Welcome Week Tauschies

On Tuesday, members of the WHU faculty and staff welcomed all the foreign exchange students to the program and the area.  There are 81 students from 30 different countries.  It is a very diverse group of students.  In my short time here, it has been extremely interesting speaking with them and learning about their culture.  Majority of the students do not speak any German, but the school offers a free German class to help learn.  I am enrolled in a German III class.

There is a student group on campus called Vallendar Integration Program (VIP), and they plan events for the exchange students.  On the second day, they planned a Welcome Reception and International Dinner.  They asked each exchange student to bring either food or drink that is popular in their country.  The students introduced themselves and explained the importance of what they brought.  Afterwards, they planned a party in the basement of the school, where they served a typical German dish, rolls and sausages, and free beer.  It is a lot like the Rathskeller in Union at Madison. 

Exchange Students at a Bar on Campus.

VIP also planned another event called Koblenz Rallye.  We took the ferry ride on the Rhine from Vallendar to Koblenz, which lasted 20 minutes.  Then once we arrived, VIP placed us on teams.  A VIP member was stationed at 10 spots around the city.  They gave us a map, and we had to find each VIP student and complete a challenge.  Some of the challenges included being able to distinguish different types of beer, or asking a local to teach us a very popular song, “Wir Waren Kolonien.”  We got points for completing each challenge and the winners got Haribo and beer. 

I have not started my classes yet, but on Monday I will have my first one.  The scheduling is a lot different compared to the States.  We do not have a set schedule; it changes each class.  Some weeks I do not have any classes.  It will be a bit strange but will allow for a lot of travel. 

Everyone, students, faculty and locals, have been extremely welcoming.  It is really nice to have such a large support system when I am so far from home.

Bis Dann!