Welcome MaibrittGietz and Elisa Weideman
Interview conducted byLa'eeqa Martin and Shari-Ann May.
La'eeqa Martin and Shari-Ann Mayspent time with MaibrittGietz and Elisa Weideman, the two Grade 11 foreign exchange students from Germany. Maibritt and Elisa started at Spine Road High School at the beginning of the third term and will stay for a full academic year. The foreign students are staying with host families.
La’eeqa and Shari-Ann chatted to the foreign students to gain insight into their experiences and their reasons for choosing Cape Town, South Africa as exchange students.
Q: How does the schooling environment in South Africa differ from that in Germany?
A: In Germany,the schooling environment is more structured. We are able to wear casual clothing and more class discussions are held rather than formal lessons.
Q: In what area are you currently staying and how are you finding it?
A: We are currently staying in Rocklands, Mitchell's Plain. It is different compared to back home because it is quite dangerous to go out at night but thepeople at very friendly.
Q: Which South African/Cape Town landmark that you have visited so far has stood out the most for you and why?
A: On a trip with other foreign exchange students, we visited Lionshead. This stood out the most as we got a brilliant view of Cape Town from the top.
Q: Name a major tourist attraction in Germany and why it is so.
A: The capital city of Berlin is one tourist attraction in Germany. It is very historical and you can learn a lot about the country's past here.
Q: What have you found most exciting about South Africa?
A: Basically everything! Due to the cultural adjustments, everything seems more exciting.
Q: Which South African dishes have you enjoyed thus far?
A: All the food! *laughs, laughs!*
Maibritthas developed a love for paaper bites and while she is a vegetarian, in Elisa's household [with host family], they eat plenty of chicken, not necessarily as different as back home but a lot more frequent.
Q: What has been your biggest adjustment?
A: Elisa says that since she is not the tidiest person, having to keep her room clean as wanted by her host mother has definitely been a challenge!
Q: Would the agency/organisation that handles the entire foreign exchange student programme and that you are involved in, organise many tours?
A: Yes, they would arrange outings to, say, Table Mountain but we organise plenty of outings with other exchange students here ourselves, not necessarily as organised with the agency.
Q: Are your host families hosting activities and outings to show you around Cape Town?
A: Since it is winter, outings and activities have been limited due to the weather, but in summer, we will definitely go out more.
Q: All in all, how have you found the "South African Experience" so far?
A: “Enjoyable as we have never had a bad experience this far and everyone treats us so well. It’s a great experience”.
Q: Anything that you would like to add:
Yes, in Germany we have 13 years of schooling!
In closing we would like to wish you well for the remainder of your stay with us. You must take advantage of the many, many beautiful sights and experiences that our lovely country has to offer, especially the beautiful summer weather and the beaches!
Thank you for your willingness to participate in this interview. It gives our readers a greater understanding of the foreign student exchange programmes.