Committee hears update on long-running German student exchange; organizers seek continuation
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Summary
Presenters described a volunteer-run German exchange with host families in Freiburg, estimating about $2,200 per student for a roughly 10-night program and asking the committee to continue the program; staff outlined safety contacts, selection pressure, and chaperone arrangements.
The Madison School District curriculum committee on Jan. 13 heard a presentation on a long-running German student exchange program and was asked to allow it to continue.
A presenter described the program’s history and format, saying the exchange pairs Madison students with host families near Freiburg, Germany, and typically runs about 10 nights with visiting students living with local families and attending school during weekdays. "There's nothing I believe in much more than international cooperation with people," the presenter said, describing the program as highly experiential and family-centered.
Organizers said the program is volunteer-run and coordinated closely with German partner teachers. They reported roughly 120 Madison/German family exchanges to date and inbound groups of about 20 students in recent years; they also said German partners must reject 60 to 70 applicants annually because demand exceeds capacity. The presenter said roughly 13–14 Madison students had indicated interest for the coming trip but that not every interested student can be accommodated.
On cost and logistics, organizers estimated total travel and program costs at about $2,200 per Madison participant, though they cautioned the figure can vary with airfare and in-country purchases. Chaperones are generally accommodated by host families while chaperone meals and some lodging costs are handled through the program; organizers said they will use a travel agent for flights and that German colleagues arrange local transportation during the visit.
Committee members asked about safety and housing contingencies; presenters confirmed the district provides school cell phones and parent contact information for emergency use and said German colleagues and host families have been responsive. Chair Kathy Miller thanked the presenters and volunteers for their work: "Thank you for all the volunteer hours that go into" the program, Miller said.
The presentation closed with the committee praising the program’s reported benefits — increased student contact across cultures and long-term connections between participating families — and with staff noting they would bring samples or follow-up materials to a future meeting for committee review.