LT welcomed 14 students and two teachers from Stuttgart, Germany, who stayed from Oct. 7 to Oct. 18 as part of the German-American Exchange program. The German students were hosted by LT juniors and seniors whom they shadowed throughout the school day to witness an American public school experience.

“I wanted to be an exchange student because I wanted to know what it’s like to be an American student and because I love to travel,” German student Sofia Heinebrodt Irazabal ‘27 said. “I loved being an exchange student. It was so cool to learn how American teenagers live, and everyone was so nice.”

Students who wish to apply to become part of the exchange program must demonstrate a passion for the German language and culture, German teacher Shannon Murray said. Other qualities include being open-minded, empathetic, and wanting to become a globally-contributing citizen. The same standards exist for German student applicants from LT’s exchange partner school, Neues Gymnasium Leibniz. 

“It was weird that you have the same schedule with basically no breaks every day,” Heinebrodt Irazabal said. “But I loved that you had late start on Wednesday and could choose so many different subjects.”

At Neues Gymnasium Leibniz, students usually have 90 minute classes with 25 minute breaks in between where they can leave the school, Heinebrodt Irazabal said. They attend around 16 different subjects each week and school ends at 1 pm, 3:30 pm or 5:10 pm depending on the day.

LT did not have enough host families for all of the visiting students, so Heinebrodt Irazabal stayed with LT counselor Jane Bauer and shadowed Genevieve Koppel ‘26, who was recommended due to her previous study abroad experience, throughout the school day.

“I thought it would be cool to meet someone new from a different culture,” Koppel said. “My experience was very good, and it was super fun to have [Heinebrodt Irazabal] with me.”

LT students who take part in the exchange will visit Germany themselves in the spring, Murray said. The process of planning to host a foreign student as well as preparing for this trip takes over a year.

“Our program is about more than language,” Murray said. “It’s about bridging cultures, creating lasting connections, and helping students become more open-minded, globally aware individuals.” 

Neues Gymnasium Leibniz students started learning English in the first grade and have been seriously learning it since the fifth grade. 

“This program allows students to experience everyday life in a different country, fostering a deeper understanding of not only cultural differences but also the many commonalities we share,” Murray said. “The friendships formed and personal growth that happens when students step outside their comfort zones is truly rewarding to witness. What I love most is the unique opportunity it provides for students to engage with a different culture in a truly immersive way.”