Not long after the final bell rang at Whitewater High signaling the start of summer break, student Patrick Neuner was on a plane headed for Germany where he would spend most of his break in the classroom, but this tine as the teacher.
Back in 2013, Neuner participated in Whitewater High’s German American Partnership Program that is sponsored by German teacher Patrick Wallace. Through the dual exchange experience, Neuner developed strong relationships with students and teachers at the Gymnasium Oschersleben in Saxony-Anhalt Germany. It was those teachers who extended an invitation to Neuner to assist in teaching English at the school.
Neuner says he was amazed at how well the students spoke English, being that most of their parents had not been taught English growing up due to Oschersleben being part of what used to be East Germany.
“Anyone who has attempted to learn a foreign language understands the need for conversational practice that can only come from speaking to someone who has a solid level of proficiency in the language. I was astounded to witness just how well these students, as young as fifth grade, could speak English,” he noted.
Curious about America, Neuner says students bombarded him with questions pertaining to current social topics and political issues that were breaking back at home. Through the discussions he had with students on American culture and way of life, Neuner says he gained a newfound perspective and appreciation for his country.
“I received questions on basically every topic about America that one could imagine. Many were eager just to hear about the different people, places, and things that make America special. I feel as though I learned just as much about America as I did about Germany while being fully immersed in the German culture and language” he said.
Not all days were spent in the classroom. Neuner visited with host families who welcomed him into their homes, and took him around Germany to see the sights, and experience the culture through food and conversation. He says these experiences were some of the most rewarding moments of his life.
“Every person I encountered was kind, welcoming, and giving. After this trip, I feel like I am truly a member of the families I was so fortunate to live with this summer. Germany no longer feels like a distant place across the Atlantic, but rather like a second home that I miss every moment I am away from it.”
