24 days. 17 hosts. 20 exchange students. For three weeks in March, Rouse and Vista Ridge students served as hosts for German exchange students as part of the German American Partnership Program. As part of the program, German students attended classes, gave presentations about various topics, visited Dallas and San Antonio and attended hockey and basketball games.

“It was really eye opening to see how different the culture was,” sophomore Katrina Bolin said. “You think it would, but not that different. It was like being in a whole other world.”

At school, the exchange students gave presentations in English classes, over various topics including schools, what teenagers do on weekends and food.

“I thought they were fantastic,” German teacher William Johnson said. “It’s good for students to have the opportunity to learn about other cultures. It’s much better than hearing it from a teacher.”

The hosts had the opportunity to show the exchange students a little bit of American culture. They visited the Austin Rodeo, went to a Stars hockey game, stayed for a weekend in Dallas and went to a Mavericks basketball game, getting the opportunity to talk to Mavericks forward, Dirk Nowitzki.

“I enjoyed it,” junior Sophia Schwab said. “They now understand the meaning of everything is bigger in Texas and they agree. It’s important for them to be exposed to a new culture and I felt good knowing they enjoyed it.”

As part of the program the Rouse and Vista Ridge students will travel to and stay in Kitzingen, Germany for 24 days in June. Students in Germany will take tours around the city, visit Berlin and check out several museums.

“I’m really excited,” Bolin said. “Germany just seems so cool and the Germans are really fun. It’s a good way to strengthen my German.”