From Windhoek to Bavaria: Bruys' foreign exchange journey
A challenging and rewarding experience
Bruys spent six weeks at Landheim Ammersee in Germany, immersing himself in a new culture and gaining valuable life skills.
Lyle Bruys recently returned from a transformative Round Square exchange programme in Germany. The grade 11 St George’s Diocesan School learner spent over a month - from 15 June to 23 July - at Landheim Ammersee, a school in Schondorf, Bavaria, immersing himself in German culture and education.The Round Square network connects over 250 schools globally, offering learners unique international experiences that foster global competence and character development. St George’s Diocesan School, as Namibia’s sole Round Square member, provides its learners with these enriching opportunities.
Monika Milz, head of learner affairs at St George’s, explained the significance of such exchanges. “A Round Square student exchange is not just an opportunity to see a new part of the world, but also has the ability to broaden perspectives on other places, their cultures and how countries function outside of our own."
For Bruys, the exchange programme was both challenging and rewarding. He appreciated the multicultural environment at Landheim Ammersee, where he studied alongside peers from various countries, including the United States, Ukraine and Thailand. “The diversity in my class was fascinating,” he said. “It was an eye-opening experience to interact with learners from so many different backgrounds."
Newfound independence
A significant aspect of Bruys' journey was his newfound independence. He navigated Germany’s extensive train system alone, travelling between cities like Frankfurt and Schondorf. “I had to navigate the train system throughout Germany alone. I have always been scared to get lost in a place I don’t know, and this exchange showed me that I can do it alone.”
Milz emphasised the thorough vetting process for host families involved in the exchange programme, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for leanrers. "Host families are subject to an in-depth screening process on both sides of the exchange. That way, we ensure that those who can host are accommodating, safe and able to show their guests a bit of the country they are in," she said.
Bruys said his host family provided him with memorable experiences, including time spent by Lake Ammersee. “The scenery was breathtaking, with the German Alps in the background."
Contrasts
Returning to Namibia required some adjustment for Bruys, particularly with the difference in school schedules. “In Germany, the school day was shorter with fewer lessons, and the schedule was quite different from what we have at St George’s,” he noted.
Despite the cultural and academic contrasts, he said missed some aspects of Namibian life, particularly local cuisine. “While the German food was great, I really missed having a good braai,” he confessed.
Milz encouraged other learners to consider hosting Round Square exchange students. “Hosting is a fantastic way to build connections, develop life skills, and share our culture with others,” she said.