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A School Trip to Berlin
The German teacher and Head teacher of a secondary school in London organised for year 9 a school trip to Berlin. The purpose of this school trip was to improve the German language skills of the students and to enable the UK students to meet students from another country and to learn to appreciate the social and cultural background of a different society.
Preparations of how to behave in a foreign country and how make new friends abroad were made already 2 weeks prior the school trip. Topics such as what to discuss with German students, how to stay safe in a foreign country, or how to behave in public areas (such as museums or theatres) were discussed during German lessons and Form hours. The students were asked by their German teacher to express written and verbally their areas of interests in regards to the Berlin trip. This visit was planned for the students so that they were able to develop their language skills and broaden their cultural knowledge. The German teacher prepared some revision tests on leisure, culture and history with a variety of vocabulary worksheets. The students had also the opportunity to watch some DVDs about Berlin and the culture life of this vibrant city.
Such preparations were of great advantage when meeting their counterparts in Berlin. The London students were able to ask the Berlin students questions about their favourite subjects or hobbies. It was a joyful experience to see students from the UK making the effort to speak German, a foreign language. Most of the German students spoke very good English - so English was always a final option during moments of not understanding each other.
As a tutor, as a person in general I feel responsible for contributing to a better understanding between people of different social and cultural backgrounds. It is important to communicate effectively with each other to enjoy various aspects of life. Knowing to speak other languages, or to become a musician, singer or actor are just a few methods to improve relationships between people of different backgrounds. In addition this knowledge can create new opportunities to develop on a personal and professional level.
