German students experience life in the Mountain Area

Janine Horn

Frank Wilburg

Ricarda Hetze

by Courtney Reist

Currently on the campus of Yosemite High School, there are three foreign exchange students: Frank Wilburg, Ricarda Hetzel and Janine Horn.

All three of the students have come here from Germany, though from different areas.

Wilburg lived a small village called Kobbeln with a population of about 195 people. Wilburg says it's very different here because there are more people, but they are more spread out. For him, the school is also new because it's about twice the size of the high school he attended in Germany, and there are less than half the classes. While there are only seven periods at YHS, Wilburg states that he had 15 periods total in a block schedule. Wilburg is really enjoying his stay in America. Here, he is having the opportunity to participate in "American Football". On that topic he says "It's not so easy because I have to learn so many tactics, but I like to hit people!"

Hetzel is from Eilenburg, Germany. Her high school there was about 500 students, so she thinks this a very large school. She also says that school is a lot easier here. It's not as demanding. Another difference she noticed is that there are more extra-curricular activities such as clubs or sports. Hetzel is currently on the cross-country team.

Horn came to YHS from the Berlin area. She agrees that the schools are completely different. Classes are easier here, and teachers have more of an interest in students as people during class. Her favorite thing about YHS is that it's all new, and she wants to know everything about it. She is now involved with the Badger Art Gallery and enjoys that. Back in Germany she took dance lessons, and she hopes to be able to pick that up again here in America.

All three of the foreign exchange students say they love to talk to people. They are really enjoying their stay here in YHS and America, and hope that will not change. They are looking forward to experiencing all that the American life-style has to offer.