On July 4, 2023, the time had finally come: the pupils of the German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) landed at Hamburg Airport after a seven-hour delay. Despite the turbulent start, there was great joy on both sides.

After the first night with their host families, the week began with breakfast together at school, followed by a city rally through Kiel. Together, the students explored the city, visited the old town hall and enjoyed typical German kebabs.

On Tuesday, the guests experienced a regular school day at the Max Planck Schoolbefore bowling and laughing together in the evening. Rowing was on the program on Wednesday. The students learned the basics of rowing and then refreshed themselves in the cool waters of the Kiel Fjord. Thursday was marked by a visit from high-ranking scientists from the GEOMAR-Institute, which provided information on climate change and its impact on the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

The students spent the weekend with their host families before heading to Berlin together on Monday. In the capital, the group visited the Jewish Museum, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building, among other things. The American students were particularly impressed by the inexpensive meals and the opportunity to immortalize themselves artistically in Mauerpark.

Back in Kiel, the week ended with a final barbecue, where volleyball and table tennis were played, and a visit to Kieler Woche. A tearful farewell at Hamburg airport followed on Saturday morning, coupled with anticipation of the return visit to San Francisco in 2024.

The exchange was a great success and will remain an unforgettable memory for everyone involved. Special thanks go to Ms Kranzler and Mr Bormeister from the GISSV and Ms Vogler and Mr Rosen from the Max Planck School for the excellent organization of this exchange.