SIR World Languages Investigation Abstract
A GERMAN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP: KÖNIGIN LUISE GYMNASIUM IN ERFURT, GERMANY AND THE ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
Presenters:
Julianne Blechschmidt, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Sarah Conrad, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Rebecca Gutschner, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Sean D. Hayes, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; shayes@imsa.edu
David Jou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; dsjou@imsa.edu
Vivasvat Kaul, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; bioboy84@imsa.edu
Florian Kraft, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Brian A. Link, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; bl5iron@imsa.edu
Heidi Lu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; popita@imsa.edu
Pia Mehlhorn, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Olaocha N. Nwabara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; cha21@imsa.edu
Johannes Ritzel, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Timothy A. Roderick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; ymmit@imsa.edu
Florian Rümpler, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Kristin Sclosze, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Julia Seeber, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Kay L. Wallheimer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; bballgrl@imsa.edu
Advisors:
Frau Heila Pfau, Königin Luise Gymnasium in Erfurt, Germany
Mr. John Stark, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Foreign Language, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5024; stark@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Since 1996, IMSA, and the Königin Luise Gymnasium (KLG) have been partners in an international exchange that has brought teachers, students, and families from the two countries together. IMSA students have visited Germany in 1998, 2000, and 2002; the German students have visited the Aurora area in 1999, 2001, and 2003. The exchange has provided ninety students with the opportunity to experience the culture of the host country, and to enrich their communicative skills in the languages of the two countries. This presentation by students from IMSA and KLG will provide insights into the expectations, experiences, and realities of their respective exchanges. The German students typically attend classes at IMSA, visit museums and cultural activities in Chicago, and live with their host families. In Germany, IMSA students also live with host families and attend classes while experiencing the cultural and historical dimensions of Erfurt and Thuringia. Students will report on how their experiences living with families, going to school, and participating in daily life have given them a better understanding of the respective countries.