Impressions of Germany

Make Me a European

Impressions of Germany May 4th-10th, 2017

Impressions of the week in Germany 4th to 10th of May 2017 Still can’t believe that the meeting is already over. This week showed so many important things to me: Friends are not always those who are with you all the times. Friends can also be people from all over the world; so from Croatia, Cyprus, Italy or Poland for example!

We learned many new things about getting along together very well, practiced to talk in a foreign language to others and also what it means to be, for example, in the European Union.

When we got free time we wanted to show our friends what it means to be and live in Germany, so what did we show them? Brandenburg Gate, lots of museums, the Europe Direct Center in Erfurt, how to make pencils in Nuremberg, the dome of the Reichstag in Berlin and lots of other interesting places you should know and probably visit.

In my opinion an exchange is the best thing that can happen to you! Those who have never done this can’t imagine how great it is. For me, it was better than travelling somewhere else on my own.  All in all I’m looking back to a fantastic week with lots of fun, many new friends, meeting old friends again and also learning something for myself. I’m happy and sad at the same time while thinking back, but I’m sure, THIS IS NOT THE END and we will meet again very soon!

Greetings from Germany Marie

Trip to Germany

by Laura from Croatia On the first day we visited Berlin, where we met our host students. We were walking around the city center and we had a great tour in the Reichstag building. After that we got on the bus and went on a tour around the city and we saw all the important monuments. Than we arrived at the hostel where we spent the night. In the morning we listened to a presentation in the European Commission. It was about European Union. After that we had some free time to visit some other places before we drove off to Hildburghausen. We came to Marie's home where I met Marie's mum and dad. On the next day we went to Mini-a-Thur, for a toboggan run adventure and then to the Viba chocolate factory. I had a great time there because we were provided with an opportunity to make praline on our own and of course to eat different kind of chocolate ď Š. Marie and I later went to her cousin's confirmation. I met her big family, they were super nice and I enjoyed the whole evening.

On Sunday we had a family day. That was a really nice and relaxing day for my host family and me. We finally had some more time to talk and just hang out with each other. I was so surprised when Marie said that we were going to play tennis that day, because she knew that I am into sport, especially into tennis, so that was really nice of her. We went to a sports hall and it was so great. That was exactly what I needed after chocolate factory :'D. That day was really special for me, because I met Marie's close family and I found out more about them and some German culture, customs and food :). On the following day, Monday, we were at school where I attended a biology class. After that we went on a little trip to Erfurt.

There we listened to a talk about how to study and get a job in ThĂźringia. At the end of the program we went on a city tour with a very interesting and entertaining guide. We learnt how people lived in the past in Erfurt, what they were doing for a living, how they made beer, about their culture, arhitecture and lot more. On Tuesday we had another nice day at their school. First we all had art and we we decorated some bags on the theme of Europe. We had such a great time, we worked together and we did a really great job. I think that the theme was excellent because that is a great way to enhance tolerance, respect, connection with other countries and just to share positive thoughts. We continued in that direction, first with an excellent choir that performed for us and then we saw videos from all the partner countries which was really nice and emotional. Then a little celebration started, we sang together, the hosts made

some tasty food, we took some pictures and just enjoyed at the moment. :) So, the last day came... We needed to say goodbye to our host family and that was a really hard and emotional moment for us...

Then we needed to go to Nuremberg where we had a tour through Faber Castell and a workshop. At the very last end we had some free time with our host students. Absolutely the hardest moment was when we needed to go... We all bonded with each other and I think that we made some great friendships! I spent such a great time there, thanks to all the hosts, teachers and especially to my host student, Marie!

This was excellent experience for me and I am really happy that I had a chance to be part of this great project and to meet such a wonderful people! See you soon! :)

Expression on Germany

by Petra from Croatia

We went on Erasmus student exchange programme 2 weeks ago. I was staying at Michelle's house. Her family was trying really hard to make me feel like I'm at home; although her parents don't drink coffee, they would make one every morning for me. Our days were filled with lots of different activities. The most favourite one we did was on Sunday, on family day when we went to the Adrenalin Park. I have never done it before so it was a new experience for me. We were climbing and at once it started to rain. Everybody went inside and we were the only ones who stayed outside. We were soaked. Here are some pictures from that day!

