It's part of the German Department's GAPP (German-American Partnership Program) exchange program. It's a two-way homestay exchange and takes place every two years.
The primary goal of GAPP is to integrate students into everyday life with host families and into the classroom activities of host schools to foster an understanding of both German and American cultures.
RIHS students had the opportunity to visit the city of Rottenburg am Neckar in June and then German students will come to Rock Island in the fall.
During the student's trip over the summer, they stayed in Munich for three nights, visited Neuschwanstein castle, and stayed in Rottengurh for two in a half weeks where the students stayed with host families and went to school.
Highlights of the trip include touring the German capitol building, exploring the history of the Berlin wall, making their own chocolate bars at the Ritter Sport factory, making pretzels in a German bakery, and visiting Lake Constance, and Stuggart. At the end of the trip, students stayed in Berlin for three nights.
"It's one thing for students to read and learn about a different country but to actually go there and experience it first hand is a once and a lifetime experience," said RIHS German teacher Nick Eli.
The high school is looking for any Rock Island High School families to host students in the fall. The German students will be here from October 16th to November 3rd.
If you're interested in hosting a German student please reach out to Nick Eli at [email protected]
