At Oxford High, we believe in limitless learning and what better way to expand our horizons than by immersing ourselves in another language and culture? We were thrilled to welcome our German exchange students from Gymnasium Fürstenried-West in Munich this March as part of our long-standing exchange programme, now in its tenth year.
The exchange is open to Germanists from Years 9 to 13, offering them a unique opportunity to form international friendships, develop their language skills, and experience life in another country. Our students were paired with a German partner of a similar age and, where possible, similar interests.
The visitors from Munich arrived towards the end of the Spring term, eager to experience life in Oxford. They stayed with their OHS host families, spending evenings and weekends getting to know British culture firsthand. During the school day, they had a dedicated programme of visits and sightseeing, allowing them to explore the rich history and vibrant life of Oxford while their hosts attended lessons. A highlight of their stay was a lively bowling trip, which proved to be the perfect icebreaker!
Reflecting on their experience, one of our students shared:
“They arrived on Monday after a tiring journey and we met them in the evening with cookies. While for the first day or two it was a little awkward, we soon became good friends and became much more comfortable, chatting late into the night. All of us had a lot of time together in school and on the super fun bowling trip, so we bonded a lot as a group. They were so lovely and kind and already spoke great English, however we’d like to think we helped at least their confidence in conversational English. By the end of the week we had all become close with our partners and we are very excited to see them again in Germany!”
Our students will have the chance to visit Munich over the Easter holidays, where they will stay with their host families, attend lessons and explore the many cultural highlights of Bavaria. Past visits have included trips to film studios, sports venues, a chocolate maker, BMW, Oberammergau and the famous fairytale castles of Bavaria. This immersion in German life will be invaluable, especially for those preparing for their GCSE and A-level oral exams.
This exchange remains a highlight of the Oxford High School experience. It is more than just a language programme – it is an opportunity to build lasting friendships, develop independence and truly get out into the world.