in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Spain.

In the last week of March, 16 Spanish exchange students visited us in Berlin to get to know the city and our school and to practice English. Of course, our children of all classes were curious about our guests and they were warmly welcomed in our house. During their visit, the Spanish students lived with the families of our 9a at their homes. This week, the young people of both classes participated together in a number of activities – a long Berlin city walk, from Alexanderplatz down Unter den Linden all the way to Potsdamer Platz; a visit to Oranienburg and the Sachsenhausen concentration camp there; a visit to the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial; and a visit to the Bode Museum. There was also a fun and relaxing evening of bowling in Pankow, and several parties and evenings out among friends.

One week later, our ninth-graders with Señora Gianatelli and Dr. Stahl made the return visit and visited the partner school in Spain. They undertook excursions to Madrid, strolled through the city center of the Spanish capital and visited the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor, the Parque Retiro and the Museo Reina Sophia to see Picasso’s famous painting “Guernica” and many other works of art. Another day trip took them to the city of Ávila to visit the famous city walls and explore the medieval streets and squares. On Saturday the Spanish parents prepared a big meal for everyone with lots of great food. Before leaving, 9a was treated to a student performance of Germany’s national hymn before it went to visit the mayor’s office and meet several city officials from San Martín. It was a wonderful visit to southern Europe!

We thank Señora Gianatelli, Dr. Stahl, Frau Heubaum and Frau Enagie from our side and Señora Abad from Spain for the great organisation and all parents for the accommodation of all the student guests.

All the students, teachers and families had a great and unforgettable time. The memories of these two intense weeks will remain long. We greatly appreciate this intercultural, horizon-widening exchange and are already looking forward to the visits next year!