Every two or so years, exchange students from Garbsen, Germany visit R.L. Turner. The exchange students stay with a host family, most likely a student taking German, for a week and a half. During their visit, the exchange students were practicing their foreign language skills and learning about the American culture. 

 

" I came to America to meet other people and learn about the culture," said Tabea Kasten, exchange student hosted by Evellin Santana.

 

Europeans have many assumptions about the U.S., and in turn U.S. citizens make many judgements about Europeans.  Many Germans believe that Americans are overweight and lazy, while Americans view Germans to be cold and unfriendly. 

 

"I thought Americans were going to be unhealthy, before I came here," said Tabea.

 

In America, the buildings are much bigger, there are more cars, more places, and a larger variety of restaurants. In Germany, everything is much more spread out. The Germans take a tour of Texas to get a glimpse of what American lifestyle has to offer. In Germany, schooling is much more formal, as compared to Turner where the classroom settings are often semi-casual.

 

"Everyone here is very friendly, and even a little crazy." said Tabea. 

 

The exchange student program is about sharing culture and meeting new people. During their stay, the German students become close friends with their hosts, and other American students. 

 

"It was fun, she told me a lot about Germany," said Evellin, Tabea's host student.

 

While Tabea was here, Evellin showed her Carrollton, the school, her hobbies, and even took Tabea to the State Fair of Texas. 

 

"I was fortunate enough that Tabea was interested in the things I liked to do," said Evellin.

 

Just when the exchange students started to get to know their hosts really well, they had to leave. The students had fun during their stay, but were ready to go back home. 

 

"Germany isn't as exciting as America." said Tabea. But the students were ready to be back with their families and their friends.