After four months of getting to know each other, hard work and adventures, we set off on our longest adventure as a class, Germany. Upon arrival we were greeted by our German families who gave us a warm welcome to the amazing culture that lives within Germany. Over the many long weekends, our host families gave us the opportunity to explore many experiences such as fun festivals, delicious restaurants, and spectacular adventures. The families were even generous enough to take us on trips to nearby cities. We were given the opportunity to live like Europeans.
Throughout the day we explored many interesting cities, towns, and historical attractions that would educate us on some of the many events that happened throughout Europe at different times. Some of these included one of the headquarters of the European Union in Strasbourg, France, the capital of the Rhineland-Pfalz in Mainz, Germany and he beautiful city of Heidelberg in Germany. We also visited many European historical sites such as a castle located near Koblenz and the horrific concentration camp located in Northern France. The day trips gave us an outstanding tour of many places of Europe throughout history. These day trips gave us many adventures and interesting stories to tell. However, all of the Canadians agreed that Europe holds way too much history to explore within a month.
While in Germany, we were exposed to many different cultures of neighbouring cities. With France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and many other countries so close we were given the opportunity to explore new experiences and ultimately a new lifestyle. We, as students, were given the chance to reflect on our own lives and view life from a new perspective. Europe had showed us an impressive effort to do more to combat Global Warming, eat healthier by eating more locally grown and to think differently about different world problems. Many of us commented on the differences they noticed between Germany and Canada and as a result, we all reflected on how we lived our lives back at home. As a result, the different perspective on global issues had a lasting impact on many of the students.
Although our time in Germany was limited to a month, the exciting memories made will last forever. We will never forget the friendships made, the memorable moments, and the people who helped us get there. None of us would trade this experience for the world.
Although our time in Germany was limited to a month, the exciting memories made will last forever. We will never forget the friendships made, the memorable moments, and the people who helped us get there. None of us would trade this experience for the world.