German Exchange 2026

If you haven’t read my article on tips and tricks for your first German exchange, what are you doing? Never mind, you can live vicariously through me with this summary of the German Exchange 2026: The English Leg.

Day 1

The German Students arrived at 3pm on 11/3/26, so we picked up my partner in the car so we could take her luggage. When we got home, we made a tiramisu for my dad’s birthday. My partner was tired out from her trip so we went to bed pretty early, at around 8 o'clock. It meant that she got to rest, and I got to get used to sharing my room with a stranger.

Day 2

This was the day allocated for the German students to shadow us. The school systems are very different in Germany, with different break times, starting and finishing times, and so much more. This day is for them to experience British schooling. My partner was with me in all of my

lessons, and I mostly got on with my work while she sat there and took it in. Some of the English students had classes that were too full, so the German kids got to teach the year 7s some authentic German. My partner and I were both tired after school, but after a quick disassociation sesh, we were back at it with a long walk around my neighbourhood. I even included a photo of me unleashing my inner Tarzan. 

Day 3

This day was the one we were excited for. The British students are only allowed to be out of school for one day, and this year we were released so we could experience the Cadbury world in Birmingham. We enjoyed a nice long train ride, where we all got to know each other better, as well as a very friendly dog. We got some free chocolate, saw the history of chocolate, saw the demonstrations and went on the ride. It was fun, and when we all started getting tired, it was time for us to take the train back. By this point, we had all become friends, so it was fun to just goof off together.

Day 4

As an exchange veteran, I can tell that the most fun exchanges are the one where the whole group hangs out. On my first exchange, we usually went to the park after school together, and met up for a pool party, so I was very eager to wrangle the whole group for this exchange, in order to relive those moments. The day before, I asked who wanted to meet up, and 8/12 of the group were able to go! We went bowling in Tenpin (The English won due to some tactical cheating), then we all went to town, where the Germans had the finest cuisine Notts has to offer: Micky D’s. We mooched about some more, before finally wrapping it up for the day. It was chaotic, and busy, but it was so much fun! We were all cackling and being public nuisances, so I definitely recommend doing something together in your free time.

Day 5

This day was different for everyone. Daniel (9B) and his partner Elias went to Slick City Action Park Nottingham, Greta and I went to London, George (10R) and his partner Felix went to see Nottm Forest vs. Fulham. It was a busy day for us all, but I think we all had fun doing our respective activities. A weekend is an opportunity to show your partner the finest Nottingham experiences, such as taking them to a ‘spoons, or showing them the famous left lion.

Day 6

This was pretty boring for us British students, as we had to stay in class all day, but the German kids did a scavenger hunt around town. Apparently it was pretty good, and it meant that my partner was too tired that evening to do anything else but chill.

Day 7

This was the day of departure, so we all had to be at school on time to make sure that the German students were accounted for. They dropped off their luggage in reception, and went for a quick tour of our very own castle, before they picked up their suitcases and were on their way back to Deutschland. 

• Written by Zofia Kedziora