German Exchange Student Reflection.
Hello, we are Carolina, Liv, and Lea, and we are exchange students from Germany; to be exact: Cologne, Freiburg, and Berlin. We are here with the SAGSE (Society for Australian German Student Exchange), an organisation that offered us the opportunity to live in Australia for three months. Our exchange partners are Lucy D (11D), Jahziel S (11D), and Ava L (11G), who welcomed us into their families.
When we think back to our first day of school, we all remember how nervous the three of us were, not knowing how everything works at our new school. But within the first few minutes, we noticed how welcoming and friendly everyone was, so the nervousness was soon gone.
We got to pick our own subjects, having to choose between some that do not even exist in Germany, like Legal Studies. It’s great that students in Australia can try out so many new things and really explore their interests to find something fitting.
One of the biggest differences for us was the school uniform. In Germany, students wear their own clothes, so it felt a bit strange at first to wear a blazer or tie, but we liked the green jumper a lot. And after a few days, we got used to it, as it makes mornings easier and gives the school a strong sense of identity.
Another big difference is the way students and teachers interact. In Germany, the relationship is more formal, and we always must use polite language. Here at Mac.Rob, teachers are very open and talk to students in a personal way, which made it much easier for us to ask questions and join discussions in class.
What we really enjoyed was how much happens outside the classroom. There are events, like the Model UN Conference (which was one of our favourite experiences here), as well as clubs and competitions that make the school day more fun and help students connect with each other. It feels like school is not only about learning, but also about being part of a community.
One of the things that certainly makes Mac.Rob stand out is this strong sense of community. From the first day, all the students were open, approachable, and willing to help - whether it was about assisting us find our way around the school, joining a group project, or inviting us to eat lunch.
This exchange has been an unforgettable experience. We’ve learned a lot, improved our English, and made great memories. School in Australia is different, but in a very good way - and we’re grateful we got the chance to be here.
Carolina Eickhoff, Liv Krieger & Lea Krause
SAGSE Exchange Students