A taste of German visit

NINE German students have labelled a 10-week exchange program at Monbulk College as an unforgettable experience.
The students are visiting from Schwin, a town located in the former East Germany near Hamburg.
Teacher Fran Ibbott said the exchange program was part of a sister school relationship between Monbulk College and German school called Sportgynasium.
Ms Ibbott said the program was now in its fifth year and has continued to develop, with students from both schools taking the opportunity to improve their language skills, experience a different culture and make new friends.
She said the students have been participating in classes in year 10 and 11 and a variety of activities outside the college curriculum.
The students have visited many of Melbourne’s tourist attractions with their host families in the eight weeks since they first arrived.
Kristin Retzlaff said she has seen lots of Australian animals since first arriving, has visited Phillip Island and has enjoyed shopping in Melbourne.
Students and their host families have also visited Healesville Sanctuary, Sovereign Hill, the Melbourne Aquarium and watched an AFL football match.
Ms Retzlaff said there was more nature, forests and trees in Australia than in Germany and that towns where spread out more here.
The students also said the food in Australia is totally different.
Katharina Buchberger said her favourite food was a meat pie but all of them said Vegemite was revolting.
However, the students all rejected Vegemite saying that it was revolting.
Ms Ibbott said the students are staying for 10 weeks and many friendships were being formed between Monbulk College students and their guests.
The students will finish their stay with a five-day trip to Queensland.
Ms Retzlaff said the exchange program to Australia was an experience not to be missed.