1989 School Magazine

STU DE NT.EXCHANG E SCHOTARS H I P TO GERMANY ln November last year, Elsina Wainwright (Head Cirl, 19BB) and Julie Adsett (presently 12 Lilley), were awarded Coethe Scholarships from the University of Queensland, affording them seven weeks' stay in CermanY. Julie stayed in the small village of Wiederstadt, thifty kilometres south of Frankfurt, and found that attending school in the first four weeks gave her a chance to settle in and to experience typical Cerman life and schooling. Julie says, "ln total, we studied twelve subjects, several of which were completely new. Studying new subjects in a different language certainly proved to be an interesting experience." School holidays ailowed Julie the opportunity for some travelling - although camping in the Black Forest in sub-zero temperatures was rather chilling. While she did not actually have a traditional white Christmas, Julie remarked that the millions of decorations, lights, St Nicholaus markets and celebrations certainly made up for it. The highlight for Julie came on New Year's Eve with hour long fireworks displays lighting up the whole of Western Cermany. Elsina's stay with a family of Cerman farmers brought her great satisfaction - and some embarrassment. Once she asked her host sister if she ate like the animals (instead of whether she fed them!). Such early problems actually helped Elsina learn the dialect quite quickly, as well as forg- ing wonderful bonds with her host family.

lulie Adsett

The extent of Cerman political and social awareness impressed Elsina. "Cermans of all ages are far more interested in politics and world affairs than Australians. But then the history and geopolitics of Cermany seem to make that inevitable. World events are often relevant to Cermany: dissent in the Eastern bloc, Corbachev's reforms, the movement towards a united Europe of 1992 - these things are all so remote from Australia, whereas in Cermany, they are very close to home. The legacy of the Third Reich and the Cold War is also visible in Cermany, the starkest reminder being the division between East and West. My visit to the border between democratic West and Communist East was most memorable. The never-ending barbed wire fence, marked at 100 metre intervals with gun turrets and the guards toting machine guns brought home to me the chilling reality that this nation is sundered. lt is a state of affairs that we in Australia find hard to comprehend, yet it has a profound effect on the Cerman people's politi- cal consciousness." Both Julie and Elsina remarked on the charm, friendliness, amiability and hospitality of their new found Cerman friends, making it hard for them to leave their host families. They are keen to promote the value of such an exchange scheme. Elsina concludes: "Students can see the dynamics of Cermany as they are played out on the small scale of their home-stay town. Through this insight into the Cermatr language, the Cerman culture and the Cerman people, students can derive a finer appreciation and understanding. The home-stay-based Exchange-Scholarship was incredibly rewarding and I consider myself very fortunate to have been given this opportunity." Julie is quick to concur.

Elsina Wainwrighl

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