reports on exchange weeks

Mana nedēļa Altshauzenā

Details

Latvian students reporting on their exchange week at Altshausen

Monta Lote Ābola

English summary:
With great enthusiasm at the beginning of January, in the last moment I gave an interview to my English teacher to apply for the project "Erasmus +". From the outset, the teacher warned that there is a great competition, but it did not prevent me from trying to overcome it. Very unexpectedly a few days later my teacher announced that I am included in this project and that I am going to an exchange program to Germany. Of course, initially I wanted to go to Italy more, but I do not regret that I applied for the German trip. Application and interview was the least that we all had to do. Until the day of departure we all were diligently preparing, did the preparation of presentations, gifts for host families and preparing ourselves. During this week I participated in projects, in different career lessons and activities, I got to know the culture of Germany, learned more about the region, visited the city and spent time with the host family. Throughout this week I have further developed myself and been encouraged to continue to reaching my targets, the right career choice and interests. All this week was a great benefit for me, not only because I gained a lot of knowledge, but also a lot of new contacts in another country.

Vilma Luīze Gertāne

English summary:
In January 2015 I decided to participate in the European Union project Erasmus+: “Fit for job and orientation to career and university studies at secondary schools”. In the beginning I was not sure about my participation in the project because of the big competition among the students. After few days I get to know about my participation in the project. Before I decided to participate in this project, I chose by lot where I would go - to Germany or Italy. I knew that I would be happy about being sent to any of these countries because I have been to Germany and I really enjoyed every day there but I have not been in Italy yet. Till the departure to Germany all participants of the project made presentations about our school, country, nature, famous people, monuments because we wanted to introduce foreigners to the country where we come from. In the week of the project in Germany I participated in the lessons and activities of cereer, became acquainted with the culture of the country, visited different cities, enjoyed time in my host family. Participating in the project is a valuable acquisition because I not only got to know something new about orientation to career and university studies but I got new friends, better language skills, new impressions. I think that other schools in the Europe have to use this chance, that is fantastic experience and adventure for students and teachers. 

Valters Hiršs

English summary:
We started our big adventure in Riga, where we took a plane to Munich, where we were greeted by the lovely Althausens school director and he took us to the city. On the first day we were all very shy, because no one knew each other, but over time, it all changed. We established a great relationship with students who went to Germany as well as with local German children. I, for example, still keep in touch with my new German friends. We participated in lessons, we represented our country Latvia and tried to leave the best impression. The Germans were very hospitable towards us and they welcomed us very nicely. They showed us their ways on how to get possible future professions, as well as presented with a number of potential jobs, which I think was very useful and also interesting. Also we were given a great opportunity to discover and explore a number of German cities and districts, which in any case is interesting. Overall, I conclude that the experience exchange trip to Germany had succeeded! It helped me to understand their career aspirations, at the same time provided an opportunity to spend a wonderful time with the Germans, as well as to get to know their culture and traditions. The host family that hosted me, was very nice, the school and its director - brilliant! I would love to go back at least one more time in my life!

Adele Adelīna Makrniece

English summary:
This project has given me an insight into German culture and lifestyle. I got to know what most Germans are like - quiet and polite, down to earth and very diligent. What I found weird and unexpected was that they eat white bread and drink carbonated drinks. Germans eat it all the time, at least young people. Their breakfast also consists of white bread, pretzels and carbonated drinks. Personally, i wouldn’t want to eat white bread every day, especially in breakfast. And I’m not a fan of carbonated drinks as well, but that was all we drank. The most i appreciated the food when i came back home, because here in Latvia we have healthier and more delicious food.
However there is lot that we can learn from Germans, for example, the language of the country. In Germany everyone speaks German, to get a job you also have to speak German, but Russians have privileges in Latvia - if 4 Latvians and 2 Russians would speak together, they would speak Russian. Secondly, I think that Germany has better school system - it is more connected to the job market, it’s like one circle, because companies have connection with schools. What is more, German schools devote more time for students to find their future profession. And i think it is important that students don't feel left out. It is important that students have a reason to study, and Germany seems to reach that they get that reason.
Project gave me possibilities to develop my intercultural skills. I spoke with Germans in English and I tried to find our common language. It was interesting to feel like a German student for a week - live in a host family, go to German school, travel by car and train. It was also interesting to be there as a tourist - explore old cities, walk around the city and look at the buildings and churches, eat in outside-cafes, speak in English and listen to other speak in German. My listening skills in German have improved and now I know more about Germany and Germans.

Jūlija Popova

English summary:
Overall, I really liked this exchange visit to Germany. During this week I obtained unique opportunities and positive emotions, good impressions and a great experience. I got a slightly larger idea of ​​the work in Germany, which to me was very helpful. I really liked all the activities in which we participated. "BoGy" worksop, firma8, German language lessons, Constance University of fair working, carpentry training center, bank, company Stadler, career information center, Coaching4Future – so many different career orientation activities we had this week!  I gained a great, unprecedented experience and emotions. Several interesting tours and visits to museums as well as walking through the different German cities didn’t allow us to get bored! I practiced my speaking and listening skills in German language, which was also my goal. My language and intercultural skills undoubtedly evolved after this trip, due to negotiations with various German cultural representatives. I also gained new friends and acquaintances and enjoyed every moment together with them. Laughter, conversation, joyful moments accompanied us throughout the week. There was also a great opportunity to get to know the country's delicious cuisine, which was full of diversity. I would gladly return again to repeat all of moments we experienced during this week.

Jumis Zīlāns

English summary:
In early January, I found out about the opportunity to apply for this program. Without much thinking, I took part in the selection round and was sure that I would be accepted, and it came true. I am grateful to the classmate who informed me about this opportunity, as by taking part in this program I gained a unique, memorable experience, as well as new impressions and friends. I thoroughly learned about German culture and lifestyle, but most importantly - the educational system. It is a pity that as of yet most schools in Latvia so not have such a highly developed career orientation program, which is also directly reflected in the country's economic situation.
 


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