Giorgia studied on high school in Germany

Giorgia from Italy was on a six month exchange in Germany

I spent six unforgettable months in Ottersberg, Germany. It was a life-changing experience, and I am forever grateful to the family, the school, and the friends who all made it all possible.

My wonderful host family

My wonderful host family made the experience truly special. The family, consisting of Arne, Yvonne, and their 14-year-old daughter Anna, welcomed me into their home with open arms. They made me feel like part of the family from day one, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend that time with.

Yvonne, in particular, became a close friend during my stay. We bonded over a shared passion for cooking, spending hours in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes. She taught me so much about German cuisine, and we had countless fun moments preparing meals together. But, it was not just the food, it was also the connection and the conversations we shared that made it so meaningful.

My high school on exchange

My time at the Waldorf Schule was another highlight. The school had such a unique atmosphere, different from anything I had experienced before. The teaching style was holistic, focusing not only on academics but also on fostering creativity and critical thinking. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. The teachers were supportive, and the students, though initially a bit different from what I was used to, became like family. The Waldorf method really nurtured my personal development, and I felt more confident and independent as the months went by.

The friendships

What made my time in Germany even more special were the friendships I formed. The people I met were kind, open-minded, and always up for a good time. We shared many fun moments, whether it was exploring the countryside around Ottersberg, having picnics, or simply hanging out after school. These friendships were the icing on the cake of my exchange experience and those memories I will cherish forever.

An incredible opportunity

I truly believe that anyone who has the chance to do an exchange program should seize it. It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, make lifelong friendships, and discover things about yourself that you never knew.

Find out more

• Read more student stories from Germany
• Read more about a high school exchange in Germany
• See all our high school exchange destinations