Another great day was when we went to Erfurt. It's a capital city of the province of Thuringia. Beautiful city. You can feel its rich history in the air. Also, when you're walking through the city, you have a feeling like you're a vistor from the future who came to the past. Since I'm interesed in arhitecture, the St. Severi church has locked my heart.

Another great experience I had was in Viba, the chocolate factory. I had been in a chocolate factory in Graz before, but we didn't make our own box of chocolates as we did in Viba. We got our protective suits and started decorating.

To sum up, it was a great experience. I had the opportunity to learn about Germany from another perspective, German's perspective. But it was even more wonderful because there were people from other European countries. Now, I can tell that I have international friends from Cyprus, Poland, Italy and Germany.

ERASMUS + - Meeting in Germany

by Koulla Kyriacou from Cyprus

Despite the fact that it was my first participation in an Erasmus + mobility I have to admit that I had a great and a unique experience.

Germany is a beautiful country full of rich culture and tradition. I was really impressed visiting its capital city Berlin which is the home of the Berlin Wall- the city was once home to two different countries. Today east and west Berlin are architecturally and culturally distinct.

I had the great opportunity to visit fascinating places such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. I tasted the local food and saw how the local people live.

Being to another European country and meeting colleagues from different European countries was also interesting. It was great to spend time with them, share experience, learn about other educational systems, culture and lifestyles. Sharing opinions on many issues and our beliefs I understood that despite our cultural differences we all have common expectations, ambitions, dreams and hope for a better future. Our meeting in Germany was very well organized, our hosts were friendly, helpful and warm.

Time passes but memories don’t. Memories are stuck in our minds.

My Erasmus + experience was just great. At this point I want thank everyone who contributed in having my best experience in my life.

With much love and a big THANK YOU!

Impressions from Germany

by Jana from Croatia This trip to Germany started with our visit to Berlin. When we first got there we left our bags at the train station and started exploring the city. First thing we saw was Reichstag, it is German parliament and from its top we saw the whole city. Next thing we saw, where we also met our hosts, was Brandenburg Gate which was one of the things I liked the most in Berlin and which is a famous landmark of Berlin. Next day in Berlin we had a very interesting presentation about European parliament. After that we were on our way to Hildburghausen, a village where our partner school is located. Next day we went to school in the morning and after that we visited a Chocolate factory „Viba“ and made our own chocolate which was a lot of fun. On Sunday we had a family day and my host took me hiking and at the top of the mountain we saw beautiful villages nearby. On Monday we went to Erfurt and had a tour which was really interesting and the tour guide was really good at explaining the history of the city. On our last day we went to Nurnberg where we had some free time, we also had to say goodbye to our hosts there and leave Germany. I had a lot of fun there and also learned a bit more about Germany about people there and language. The thing I liked the most was our time spent in Berlin. Also I learned a bit about the German culture and got to experience it which is a really great thing and an unforgettable memory.

Impressions of Germany

by Josip from Croatia

During the 6 days at the begining of May (04.05.-10.05.2017) I took part in a student exchange program. The exchange program took place in Germany. On the first day we stayed in Berlin and we visited a few historic landmarks as well as the EU information center.

We learned a lot about how the EU works. We were very excited that we were in Berlin but sad that we had to leave soon. After the EU information center we headed for Hildburghausen where we would meet our host families. My newly aquired friend Leonidas and I were nervous to meet our host family. We had fun every single day. But as they say, time flies when you're having fun and before we knew it we were saying goodbye to each other. In the morning we said goodbye to the Jankowski family and headed for the train station were Leonidas was to depart from. We said goodbye and left for the parking lot were the rest of the students were leaving from. I said my goodbyes to Esther and climbed on the bus. The whole experience was unforgettable and I'm happy that I've made some new great friends.

Germany, the country of impressive history

by Eleni Santi from Cyprus It was a unique experience where we had the chance to discover the rich history of this country, to meet people from other countries and to learn about their lifestyles and culture.

