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HHS and Helmstedt students pose together during their 10 day visit to Hudson | photo provided by Whitney Nielson
HHS and Helmstedt students pose together during their 10 day visit to Hudson | photo provided by Whitney Nielson
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German Exchange Students Experience Hudson Life, Bring Culture

HUDSON— This past week, 14 German exchange students visited Hudson to experience American high school life.

Students from Germany took a trip to Boston on Monday where they enjoyed a Duck Tour and a visit to the Prudential Center | photo provided by Dr. Lauren Pupecki

For ten days, the students and their 12 host families toured famous and historical sites around Massachusetts. This trip marked the second half of an exchange program that began last spring, when Hudson students traveled to Helmstedt, Germany.

Since 2015, teachers and students from the Gymnasium Julianum in Helmstedt have visited Hudson every other fall, with Hudson High returning the visit the following spring. The program paused during the pandemic, but this is the first time it has resumed since COVID-19.

Last spring, Hudson students explored German culture and landmarks such as Wernigerode Castle, the Autostadt (Car City), the St. Thomas Church, and the Großstadt. Many described it as a trip full of history, culture, and new experiences.

“I was excited to learn more about German culture and to live a day in their shoes. I was slightly nervous about the food,” said Emily Haley, who visited Germany this past April.

Both groups were eager to experience each other’s daily lives — from school routines to sports games.

“She’s hyped to go everywhere, but she’s most excited to go to the football game,” said host sophomore Sarah Sullivan.

When asked about their routines, several host students said little had changed.

“My routine is generally the same. We eat in the morning and later in the day. I bring him to my soccer practice, and he trains with us. We hang out in our free time, then have dinner and go to sleep,” said junior Maxwell Woods.

Freshman Braden Freitas added, “My routine didn’t change at all. We have two bathrooms, so mornings are easy. He basically lives downstairs while we’re upstairs.”

Freshman Dylan Church summed it up simply: “It’s like having an extended family over.”

During their stay, the German students visited Boston, the Basketball Hall of Fame, Lexington and Concord, and other local landmarks. They also joined host families on outings to Honey Pot Hill Orchard, Cape Cod, and New York City.

“I’ve been to Boston three times, and it was so much fun. I loved all the sights and the proximity to the sea,” said junior Nele Henkel, one of the German exchange students.

Freitas shared, “This weekend, my family and Jonathon went to New York. He was so excited — that was the one place he really wanted to see.”

On Oct. 1 and 3, the German students attended classes at Hudson High to experience a full American school day.

“The long school time and no breaks would definitely be a con. But the huge variety of classes is a pro. Also, the big sports areas and cafeteria are impressive,” said junior Jonathan Knuth.

In Germany, school runs from 7:45 a.m. to 12:55 p.m., with lessons lasting 45 minutes and breaks between every two classes. The schedule and school day length were some of the biggest differences they noticed.

The visitors also found American shopping experiences surprising.

“Another new thing was that when you enter a store, the personnel greet you and ask how you’re doing — that’s not usual in Germany,” said Knuth.

Students visiting from Germany visit Hudson Fire Station | photo provided by Dr. Lauren Pupecki

Church added, “They were just in awe of how big the stores were, especially Target. In Germany, they have separate shops for each product.”

After ten busy days, the German students left Hudson with lasting memories.

“Seeing the huge skyscrapers and all the lights was very impressive,” Knuth said.

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