What is it like to grow up in Germany? If you're hosting a German exchange student this year, this is a good question to explore. Learn where your student is coming from culturally so you can address cultural differences and help your student fit in fast in the USA.
School
School in Germany is all about academics without the kind of extracurricular programs that US high schools offer. You can help your student by explaining how to sign up for sports, clubs and other activities at your local high school.
After School
When they're not studying for exams, German teens might meet up with friends or get involved in sports, arts, music, language courses or other activities in their local community. You can explain that in the US, a teenager's social life often revolves around school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
Chill Time
German teens like to retreat to their room for some quiet time after school. They close the door, listen to music, watch Netflix, or chat with friends on social media before cracking open their books to study. If you prefer your student spends free time in the common areas of the home, make your expectations clear.
Weekends
On weekends, German teens will need to juggle their studies with their social life. It is normal for urban teens to meet up with friends, and this can involve some alcohol consumption, which is normal in Germany (and students know it is prohibited for minors in the US). Be sure to explain how your family spends weekends as well as when and how often your student can meet up with friends.
Rules
German parents expect their teenagers to behave like the young adults they are. Generally, parents trust their teens to inform them of their plans and be home by 10 or 11 on weeknights and even later on weekends. It's helpful to discuss your rules, put them in writing, and explain that it takes time to build trust as you get to know each other.
Transportation
Most teens in Germany can either hop on a bus or subway to get around, or they can walk or ride a bike. They don't usually need parents to ferry them around. Your student might need help learning how to find rides in the USA. Be sure to explain the importance of getting your permission before accepting a ride from anyone.
Diet
German teens tend to eat three square meals a day. While meat is traditionally a staple, currently, it is popular to eat less meat for environmental reasons. It is common for German families to sit down at the table and eat meals together. If your student will need to figure out what to eat sometimes, you can invite him/her to shadow you in the kitchen during the first days or weeks.
Equality
Equality begins at home. German teens are young adults with a right to “co-determination” at home. They are encouraged to discuss and debate rules, rights, and responsibilities to become empowered citizens. If you feel like your student is challenging your rules and opinions, be sure to discuss cultural and personal differences.
Helpfulness
Most German teenagers have grown up learning how to be helpful and responsible at home. They are used to doing chores and keeping house together with parents and siblings. Even so, it's still important to train your student to do chores the way you want them done.
Communication Style
German teenagers have grown up learning how to be very direct. The goal is efficiency, so why beat around the bush when you can get straight to the point? This degree of directness can be surprising in the USA, so be sure to talk about it if it's an issue.
Reserved Politeness
While Americans tend to show gratitude in explicit ways, Germans tend to be more reserved. They might mumble a quick, quiet thank you. That is considered polite in their culture. Most German students need a little pep talk about how to express gratitude in the USA. You can invite your student to take this free 10-minute online course: How to Show Thanks in the USA.
Conversation
Many German teenagers are interested in discussing current events. This is because parents in Germany generally encourage their kids to follow the news and share their opinions. Enjoy sharing ideas, but never hesitate to educate your student about American etiquette when it comes to sharing controversial ideas.
Enjoy!
This simple guide provides just a tiny taste of German culture. Your student can give you so much more information about what it's really like to grow up in Germany. And who better than you to teach your student what it's like to grow up in the USA? Enjoy your cultural exchange!