Also, we had the great opportunity to meet great students and teachers from other countries and of course to learn about their educational systems, history, customs and culture. We had the chance to compare and explore the similarities and the differences between the different educational systems.

Furthermore, it was a great chance for the students to come closer to each other through their daily and direct contact. This gave them the chance to explore elements and attributes of their respective cultures and lifestyles.

As a concept, travelling to other European countries and spending time with colleagues from schools around the continent, is just extraordinary! I hopefully realized that our differences are overpowered by our similarities. On May 4th , teachers and students from five countries have been met at Brandenburg gate in Berlin for the first time. By the 10th day of May however, we were so closed to each other! We became a group of European teachers and students who shared their time, experiences, preferences, knowledge it was

just a need to connect and identify with each other. First a bit reluctant but gradually, even the most timid ones mingled with the group and started to develop their communication skills expressing themselves in a language that was foreign to all.

Finally, I could not ignore to mention the great organization of this mobility as well as hospitality our hosts have so generously demonstrated.

Meeting in Germany - host report

by Franz from Germany Friendship means understanding, not agreement…

It means forgiveness, not forgetting…

It means the memories last, even if contact is lost…

I want to go a second time on memory lane to give an impression of the meeting in Germany when I was the host…

All began on the 4th of May, when we went to Berlin to see all the students from Italy, Poland, Croatia and Cyprus.

For some of us Germans, it was the first time we saw our guests; but for some it was such an emotional reunion with their hosts of the other countries. It was time to see my guest student Giannis at the Brandenburg gate. I knew him since I was in Cyprus - he was also often going out with us and his Croatian boy.

We couldn’t talk that much because our programme was tight and the time was running so fast. At the hotel we talked a lot. We stayed on a hotel room with Leonidas, also a Cypriot boy and Josip, a Croatian guy. The second day at Berlin ran also so fast and we forgot the time. The days went like hours…

On Saturday we were at Viba, a Thuringian chocolate factory, and the Mini-a-Thür-museum with a summer toboggan run - it was a sunny day, so we were eating ice cream and took a lot of selfies…

Sunday was the day we stayed at the villages. I was hiking with Emily and our guests to the top of the “Kleiner Gleichberg”, a small only at least 600-m-high hill next to my village. At the top we explained Jana, Emily`s exchange student from Croatia, and Giannis something about Celtic History and the ruin of the castle out of stones (“Steinsburg”) there. We were also eating some cake baked by my mother and relaxed while enjoying the great view. After that we went to Gleicherwiesen, Emily`s home village; there we practiced the dances for “Kirmes”, a festival, which is celebrated during summer and autumn on every weekend in another village.

On the other day we were at the capital of Thuringia, where we had a guided tour, a meeting at the Europe Information centre, and much of free time! On Tuesday we had an Art workshop first and then we went hiking through Hildburghausen, the town where our school is. In the afternoon was our closing ceremony and we were entertained by the school choir…

Then we had lunch with original “Thüringer Rostbratwurst” and some other food made by

the hosts. In the evening we went to Emily where we celebrated the birthday of Leonidas with the other Cypriots and the Croatians…

The next day was the day we had to say goodbye, fortunately we got the train for the Cypriots. It was another heart breakable goodbye in my life, I will miss all of the Cypriots and hope to see them again soon… Then we went with the others to Nuremberg, where we had also a heart breakable goodbye with the Croatians.

I am proud of getting so many impressions of other people and to be a part of the exchange programme; so I hope many others can join to get to know others and make friends in the EU, especially to spread the European thought…

Impressions from visit in Germany 04/05/2017-10/05/2017

by Ionnis from Cyprus

Through the Erasmus program I have gained probably one of the best experiences of my life.

I had the opportunity to meet some amazing people with whom we exchanged ideas and emotions. At first i had the opportunity to host a wonderful person from Croatia. In the beginning we were both very shy but when we started talking we discovered that we had lots of things in common. Throughout the time we had spent together we got really close to each other and it was really hard when our roads got separated. Although we are apart I will forever keep all the wonderful memories we spend in Cyprus together in my mind.

