What happens when five high school students from the heart of South Dakota travel to the middle of Europe for a cultural exchange? You get a life-changing, laughter-filled adventure of friendship, growth and global perspective.
This summer, St. Joseph’s Indian School students Jamison, Amelia, Maaia, Delante and Gabriel joined chaperones Erin, Dan and Shawn for a two-week exchange trip to Germany and the Netherlands. The goal? To experience German culture, history, hospitality and to prepare for welcoming their German peers to America this fall.
The preparation had begun before the group ever set foot on German soil. The students met regularly to learn language basics, sample German foods and prepare cultural presentations facilitates by Maija, St. Joseph’s High School Services Support.
“We talked about the differences between American and German culture, practiced common German phrases and even used Duolingo,” said Erin. “even made traditional German dishes so the kids could try them beforehand.”
Despite their nerves, the students embraced the experience.
“At the beginning, many of them were a bit anxious, especially about staying with host families,” said Shawn. “But by the end, they had completely transformed. They were confident, curious and eager to connect.”
The group visited a variety of cities in Europe, including Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Amsterdam and Handrup. Each place offered a unique flavor of culture, architecture and history.
“Each city felt so different,” Erin reflected. “The people, the buildings, it was fascinating to see the diversity within such a small geographical area.”
One standout stop for everyone was the majestic Schloss Drachenburg Castle.
“Standing in front of this castle felt like stepping into a fairytale,” said Shawn. “I felt like I was Belle in Beauty and the Beast and wasn’t part of the real world.”
The awes and wonders didn’t stop at this castle. The group explored Berlin’s underground history, enjoyed a boat tour of the city and visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam — an experience chaperones described as deeply moving and unforgettable.
A pivotal part of the trip was the time spent in Handrup, where students lived with local host families and even attended school.
“The girls were missing their host families as soon as we left,” Erin shared. “There were lots of hugs and even some tears when it was time to say goodbye.”
Shawn agreed. “Watching our students form real friendships, sharing meals, going on outings, laughing together, it showed the power of cultural exchange. They went from strangers to family in just a few days.”
Though the trip was full of meaningful moments, it wasn’t without its challenges. Navigating two cars through European traffic and finding parking in busy cities kept everyone on their toes. But the group handled it with grace and a lot of humor.
“The kids were amazing,” Erin said. “They stayed upbeat, helped with directions and kept us laughing the whole time.”
From trying new foods to getting a little lost, every twist and turn became a memory. “There were so many funny and lighthearted moments,” said Shawn. “The students’ sense of humor made the trip even more special.”
By the end of the journey, everyone had changed. The students returned more confident, open-minded and globally aware.
“I think they’ll carry the friendships they made and a deeper appreciation for other cultures for the rest of their lives,” said Shawn.
The chaperones, too, were transformed. “It gave me a huge boost of confidence,” Erin said. “Planning and leading an international trip is no small task, and I walked away knowing I can take on any challenge.”
When asked to summarize the experience in just three words, Shawn replied: life-changing, memorable, gratitude.
In the end, this exchange wasn’t just about travel. It was about growth, connection and seeing the world — and themselves — in a whole new light.
We look forward to welcoming the German students to our St. Joseph’s community this fall as the cultural exchange continues here at St. Joseph’s Indian School.
Learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School by visiting www.stjo.org.
