On October 11, Greeley West students and their families welcomed 21 foreign exchange students that will be staying in Greeley through the 30th of October and two English teachers from Gaggenau, Germany. Joerg Springmann and Bodo von der Trenck are two English teachers that brought the students. Springmann stated, “It’s great to see them make a ton of new friends and have that experience.”

This program started back in 2006 and is sponsored by the German government.

Back in Germany, they attended Goethe Gymnasiums Gaggenau. They took an English class where they learned the language and the culture. Now they are applying what they have learned here.

While they are here, they will be going to class with their American host. They will also take day trips to visit the Rocky Mountains, Terry Bison Ranch, Denver, Corn Maze, etc. This week is West’s Homecoming week so students attending the dance and football game will bring their German students along to the events.

Junior Jackson Morgan is hosting two German students, Maximiliane Paul and Marcel Wagner. Paul said, “For most of us this is our first time in America, we are excited to practice our English and learn the culture.”

They shared that back in Germany they have about 6 to 12 classes a day and their school starts at 7:50 and can go anywhere from 3:20 to 5:00 depending on how many classes they have.

In June, students will get the same chance to visit Germany and cities like Berlin and Gaggenau for  up to four weeks. There will be a meeting on Tuesday, October 17 during lunch in room 608 for any students interested in the exchange to go to Germany.