15 students from Lakeshore High School are back home after taking part in an exchange program in Germany. Speaking to the board of education Monday, students talked about their experience learning about the German educational system and culture.
“One can factually understand that there are seven billion people in the world, all from culturally diverse backgrounds who speak thousands of different languages, but until one steps outside of their black and white box and experiences this, they can’t truly understand the diverse scope of the world.”
The students said they were treated with warmth and hospitality by their hosts in homes, and saw widespread displays of support for Ukraine.
“Around every corner, no matter what town or city, small village, rural area you were in, you saw blue and yellow flags waving outside of homes, government buildings, restaurants, anything you could think of in support of Ukraine and their current situation. There were demonstrations in city centers, in the major cities and even some of the smallest ones.”
Students said they gained an appreciation for the scope of cultures around the world. As part of the trip, the students toured a Nazi concentration camp and said they learned how Germany is up front about past atrocities to ensure they aren’t repeated. Lakeshore Board of Education President Jason Beckrow said it was wonderful to be able to give the students the experience after two years of tough times for everyone.
