Germany Exchange Program
Brentwood Secondary College enjoys a sister school arrangement with the Erasmus Gymnasium in Denzlingen, near Freiburg in Germany.
Every two years a group of students and staff from Erasmus travel to Australia, spending time at a homestay and participating in daily life at Brentwood SC. Whilst in Melbourne, the group also takes some time to travel around regional Victoria.
Students studying German in Years 9, 10 and 11 have the opportunity to make the return trip to Germany. Similar to the Erasmus trip to Australia, staff and students spend around two weeks in a homestay with families from the Erasmus Gymnasium. Students spend time in classes at the German school, as well as enjoying local excursions and attractions.
After the completion of the homestay the group travels to Berlin for three nights before heading to Munich for the final four nights of the trip. Some of the highlights of these destinations include visits to the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery in Berlin, as well as the famous town hall, BMW world and the Olympic Stadium in Munich. From Munich we also take a day trip to scenic Füssen, from where we visit Neuschwanstein Castle.
The trip to Germany takes place at the end of the year, from late November returning around 20 December, in time for Christmas with families in Australia. One of the advantages of travelling at this time of year is that senior exams have been completed, and the student’s regular schooling is not heavily impacted.
Taking part in the German Exchange offers students an amazing opportunity to improve their language skills, intercultural knowledge, independence and self confidence.
Download the Discover Germany tour brochure here
Student Blog from 2018 Exchange Trip: Click Here