This year, Avenor opened a new learning opportunity for our students through a partnership with Wolfgang-Borchert-Gymnasium Langenzenn in Germany. The exchange program brought together two school communities and offered students an authentic intercultural experience, lived in the natural rhythm of everyday life.
In June 2025, 10 students from Grades 7 and 8 traveled to Langenzenn, where they discovered German culture, a different educational system, and the hospitality of the families who hosted them. This immersive experience gave them the chance to practice German in a natural way and to better understand the world they live in.
Four months later, we were delighted to welcome 10 students from Langenzenn to Avenor, completing an exchange that turned into an opportunity for discovery, connection, and learning.
How did this project take shape, and what did the students experience? Marta Torge, German teacher and program coordinator, tells us more.
From idea to partnership: the beginnings of an international project
The idea arose from Avenor teachers’ desire to bring to life a project that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. We wanted Avenor students to practice German in a real-life context, to better understand German culture, and to experience firsthand a different educational system.
Our partners in Langenzenn embraced the proposal with enthusiasm, and preparations began with energy and close collaboration on both sides.
An immersive learning experience with long-term impact
The main goal of the exchange was learning through immersion – Avenor students had the chance to live for an entire week in Germany while practicing spoken German daily. Additionally, the project aimed to deepen their understanding of German culture and traditions, to help them become familiar with the German school system, to experience a different lifestyle within a family environment, and to develop intercultural communication skills and adaptability.
It was a fantastic opportunity for academic and personal growth, and the students returned home more confident, curious, and motivated to continue studying German.
The participants’ reflections best illustrate the project’s impact. Sofia, a Grade 8 Alfa student, shares what it was like to live in Germany for a week and later welcome her German peers to our campus:
“The exchange program was a real adventure, and I’m so glad I took part in it. I discovered what a regular school day looks like in Germany, and I joined activities that allowed me to explore the country and culture in ways you never could as a tourist. Beyond practicing German with native speakers in real-life situations, this experience helped me understand how children in another country live and learn, and it made me feel more independent.”
Alexandra, a Grade 9 Omega student, also remembers the emotions and discoveries of this experience:
When Miss Marta suggested we join an exchange in Germany, I hesitated. I wanted to
learn about German culture, but I was nervous about living for a week with a family I didn’t know. After discussing it with my parents, I realized it was an opportunity I would regret missing.
Once I arrived in Langenzenn, everything went perfectly. My host family was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and the daily activities were interactive and full of energy. Later, when we hosted them in Bucharest, Kaja — the student I stayed with — told me how much she enjoyed the entire experience.
Looking back, I can see how this opportunity helped me grow, gain confidence, and discover the joy of meeting new people and new cultures.”
The German students’ experience in Romania
We prepared a varied program that blended participation in regular classes with cultural and recreational activities.
The feedback from the German students was extremely positive. They were impressed by our modern school, the friendly atmosphere, and the hospitality of the host families.
Our guests explored Bucharest and other parts of Romania on trips organized outside the city. Their visit to Sinaia was one of the highlights – the mountain hike, the breathtaking views, and the relaxed atmosphere created unforgettable memories.
Here’s what Konrad and Emil, students at Wolfgang-Borchert-Gymnasium Langenzenn, shared about their experience at Avenor College:
“The flights, both outgoing and return, were smooth and problem-free. The host families were kind, welcoming, and always ready to help us. The afternoon, evening, and weekend activities were diverse and creative. Everything went without any difficulties.
The school campus is quite large, but easy to navigate thanks to the layout of the buildings and classrooms. The lessons were relaxed and interesting, thanks to the calm and productive atmosphere. The teachers were warm and welcoming, and their teaching style was just as engaging.”- said Konrad.
“Our program included a wide range of exciting activities (a trip to Edenland, a walk through Bucharest’s Old Town, the Palace of Parliament, Peleș Castle in Sinaia, etc.), so we never had a moment to feel bored. Each activity lasted just the right amount of time – never too long or too short. At the end of each day, we were tired but happy to return to our host families.
Romanian cuisine was a very pleasant surprise, with many dishes we would have loved to explore even more. Of all the activities, the trip to Sinaia was our favorite.
We want to express our special thanks to the host families and teachers who organized and guided us through all these experiences! We had a wonderful time and deeply appreciated our stay!” – said Emil.
Marlene, also a student at Wolfgang-Borchert-Gymnasium Langenzenn, shared her impressions of this intercultural experience:
“I truly fell in love with this country and I hope to return to Romania next year, this time with my family. Besides all the wonderful experiences, I also noticed how much my English improved: I can now communicate more freely and spontaneously, especially because the Romanian students spoke English very well. I encountered almost no communication difficulties and even learned a few words in Romanian.” – mentioned Marlene.
The Avenor–Langenzenn exchange was not just an educational project – it became a real bridge between cultures, an experience that opened new horizons and strengthened the connection between the two school communities.