Later on it was our turn to be hosted to Germany. Fortunately I had the opportunity to meet my host in Cyprus and we became really good friends so I wasn’t so worried. When we finally arrived at berlin we met with our hosts and then we had a wonderful sightseeing tour through the city of Berlin. At night we overslept in a hostel where we had the opportunity to get to know each other better and we had plenty of fun. The next morning we set off to meet with our hosts’ family. They were really friendly and they made me feel very welcome.

Throughout my stay there I had plenty of wonderful experiences but my favorite one was the tour in the park with the miniatures of the sights and the toboggan run. Finally at our last day together my friend from Cyprus had his birthday and a girl from Germany had the kindness to invite everyone to her house celebrate his birthday. The next morning we said farewell and we began our trip back home Erasmus program is undoubtedly one of the best things that happened in my life. I gained so many experiences and made so many new good friends. Furthermore I had the opportunity to learn about other people’s cultures and traditions as well as learn more about their way of life. I strongly recommend to everyone to take part in programs like that which promote globalization.

Our meeting in Germany

by Natalia from Poland Our trip started in Warsaw. We got into the train and travelled more than 5 hours to Germany.

When we arrived to Berlin we left our luggage at the train station and went to the Brandenburg Gate.

There we met other students from Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Italy and Germany. Teachers took photos of our group and we went to the Reichstag - the German Parliament.

Later we had dinner with our foreign friends and went back to the station to pick up our bags. Then we took a short bus tour around the center of Berlin and headed towards the A&O Hotel.

Next day we woke up at around 7 a.m. and had a tasty breakfast. In the morning we visited the European Union Center. We learned there about how the EU is organized and managed. Later we had a short break during which I had a meal and did some small shopping. Then we boarded our bus and took a long trip towards Hildburghausen in Thuryngia. In the evening I was picked up by my host family and we drove to Icehausen where they lived. I had a really warm welcome.

The next day I went to school with my friend Vivi. All the international guests were welcome by the school Headmaster and we were given small souvenirs. Then we were divided into small groups and took a tour around the school. After that we were taken to a Miniature Park “ Mini-a-tür”. Our task was to work in groups and take ten selfie photos with other group members and various miniature buildings. After that we went to mountain rollercoaster and had fun running downhill on tobogan sleds. Finally we visited a Viba chocolate factory where we had chance to make our own chocolates and lollipops.

The next day was Sunday. I spent it all with Vivi and her family. We went to a ropes course. It was a lot of fun, but when it started to rain hard we went back home. We had a nice dinner. I met other family members. It occurred that Vivi’s uncle works in Wrocław and speaks Polish.

On Monday, we took a trip to Erfurt. It was a busy day. We visited an European Union Information Center where we had lessons about European Union. In the afternoon we went to a restaurant where we were tasting typical German food. After that we had a delicious icecream. Later we had a guided tour around the town, we went to a coffee shop to try German bretzels and did some shopping.

On Tuesday we went to school again. First we had an art lesson where we prepared bags with a “Make me European” logo. Then we had a geocaching challenge. We were searching for a hidden treasure. It occurred to be a box with sweets and small souvenirs. In the afternoon there was an official farewell ceremony. In the evening we had also our unofficial party. We went bowling with our German friends.

On Wednesday we left Hildburghausen and took a bus to Nuremberg. Most of the day we did sightseeing. In the afternoon we said good bye to the Italian group and went to visit the Faber-Castell crayons factory. I am very fond of drawing, so it was an unforgettable experience for me. It was already too late to take a train to Warsaw, so the night we spent in a hotel.

The next day we took a train to Berlin, and then the next one to Warsaw. We arrived home late in the evening.

Meeting in Germany

by Nina from Poland

I was in Germany many times but this time in May was the best.

Before I met my host family, I was very nervous but when met Franzi I realized from the first minute that we will have a great time together. She is very nice and positive person. I really like her. She is two years older than me but it wasn’t matter for her.

Her mother and father – they were very friendly. Every day we (I and her whole family) were playing cards. It was very funny, because I didn’t know rules so they had to correct me all the time.

Franzi’s friends were also great. Some of them hosted other Polish students. I really liked Theresa, too.

