During their language trip to Exeter, the students of 6A, 6B and 6C not only improved their English skills but also gained valuable insights into British culture and everyday life. Accompanied by their teachers (Karin Simpson-Parker, Julia Ugwoke, Tobias Pfoser and Klaus Wurzwallner), they spent a week living with host families, attending language classes, and exploring the region. The experience was full of memorable moments. Here are some personal reflections from the students about their time in England:

“The arrival was probably the most intense moment. Seeing all the host families waiting while students were called one by one created a mix of excitement and tension. When Ecrin and I met our host, Julia, things quickly felt more relaxed. What began as a simple introduction grew into a genuine connection. Every evening, we spent hours talking, laughing and sharing stories until we were too tired to stay awake.”

– Nisa, 6A

“I can ease your worries by assuring you that the host family will most likely be very welcoming and kind. That was my case. The parents welcomed us warmly into their home and did everything they could to make sure that we were comfortable.”

– Sophie, 6A

“School was a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere was completely relaxed, and the teachers were so funny that I actually looked forward to every lesson. However, the real progress happened outside the classroom. Chatting with local people was the most helpful part of the trip; it did wonders for my speaking skills and my overall understanding of the language.”

– Stefi, 6A

“Of course, this remarkable opportunity wasn’t merely limited to exploring Exeter or going shopping (although that was certainly part of it), but also to gaining authentic impressions of everyday English life. I was able to experience the culture first-hand, try new delicacies such as fudge and gradually build greater confidence in speaking English through constant, real-life use. Even though the lessons at the language school were far below our proficiency level, they still helped us to remain fully immersed in the language throughout the day.”

– Ecrin, 6A

“One thing I learned during my stay in England that was different was the “bus culture”. When you want a bus to stop, you need to hold your hand out, otherwise it will just drive past, and you will miss your bus. Also, buses only have one entrance at the front and you need to show the bus driver your ticket. When you get off the bus, you say “thank you” or “cheers” to be polite.”

– Emil, 6A

“Last but not least, I’m going to write down my highlight of the trip, which was definitely the visit to Tintagel Castle on Sunday. You can’t imagine the gorgeous view we had over the sea! It was so stunning that we took lots of photos and spent the whole day there. And although there was not much of the castle left, we had a lot of fun and will never forget this place.”

– Kilian, 6A

“The absolute peak was Tintagel. The high cliffs were breathtaking, but the seagulls were a little bit annoying. One of the coolest parts was exploring the cave. We had to be careful so that we didn’t fall down, but taking the risk paid off. We took a lot of pictures and the view was amazing.”

– Vladimir, 6A

“Lastly, I would like to tell you about my highlight in Exeter, which isn’t easy because every moment was great. However, our last day in England, Friday, was the most memorable. Everyone was happy and sad at the same time. I went to an arcade with two friends, where we laughed a lot, and one of my friends even got me a Build-A-Bear, which I will always keep as a memory. We also met funny people on the street and spent time shopping together, enjoying our last hours in the city.”

– Sophie, 6A