Bobby Spicer’s Unforgettable Exchange Experience in Germany
As part of WAGBA’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Western Australia and Germany, the association proudly supports education programs such as the student exchange program hosted by SAGSE. Through this initiative, students’ families are given the incredible opportunity to host a German student here in Perth, and later immerse themselves in German culture, live with host families, and experience life abroad firsthand. One such student, Bobby, had the privilege of participating in such an enriching exchange. Bobby was kind enough to write a thank you letter, as he shares his unforgettable experience in Germany, from navigating a new school system and embracing festive traditions to skiing in the Austrian Alps and indulging in iconic German cuisine.
"My Time in Germany"
I am Bobby, and I would like to personally thank my Sponsors, the Western Australian German Business Association (WAGBA) for allowing me to have a perfect time in Germany. I stayed with a wonderful family in Kassel, about as central Germany as you get, with my host brother Jan.
Landing on that first day in Germany was a bit underwhelming as I came expecting freezing cold weather and lots of snow, but it was 15 degrees. But not too long afterwards could I experience the German cold as the temperatures quickly plummeted down to 0 degrees. Sadly, no snow.
Going to school on my first day was an experience that I’ll never have again, being that new face and meeting so many new people. Who only spoke German. It took a while for me to get used to all the German, but I quickly adapted, remembering all the painful lessons that I learnt back home. One week in and I was getting into a routine, going to school everyday learning more and more German, making friends, learning the school system and navigating a new family at home, in Kassel. Did you know that in most schools in Germany that more than 50% of their grade comes from class participation.
I made many new friends in Kassel, many of whom I would now call close friends.
Bobby (left) and Jan (right)
Almost every weekend in the first 4 weeks I was off going to Christmas markets, regional days with the exchange program, or visiting all the family before Christmas. The regional days I went to with Jan were good fun. We went to Hamburg, Cologne and Kassel regional days all in the first 4 weeks of arriving in Germany. The best of which was obviously in Kassel where we saw the famous Kassel Berg Park and the amazing Märchen Christmas market, and the flying Santa Claus flying over the Christmas market while enjoying the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted. It was really good.
Trying all the iconic German cuisine at the Christmas markets was definitely an experience everyone should try. From Germknoedel to gebrannte Mandeln to a half a meter Bratwurst hot dog. All very tasty. But most of all Schmalzkuchen was the best of all. A soft pillowy dough with a dusting of icing sugar on top. Nothing gets better.
Christmas time was a bit confusing. Normally I have things to do around the house when it comes to Christmas time but in Germany, I had nothing to do. And then I made myself look good for church and then we went to church on the Saturday afternoon. It was a simple and short service. Coming home to German tradition was very strange. We start off the evening by reading some short Christmas stories while eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate. Then we head downstairs to meet the Christmas miracle of a ton of presents under the tree. We immediately get into a routine of opening presents, enjoying the time and joy on everyone’s faces. Then we take a halftime break to eat dinner. Which is a raclette, where you cook your own food on this mini grill with cheeses, meat and potato. Very traditional I was told. After dinner we finish opening the presents and then head to bed. Very different Christmas experience than one would have in Australia.
New Year’s Eve came shortly after, or as the Germans call it, Silvester. This was a big day. From playing games in the morning to going out to parties in the evening. Then experiencing the Germans celebrate New Year’s Day after you celebrated with home 7 hours ago. Very strange. But as the clock was ticking closer and closer to 12am you could hear the ramping up of fireworks all over the city. Some fireworks started a day early, but you could hear the most as it passed 12am. A barrage of fireworks went off at that time. We set off some of our own fireworks as well. And ate 12 grapes for luck. A Spanish tradition, I was told.
By far the best time I had on my exchange was skiing. We went on a school trip into Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria to go skiing. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Going from being unable to put skis on day 1, into become a half decent skier by the end of the trip on day 5.5. That feeling of pure speed and adrenaline when you go quickly is one of the best feelings one can get from sport. But then you also make mistakes and fall down into snow. Mostly soft. Sometimes sore. And every day for lunch I was able to eat one of my favourite foods, Käsespätzle. Easily worth it.
Finally, I want to say a massive thankyou to the WA German Australian Business association for Sponsoring me to have an amazing trip into Germany. Allowing me to experience many new sports and foods, but also the culture and German architecture. Allowing me to see snow for the first time ever. I am now home, and I hope to help other students excel in this exchange just like I have.
Thank you to Bobby Spicer for his heartfelt letter detailing his experience in Germany. As WAGBA Secretary Ian Laws replied, “[It] is great to see the development and enjoyment the SAGSE exchange brings to the young people with interest in Germany language and culture. Along with seeing new places and experiencing life, schooling, and living in another country is something Bobby will take with him as his life experiences evolve. Well done Bobby, and keep up the German connection”. All the best to Bobby Spicer in his future endeavours, and keep up the German connection indeed!