Village where I was living was beautiful. It was like a fairy tale – green hills and small river in forest. Normally I live in Warsaw so views like that were fantastic.

I also met a lot of nice people from other countries. For example, I really liked people from Italy. They were funny and all the time I spent with was laughing.

Franzi study in a very big school. It’s beautiful, modern and huge building was great.

I visited beautiful places like Erfurt or Nuremberg. I ate a lot of regional, dishes like Thüringen sausages.

Summing up, I spend this time very good. I will always remember this week. To be honest, I was crying when it was time to say “goodbye”. I told my host family, that when they are in Warsaw I will, with big, big pleasure, meet them and be their guide. See you then 

My impressions

by Julia from Poland

The trip to Germany was awesome. I met many kind people. I visited historical places in Berlin and in Thuringia.

We left Warsaw on the 4th of May. Our trip by train took us 5, 5 hours. Berlin was the first city we visited. We saw Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag and we had a bus trip. Then we slept in a hostel. The next day we travelled by bus to Hildburghausen.

On the 6th of May we went to a Mini-a-thür in Ruhla. There was an amazing roller coaster. Then we rode by bus to the chocolate factory Viba. They make delicious chocolate there. But the best thing there was that we could make our own chocolate lollipops and pralines! I think that was one of the best things on that trip.

The next few days we were visiting museums and other places. On the 10 th of May all Polish students and their host students went to the bowling “arena”. It was the last day in Hildburghausen. On the next day we went to Nuremberg where we visited a factory FaberCastell. It was really nice. On the 11th of May we went back to Warsaw.

I really liked that trip. It was amazing. I didn’t know Germany is such a beautiful country. I wish I could go there again.

THE BEST TRIP 

by Magda from Poland

It was the best trip in my life!

I visited beautiful castles and other import art monuments. In Berlin I saw the Brandenburg Gate.

Going around Thuringia by coach I saw the most beautiul views in my life. In this region I ate tasty sausages and the most delicious nougat in the world.

I took part in a Tobogan run. It was really exciting and fantastic.

But what is the most important, I met a lof of new friends. We spent fantastic days together, playing games, chatting and smiling . I like you all. I hope we will meet together one day in the future. I miss ! See you!

MY IMPRESSIONS ABOUT THE TRIP IN GERMANY

by Sofia from Italy I THINK THAT THIS EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN VERY INTERESTING AND HELPFUL TO LEARN ENGLISH BUT ALSO TO LEARN HOW TO STAY IN THE WORLD, HOW TO LIVE WITH OTHER PEOPLE with DIFFERENT CULTURE AND DIFFERENT LIFE styles I REALLY LIKED THIS TRIP AND I HAD A LOT OF FUN.

I HOPE TO SEE AGAIN THE GERMAN GIRLS WITH whom I HAVE developed A FRIENDSHIP BECAUSE EVEN IF I STAYED WITH THEM ONLY FOR A WEEK, I KNOW I WILL MISS THEM, BECAUSE I HAVE GROWN FOnd of them

Impressions from visit in Germany

by Leonidas from Cyprus The Erasmus program was a unique and unforgettable experience where I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different countries. Furthermore I was able to learn more about other people’s cultures and civilization.

At the beginning I hosted a wonderful boy from Poland. We had discussions about different subject, about our interest and our worries. During the week we visited different places of our beautiful island, but the thing I will never forget are parties that we had all together.

Unfortunately the time had come to say our farewell to everyone and no one could hold their tears. How could we? We all had become such good friends. I will forever remember them for the memories we share together are unforgettable.

Soon after that it was our turn to be hosted to Germany. When I finally realized that the time had come I was thrilled because this trip was like a dream come true to me. When we arrived at Berlin we met our hosts and with the rest of the participants. After that we wondered in Berlin which I personally believe is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I was hosted by Esther who was very good and very friendly with me. Also her brother hosted a boy from Croatia and we had some wonderful time all together. In addition her parents welcomed me and made me feel like home.

It was a free day, so everyone had fun with the host families.

Font and size of the Italian contribution differ from the other articles as the entry consists of screenshots of a presentation handed in as pdf.