Brighton students describe cultural immersion after exchanges to Germany and France

Students who traveled this winter on Brighton High School exchange programs to Germany and France presented photos and short remarks at the March 25 board meeting, describing homestays, classroom visits and cultural experiences.

Students from the Bremen exchange described living with host families, riding public transportation, visiting historic sites such as the Bremen Old Town and Berlin landmarks, and gaining confidence in speaking German. "It was super interesting to get to talk to the teenagers there," said Caitlin, a Brighton High School student, describing classroom visits and time spent with host families. The German exchange, the presentation said, has operated since 1981; this year’s chaperones included Frau Geiger, Barry Rogan Mosher and Don Vergari.

Students on the French exchange to Rennes and Paris recounted visits to museums (including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay), historic sites (the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles) and memorials (the D‑Day museum and U.S. Cemetery near Omaha Beach). Jessica Bay, a French teacher and trip advisor, said she chaperoned 37 students along with other staff. Student speakers said the immersion boosted language skills, cultural awareness and personal confidence. "I realized I knew more German than I thought I actually did," one student said of the German trip; a student who traveled to France said spending nights with a host family and speaking French regularly made her more passionate about learning languages.

Administrators and teachers who brought students to Europe told the board these exchanges are long‑standing opportunities they hope to continue offering; the presentations emphasized educational value in language practice, history and arts exposure, and personal development. The board thanked the students and advisors for the reports and for sharing photos from the trips.