Fitchburg High School - Boulder Yearbook (Fitchburg, MA)

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SCHNAPPSCHUB A Glimpse of Germany IN DEUTSCHLAND The exchange program originated as a result of Spectro, a company located in the 'sister-cities' of Kleve, West Germany and Fitchburg, MA. This year was the programs trial run. Although there were some difficulties, it was considered to be a great success. Hopefully it will be continued in the future. Not many are given the opportunity to visit a foreign country and establish lasting friendships with people who otherwise would have been complete strangers. And for such an affordable price; $300 for three weeks in Germany. One stipulation, someone comes home with you for three weeks. Not a bad deal! In the beginning, I was somewhat nervous. I had traveled, but never out of my own country, and never with people I was hardly familiar with. Not to mention all of the controversy overseas involving terrorism. Meetings were held routinely in preparation for the trip. Soon those unfamiliar people became known as friends. As time went on more friendships were made and others strengthened. On July 17th, with a slight 7 hour plane delay, our plane was Germany bound. The flight was long (and for some an experience in itself!, but when landing time approached we were all in the windows eager to take in as much of our new home as possible. Even though we had been awake for roughly a day and we were t The Fitchburg Exchange Program to Kleve, Germany. From F.H.S. are Bonnie Stone, David Petley, Valerie Marble, Pam Herick, Sheila Daoust, Brenda West and Jill Marceau. - Take my picture! Exchange students on a hike through the Netherlands. arriving at 2:00 p.m. in the middle of their day. Arriving in Amsterdam airport (seven hours late) we found our German exchange partners just as tired as we were, waiting patiently with a yellow rose for each of us. Jet lag would soon set in! The trip included many exciting highlights as well as educational trips. In Germany we toured Kleve, the city in which we stayed, hiked through parts of the Netherlands, visited Amsterdam, shopped in Holland and Brussels, toured museums in Amsterdam, visited Government establishments in Bonn, and much more. At home we traveled to Boston, Maine, Cape Cod, Concord, New York, and we even toured Fitchburg! One of the things people asked me upon my return, Was it really different over there? Yes and no. I found the people to be very friendly. The highways are outrageous. How fast can your car go '?' that is your speed limit. The music is mostly in English for example Madonna and Rod Stewart. In Gennany their T.V. only receives three broadcasting stations, they view many American programs: Dynasty and Dallas. The Germans eat a lot of bread, and are typically very neat and organized. Many of the people smoke cigarettes. The discos are great and the parties are better. I guess you'll have to decide for yourself how different it was. For me, this exchange program was a terrific experience. I am greatly satisfied with the way I spent my summer vacation this year. To be honest, there were some points in the trip where I was completely frustrated and very homesick but I got over them. Looking back now at my trip I find nothing but happy memories. Thinking of the friends I've made and the times we've shared brings a smile to my face. Hopefully someday I will return. by Pam Herrick Student Life

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T Exchange students Robert Fluck and Roland Kolata look amused during the Senior Reception. — ■ Achim Von Armein and Arne Dicks are having fun during the sack race at the Senior Reception. Kleve to Fitchburg Since Fitchburg is the sister city to Kleve, Germany, F.H.S. became the school of five new exchange students. The newest members of the Junior Class, Claudia Hunck, Achim Von Armelin, Roland Kolata, Robert Fluck, and Arne Dicks. The Germans proved to be super students, taking some of the most rigorous academic courses, including Honors History and Advanced Math. Claudia enjoyed Mr. Bahde's English class, while the three boys preferred math class with Mr. Kalagher. Not only have the German Students spent their time in Fitchburg, but they have also visited other parts of the country. Claudia and Achim went to the Big E Fair in Springfield, while Robert and Roland toured New York City and the impressive mansions at Newport, Rhode Island. Roland also visited Philadelphia with his American Father. Adapting to the American culture was not too hard for our new friends. The Germans thought that there was not a language barrier — except, once in awhile the slang words confused them. Some of their American favorites included: peanutbutter, marshmallow, playing basketball, and the T.V. cartoon G.I. Joe. The exchange students believe that German and American teenagers are basically alike. A few of the major differences concern the education system. In Germany, each student takes 11 to 13 classes. School seems to be more formal there also. The relationship between the students and teachers is better here, because in the U.S. kids always make jokes with the teachers, confided Achim. Another surprising fact is that lunch is not served in the German schools — after the close of school at 1 20, the German students go home and eat. The German students some day hope to come back and visit the U.S. Claudia summed up how they all feel about America. I love America because its people were very nice. They always come up to you and talk to you, even if they don't know you. Hopefully, the Germans had a great time at F.H.S. and will look back on their trip with fond memories. Perhaps, as the Germans often say, the exchange student's visit will cement the bond between Kleve and Fitchburg. I One of the many tourist attractions seen in Brussels. 8 Student Life

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Since it was dark we had to use . . . t Stephanie Page and Sean O'Connell hop down the field in hopes of winning the sack race. — » Half the senior class pull with all their might during the Tug of War. 1 0 - ■ Student Life