SAGSE 50th Anniversary 1967-2017

Wibke makes the most of her return visit to Monique

Monique Wirth (Watkins) 2002–03, Kelvin Grove State College

“By the end of six weeks I had formed an amazing connection with Wibke, as we are born on the same day and both very into hockey. Wibke came out to Australia with the SAGSE group six months after I returned and we continue to stay in touch and visit: we have celebrated our 18th, 20th and 28th birthdays together! “The exchange program was a fantastic way for me to expand on my German, meet new friends and travel. It also helped spark my passion for the German language and made me want to go back – so much that I decided to return as an au pair . Linda Mains was in contact with a family who was looking for an Australian au pair and, after finishing school that following year, I headed back to Germany to work for the family. “After my time in Germany, I went on to graduate as a primary school teacher. I am now married and have two lovely children. It is a bit clichéd but, honestly, I wouldn’t be here, doing what I am now if it wasn’t for going on the SAGSE exchange.”

“I had studied German since Year 8 in school and always dreamed of going to Germany to learn more of the language and also about the culture, whilst being immersed in it. I was lucky enough to be picked to go with the SAGSE group in 2002 when I was in Year 11. I was beyond excited as it was also my first overseas trip and longest time away from my family. “Our group left Brisbane on a very hot (30°C+) summer’s day with about 30 of us bound for three different cities in Germany. We landed in a bitterly cold -5°C Frankfurt and then travelled by bus to Essen. My German was pretty poor when I arrived – so much so that I was mispronouncing my host sister’s name (Wibke). “I spent the next two weeks living with Wibke’s family, and attended her Gymnasium (high school). Seeing how differently their school system runs was a novelty and a real eye-opener. There, the teachers come to you (unless the subject requires specialist equipment like Science or Home Economics/cooking) and they are home in time for lunch. “After the first two weeks the group did a bus tour around Germany, visiting Berlin, Neuschwanstein, Munich and several other places. As it was nearing Christmas, the famous markets were in operation in all the major cities, and their magic and excitement had us all in awe. We returned to our host families just in time for Christmas, which allowed us to see how other families and cultures celebrate. I was hoping for a white Christmas but it wasn’t to be (although it finally snowed three days later).

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