Bicycle Rides & German Lessons: High School Orientation Begins!

Our inbound students sporting their new DFSR shirts!

This week we welcomed seven students from Canada, Ecuador and Brazil for our High School Program. They are spending two weeks here at the DFSR headquarters in Heppenheim, Germany before meeting their host families and going to their new homes throughout the country.

So far this week, the students have enjoyed shopping at the local supermarket, riding the new DFSR bikes throughout the Heppenheim countryside and learning German in their intensive course. They stay at the DFSR student residency and are able to get to know one another, the DFSR staff and the town of Heppenheim. By getting to know each another, the students form a bond and support system for their remaining year in Germany. With intensive German courses for two weeks, the students will be able to dive right into their classes at their new high school!

We asked Katia from Canada about her time here so far in Heppenheim and she explained:

"My favorite part so far is that there is a connection between all of the students and we are able to become very close.  I also like that Heppenheim is so small and easy to get around and that we are able to have independence here. The food is different but in a good way- very different than in my home country but it's fun to try all of the new foods! What I am most looking forward to about meeting my host family is to see the connection between us. I have talked to them on the phone and we are both excited to meet each other!" - Katia

Katia from Canada enjoys a bike ride through Heppenheim.

Time for a bike ride with the new DFSR bikes!

Learning about fruits and vegetables before visiting the market

Students in the intensive German course

Students enjoying lunch together in our  kitchen