Last Day At Gars Gymnasium

What a terrific group of students we had that participated in this year's cultural exchange with Gars Gymnasium! Each student had a little bit different experience. Some of the students renewed old friendships from the previous year's exchange, others developed new friendships, and still others simply demonstrated to themselves that they have the self-confidence to get outside of their own comfort zone and do something exceptional. There are likely many other things that could be added, but every student that was part of this year's exchange had a unique experience that has helped him/her grow as a person.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway for everyone involved in the ERHS/Gars Gymnasium cultural exchange is this...the things that unite us are far greater than the things that divide us.

Trip To The Alps

Many of the ERHS students and their host families traveled to the Bavarian Alps today. The destination was Berchestgarden National Park, which is located in the very southeastern section of Germany.

Berchestgarden served as a private retreat for Adolph Hitler while he was in power. In this area you will find a museum of the Nazi movement and an elaborate bunker system built during WWII. Also, you can go up to the Eagles Nest and get an unbelievable view of the Alps and the valleys below.

Day At Lake Chiemsee

Students spent the day at Lake Chiemsee today. Lake Chiemsee is at the foot of the Bavarian Alps and is the location of one of the castles of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He was Bavaria's last king before it became part of Germany. The castle is located on an island that must be accessed by ferry.

We were accompanied by several different students from Gars that are interested in coming to Olney next school year. The older students at Gars were participating in graduation today. This weekend, students will mostly spend time with their host families.

Germany Update

Students spent today attending school at Gars Gymnasium. During the school day, the students attend classes with their host student, or they may have other special things planned. For example, many of the ERHS students worked with 8th grade students today to help them with their English. This was done by having an ERHS student work with a small group of Gars students and simply interact with them.

Tomorrow, students will travel to an area about 1 hour south of Gars to visit Lake Chiemsee. This is a popular area right at the beginning of the Alps.

Sightseeing In Munich

Both the ERHS students and the Gars students traveled to Munich today to tour the city and see the sights. There are many things to see in Munich, but the surprising thing about the city is that it doesn't feel that large. The buildings are not skyscrapers and the streets did not seem too crowded. In fact, many of the people were on bicycles.

Students spent the morning taking a bit of a guided tour, and then had the afternoon to walkabout, shop, and visit other sites in and around the city center. Some of the sites visited included the Cathedral of Munich, St. Peter's Clocktower, City Hall, the Hall of Generals, and the King's Square. Before visiting Munich about the only two things I knew about the city is that it was the site of the 1972 Olympic Games, and that it was connected with Nazi activities around WWII. It was a great opportunity for all of us to learn that there is much more to the city than that.

Tomorrow, students will again attend school at Gars Gymnasium. Some of the students will be going back into classes. They will talk about life in Olney and school at ERHS. They will also work in English classes and help Gars students with their conversational English.

Another Day at Gars Gymnasium

Today students spent another day at Gars Gymnasium. Several ERHS students spent time working with Gars students preparing for a final oral exam in English. This was designed so the Gars students could have a conversation with a person that is a native English speaker. Many ERHS students also attended a chemistry class that the teacher was delivering in English.

Seniors at Gars are involved with the Abiture, which is a type of final exam. Along with the Abiture, many of the students dress in traditional Bavarian attire. Males wear lederhosen and females wear a dress called a dirndl. Several ERHS students came to school today in this traditional type of clothing.

Following school, students spent the rest of their time with their hosts. Tomorrow, students will travel to Munich for a day of sightseeing.

1st Day at Gars Gymnasium

Students have had their first day at Gars Gymnasium. A student musical group played a few songs of traditional Bavarian music before the official welcome by the school's principal. 

Later in the day, ERHS students had a crash course in Bavarian history and conversational German. They will have many opportunities to practice with their host family in the next week.