Student Perspective |
Parent Perspective |
Austin, 2013 Graduate, current Penn Huntsman scholar
When I first started taking German at GBS, it was essentially as an obligation, part of the Academy I would deal with to be able to do the other parts I was more excited about. But four years later and as a freshman in college I am still taking German, will spend 12 weeks in Germany this summer doing language classes and an internship, and will ultimately study abroad in Berlin next year in the second semester. So how did German turn into such a passion for me? I think there are many reasons. For one, it's a really cool language that lets you create words and that offers you ways of saying complex ideas in one single word (like Vergangenheitsbewältigung). Secondly, any language is deeply connected to its culture, with language as the best window into that culture. Well, German culture is awesome and rich, and by learning the language I learned more and more about the culture I now love. I look forward to being a part of it! Another important reason is that German at GBS was really a family...you get to know most everyone taking the language and interact with the best language teachers at GBS (seriously); whether bonding over trying to pronounce some crazy German word or singing Fliegerlied, German became to me much more than just a language. Finally, German has become deeply connected to my other interests, namely my passion for environmental sustainability (Germany is great for environmental anything). I never thought taking German would end up leading to my decision to join a specific academic program here at Penn and a desire to work and explore abroad, but German, "da steppt der Bär" (that's where it's happening). “The teachers are fun and there is a strong sense of camaraderie between all of the students. You make a lot of new friends.” “People take German with a genuine passion for learning German, which makes class that much greater.” “It is the class I look forward to the most because it is so interactive.” “You only need to apply the tiniest amount of effort and you will excel. It is really easy!” “It is really fun; we do a lot of hands-on activities and it’s spontaneous” “It really connects to the things I have learned in other classes, like AP Euro, but also subjects like Chemistry and Math!” “It has allowed me to have fluent conversations with Germans in Germany” “Taking German has given me a unique edge that most people don’t have” “It opened doors for me in areas where I never expected, like international business.” “And girls – it really isn’t an aggressive language unless you make it one! It can be very eloquent and beautiful, too!” |
Family Frank
The GBS German language program has enriched our entire family. As both of our sons progressed through the program, they used the language at home, teaching and encouraging us to use the language as well. Our younger son participated in the German American exchange program and is now planning to study abroad in a Germanic country during college. Family Leinbach Our daughter took 4 years of German at GBS - culminating in AP German her senior year. It was a FANTASTIC language experience for Laura. Laura participated on the German Exchange trip and we hosted a German student in our home, as well. This exchange was one of the top highlights of Laura's high school total experience. The cultural and language learning combined with the personal friendships that she made during the exchange are things that have carried over into Laura's daily life now. We would highly recommend taking German at GBS! Family Bate As a parent, I would whole heartedly encourage my child to take German class at GBS. My son took German for all four years of his high school career and thoroughly enjoyed the close bond between his fellow students and teacher. The friendly setting of German class, combined with serious learning, was always welcomed by my son and myself. German was not just a class, but rather an experience both my son and I truly enjoyed. There are many opportunities for parental support and involvement outside the classroom. The class used a variety of different settings and materials to learn the language, such as textbooks, internet resources, films, music, blogs, fieldtrips and books. Such resources immerse you within the German language and culture. German had great practical application for my son, who was able to use his German while traveling abroad. Without the outstanding support, guidance and charisma of the teachers, all of the experiences of taking German at GBS could not have happened. Family Petersen: Our 2 daughters took a combined 8 years of German at GBS and each participated in the GAPP program. German was easily one of their favorite classes, if not THE favorite. It was a place to learn, be encouraged and stimulated, and think outside the box. By their last years they were not allowed to speak English in the classroom - something that seemed intimidating but was a much appreciated challenge. Each spent a few weeks in Germany and had the privilege sharing their GBS experience here with their visiting German exchange student for a time; they still count their exchange student among their good friends. They maintain a close friendship with the GBS German teacher, who has always been a mentor, encourager, and "Schwester". Family Burke: "We are about to send our third child on the German Exchange Program-which speaks volumes! It has most definitely been a pinnacle point in our children's high school career. Frau Fraser is fully invested from the heart and gives the group opportunities to create memories of a lifetime. Each one of our children came back with markedly improved German skills, an appreciation for the culture and were bitten by the bug wanting MORE! " |