Hello Germany!
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Nachdem wir im Januar eine Austauschschülerin aus Peru in der Klosterschule begrüßen konnten, freuten wir uns auf unseren nächsten Gast: Emma aus Durban/Südafrika. Lest hier, welche Eindrücke sie mit nach Hause nimmt.
My time in Germany has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What I’m taking home with me is invaluable: memories, new friendships, a few German words, and of course — lots of souvenirs that vendors in Berlin sold me at prices higher than your Autobahn speed limit (which, to be fair, doesn’t even exist).
There are a lot of differences between South Africa and Germany, but the most obvious ones are: you speak a lot of German, and it’s pretty cold here. We also drive on the left side of the road (I had to throw something about cars in — I know how much you love them). The food, transport, and culture are totally different too. Döners, ice cream with all the toppings, pork schnitzel, Spezi, Brötchen, Milka — most of these are rare back home (though I’m taking a lot of chocolate with me, and I’ll definitely be looking for a German restaurant when I get back).
We also don’t really use public transport. Trains and buses just aren’t common or that safe, so I rely on my parents to drive me everywhere. A lot of you are probably thinking, “My parents would never do that.” Trust me — mine don’t want to either.
South Africa also doesn’t have that deep, European historical feel that makes Germany so special. Getting to go to school in a building that’s almost 500 years old? Unheard of in South Africa.
Despite all these differences, there are some things we do have in common — like a shared love of sport (for you it’s soccer, for us it’s rugby).
I’ve learned so much during my exchange:
That in Germany, recycling is practically a national sport. That shoes come off the second you step indoors. That Mrs Hartwell takes the BLF English exam very seriously – and that Mrs Spenner takes dancing in sport even more seriously. I even watched a strip show during Abi prank week.
I’ve learned how to be independent, how to get by with a mix of Duolingo and Google Translate, and how to miss a train — because German buses and trains wait for no one. I’ve even learned to appreciate good Schlager.
And maybe most importantly, I’ve learnt the value of exchange and how a host family can go from being strangers to feeling like home. Mine made this experience what it was and their kindness, support and generosity have meant more to me than they probably realise.
The big memories they gave me will stick with me forever — riding roller coasters in Leipzig, sightseeing in Berlin, meeting new people at the Spring Ball, painting Easter eggs, experiencing German festivals, appreciating Weimar, and visiting the old town in Dresden.
But I think I’ll miss the small things the most:
Eating Brötchen for breakfast, walking home after school, closing the blinds with a remote, going to the shops for lunch, seeing yellow fields and cherry trees — and of course, the people. For that, I have KSR, my incredible friends, and especially my host family to thank.
The kindness everyone has shown me has been unmatched, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I hope to see you all in South Africa someday (we’ve got lions and a really nice ocean, by the way).
Thank you for everything. Tschüss!
