Visitors from California

Last Sunday DFSR welcomed seven American students from Chico High School in the sunny state of California who are spending two weeks at the Bergstrasse, living with German host families and attending the secondary school "Karl Kübel Schule" in Bensheim. Yesterday they went on an  excursion to the ancient towns of Schwetzingen and Heidelberg with our DFSR Inbound Team and with our two DFSR interns Paula and Chiara who are reporting on the exciting day.

At 9 o´clock in the morning we met the American students at the DFSR headquarters in Heppenheim. After the host parents had said goodbye and everybody was ready and provided with hot coffee, we all went to the train station together. Thanks to the great weather our train was late, so we missed the connection train in Mannheim, but luckily we found another one taking us to the town of Schwetzingen soon. The students from Chico were all freezing but still fascinated by the snow because they never have a weather like that in California. Then we walked to “Schwetzingen castle” and had a great tour with a really funny English guide, who told us a lot about the life of the elector at Schwetzingen castle, Karl Theodor. We were stunned by all the “secret doors” that were actually pretty obvious and the fancy rooms. Unfortunately we could not go into the huge garden because it was too cold but we took a nice group picture in front of the castle.

The students with their teacher Mrs. Snyder and her family in front of Schwetzingen castle

After the interesting tour we took the bus to Heidelberg and went to the beautiful “Old Town” where we got something to eat and could warm up in a cozy bakery. 

The girls in the warm bakery

Happy and relaxed we searched for a place to get money and found a bank. Everyone who entered the bank was shocked by the long queue at  the cash machine which was a funny picture because some of them stood in the entrance for a while looking confused and then decided to leave. While waiting for the bus, we made the most of the time and bought some gloves for one of the girls. Then the bus arrived and took us to the cable railway of Heidelberg castle.

On our way to Heidelberg castle

Inside the castle’s court we divided into two groups and started our discovery tour. There was a big balcony where you can have a beautiful view over Heidelberg and a huge empty barrel that could contain 219.000 liters of wine. Some of the students bought some souvenirs for themselves and their families at home. Before we left we took a look into the pharmacy museum and walked around the castle. Then we went to the cable railway and got down again.

The castle

Heidelberg from above

The students entering the castle's court

We took the bus to the train station and hurried to our train, although it stood in the station for a while.Back in Heppenheim, we said goodbye to some of the students at the train station and the rest walked back to DFSR.

It was a lot of fun talking to the American students and find out more about the American way of life. They were all really nice and kind and it was a fun day. We are looking forward to our trip to Frankfurt next week.

Yulissa having her first German "Milchschnitte" with Chiara



Why Study Abroad?

Why should I study abroad? This is a question many students may ask themselves or parents may ask their children when considering the benefits of studying in a foreign country. What are the advantages? What will I gain from leaving my current life and living abroad for a semester or year? What have others experienced? What can I gain from this experience?

And all of these questions are valid. Packing your life into a suitcase and flying across the ocean to new family, friends, town and school may seem overwhelming and frightening. At DFSR, we believe the advantages of studying abroad far outweigh any disadvantages.

From our thirty plus years of experience, we have seen the advantages and positive effects of studying abroad. Here is a list of only a few reasons to study abroad; at DFSR, we believe the list of advantages is endless. What are your experiences with studying abroad? Feel free to share them in the comment section below!

1. Creation of Your Own Cultural Identity

• During our inbound student orientation we discuss the mixing of old and new cultures. When you study abroad, you enter a completely new culture with foreign foods, language barriers, intriguing formalities, and often times, different standards of living. You adapt to these new changes and then, all-to-soon, you return home to your "old" culture. Since your cultural identity molds and adjusts during your study abroad experience, you get to choose how to incorporate your new and old culture. This advantage of blending cultures allows you to live more open-minded and culturally aware.
2. 

   Life-Long International Friends

• How cool would it be to have friends all over the world? When you study abroad and make an effort to create new relationships, you are creating a world-wide support network.

3. Increase Job Market Value

• When you apply to jobs after studying abroad in high school or college, your employer will recognize the initiative that you made to study abroad. By studying abroad, your perspective and experience with international relations and world culture and the ability to have an open mind all increase your qualifications for job placement and candidacy. Even if you do not plan to attain a degree in international studies or language, the simple fact that you spent time living in and exploring a new culture will aid in your qualifications!

4. Learn a New language 

• By learning a new language, you not only open doors to greater communication with your host family, friends and residents of your host country, but you open doors to your future. Learning a new language gives you a greater understanding of the messages, meanings and culture in your host country, and makes you a more well-rounded individual.

5. Unique Experiences 

• Aside from studying abroad, there are not many other times in life when you would have the opportunity to spend Christmas learning German traditions with a German family, attend classes where you are the only student from your home country, or eat homemade paella made by your Spanish host mother. No matter where you study abroad, new experiences will meet you gladly. 

