SFHS GAPP 2025: #4 - Willkommen in Leipzig!

March 26, 2025 - Leipzig

After three intense, nonstop action days in Berlin, I think the kids were actually looking forward to going to school today. 😊 Our German host teachers and Principal Seffner welcomed us with a delicious breakfast before the kids headed to their first classes and spent the rest of the day with their partners.

Mariana writes:

Hello hello, Mariana writing here about my “first” day at Rahn Schule. I had the pleasure of visiting two years ago, which was a bit different of course, but still equally as exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed attending classes with Helena, Katharina, and Genna.

What stood out to me the most was how interactive the classes were. There was an ongoing dialogue between the teacher and the entire class, as opposed to having a teacher “talk at the class,” which was very cool to be a part of. I acknowledge that I have been studying German going on four years, but it was a proud moment when I genuinely understood what was going on and parts of the lesson. Of course I didn’t understand every single word, but I learned a lot regardless. History class in Germany is very different in comparison to South. In my opinion, the teacher goes more in depth and today, the teacher connected it back to modern day events. The teacher really encourages students to be active and have an opinion.

Having the freedom to leave the campus and having Netto is also very nice and something I think I’ll miss. Overall I’d rate my day a 10/10 and I’m beyond excited to attend more school!! :)

Photo: Mariana (obviously)

Luay writes:

Today was our first school day in Leipzig. We definitely woke up earlier than I usually do, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. We started walking to the tram, but Carl and Anish happened to pass by us on the way and scooped us in their car. Our welcoming breakfast was great and I had like the best Brötchen I’ve ever had. The texture was so perfect you don’t understand. My knife just went through so well and then the Nutella, oh my gosh, it was great.

Once the school day started, we got a little tour and I enjoyed the band room and finally being able to pick up a guitar and play something for a few seconds. Once we were in the classroom, I definitely felt like the kids were participating more than in the US, and everyone seems to not be afraid to talk to people, which is definitely not the case in the US. I think the system was good and the small breaks in between classes are great too, and surprisingly, I didn’t feel the need to grab my phone as I usually do. After school we hopped on the S-Bahn and walked around the city. Me and Oskar eventually grabbed some Döner and let me just tell you, man, that Döner hurt to eat, but it was so good I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of finishing the whole thing. I still feel the Döner. I need help.