6. Creation of Independence & Maturity

• When studying abroad, you leave your home life at home, including your parents, friends, routine, etc. When living in a new country, you are faced with choices and decisions that you have to make on your own. Being culturally aware and accepting are both characteristics that can be learned and appreciated while studying abroad. Although you may live with a host family and have set rules like you did at home, you still feel a sense of freedom abroad. If you deal with this freedom in the correct way, you may find a sense of mature independence that thus shapes your future.

7. New Perspective on Life

• When you study abroad, you break barriers and dissolve stereotypes. You are able to see a country and its people for what it and they truly are; you experience a world apart from what you see on TV and read online. You actually experience a new culture and it becomes part of you. Study abroad not only allows you to view the things and people around you in a different light, but if you allow it, study abroad gives you a new perspective on life.

CETUSA in Heppenheim!

Last week DFSR was a busy hub of trip planning, dinners and new friendships. On Sunday, we welcomed 74 student coordinators, managers and guests from our American partner agency CETUSA to our town of Heppenheim. The trip to Germany gave the coordinators a chance to explore Germany, meet the DFSR staff, and most importantly, meet up with their former exchange students from Europe. We had a busy week planned for the coordinators, and here's a peak at their time in Germany.

Arrival dinner at DFSR

Coordinators met with the CETUSA American scholarship winners

DFSR and CETUSA staff chat in the keller

A cozy evening in the keller

On Monday, about 30 Americans participated in German lessons in the morning where they not only learned the basic "hallo" and "Auf Wiedersehen" but also got a taste of German history from the DFSR history teacher. Later in the day, we took two coach buses to Heidelberg, where the coordinators had a few hours to explore the castle, shop on one of the longest pedestrian streets in Germany, and taste test kuchen and beer at the many cafes.

German Lessons

 

Exploring Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle in the mist

After another morning of lessons on Tuesday, one of our DFSR staff members took about 50 coordinators to her hometown of Frankfurt, where they received a wonderful tour of the famous city. Others remained in Heppenheim and accompanied some DFSR staff on a walk through Heppenheim's beautiful vineyards.


On Wednesday, coordinators had the option of taking a day trip to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg or to Strasbourg, France where guided tours where provided. Many travelers then ventured off to Paris for the night.

CETUSA exploring Luxembourg

Guided tour through the streets of Luxembourg

On Friday, we had a farewell party for all DFSR and CETUSA staff here at DFSR. For dinner, everyone indulged in a traditional German feast of bratwurst, potato salad and German breads. Bavarian felt hats and a folk band added to the ambiance and completed the evening.

Preparing to Study Abroad: 5 Tips of Advice

Are you preparing to travel to Germany or another country for your studies abroad? Are you a bit anxious about the traveling and arrival process?

Here are five tips we have collected from our students and staff to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your travels abroad. Do you have another idea? Share it with us in the comment section below!

Alert your bank of your upcoming travels. 

You may only be traveling with one credit card or debit card, but in order for it to work abroad and for you to retrieve money as soon as you arrive to Germany, make sure your bank knows that you will be traveling and living abroad. Also, it is helpful to write down the emergency numbers for your credit cards in case they are lost- you can call and cancel immediately.

Share your email address with your family and friends.

The best way to stay in touch with family and friends initially will be through email. When you arrive to Europe, the time difference will make it difficult to get in touch with your family and you will be so busy adjusting to your new life that it may be hard to schedule a Skype date right away. Therefore, make sure you have everyone's email address so that you can at least send notes to your close family and friends!

Make copies of all important documents.

Make copies of all important documents including your passport, visa, credit cards, birth certificate, and travel plans so that your parents can have copies and so that you can keep one set in your luggage. If for some reason you lose your passport or credit card, you will have access to a copy that will in turn  help you replace it.

Bring a small gift for your host family. 

As a nice gesture and "thank you," a small gift is appropriate for your host family. Some examples could be a book about your hometown or a coffee mug from your high school. Presenting your host family with something small but thoughtful from your home country will be a great start to your relationship.

Don't forget to come with an open mind!

Besides all of the important paperwork, bringing your open mind when studying abroad is the most important thing to remember! When you arrive in your new country, the language will be new, the food will be different from home and the way of life may take time to adjust to. But always remember that these differences are the reason you are studying abroad- to be culturally immersed into a new life and a new way of seeing your surroundings. Gute Reise!

Do you have more ideas to share about your studies in Germany or in another country? Leave a comment in the section below or on our Facebook page!

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

Welcome to our Inbound Blog!

Welcome to our new DFSR Inbound Blog! Are you thinking of studying abroad during high school? You are in the right place! Here you will find up-to-date news about your high school year in Germany, new programs offered here at DFSR, events and everything else you need to know about your time abroad. 

We are excited to share with you what life is like in Germany and the experiences of our current inbound students. What can you expect when you come abroad? Your experience will surely be unique to anybody else, but we hope to at least give you a glimpse into what could be the best year of your life!

Have you studied in Germany with DFSR in the past? We also welcome you to share your experiences with us and other students from around the world. We are looking forward to receiving numerous exciting reports, photos, videos and much more. Enjoy and stay tuned...