Bereits zum 6. Mal machte sich der Global Studies Kurs von Herrn Seyfarth auf den Weg in die mittelfinnische “Großstadt” Jyväskylä. Für elf Teilnehmer stand ein volles Programm an unserer Partnerschule, dem Jyväskylän Lyseon Lukio bereit, verschiedene Exkursionen waren geplant, Überraschungen vorgesehen – aber seht selbst:

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Our day started early in the morning when we met for the bus to take us to Frankfurt airport. In Helsinki. we took the train to our final destination -  Jyväskylä. A really long and exhausting trip. The families and the Finnish teachers Mrs. Almqvist and Mrs. Vuotari-Filenius came to the station and picked us up. The first evening with our new friends was pretty exciting, we handed over our presents to the hosts, had dinner, got introduced to all family members etc…

Thursday 18 May 2017

The day started in school at 9 o´clock. We were welcomed by Mrs.Riikka Lahtonen, teacher in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, who briefly explained the Finnish school system. It was really interesting to see the differences between the two systems as they differ in particular aspects. For example it is possible to study medicine even without having a high school diploma. Also instead of having a lesson in class like we know, they have small groups in which they learn on their own. After that we had a guided tour in the school building by the students. The school building differs a lot from ours. The school is modern and fitted with media like smartboards and TV´s, Apple TV etc.

Also we were excited to see that all over the building you can find relaxing rooms, where students can go and do what they want and also you can find instruments like pianos or guitars and play them. We were all amazed by this school.  Afterwards we visited an English lesson. The lesson again was based on modern methods -  the students used their computers. It was really interesting to see how they are learning a language.  After lunch we met for a sightseeing tour in the city. The city reminded us of our own - Heilbronn. It is a simple city with buildings built in the 1960s – rather unattractive. Afterwards we had a guided tour in the Natural History Museum and visited the Vesitorni Tower, an old water tower. In the evening we gathered together at the harbor and enjoyed our free time.

Alina, Maria

Friday 19 May 2017

We met in a super modern room in school and wrote a blog about differences in our everyday lives to compare Finland and Germany, especially in cultural aspects. It was interesting to realize the different attitudes and stereotypes of all participants. Later we were hold a presentation about racism and how to avoid it by a professor of the University of Jyväskylä. So we got some insights into research in this field.

Sunday 21 May 2017

On Sunday we met at the harbor. After a two hours boat ride on lake Paijänne – the biggest lake in central Finland, we arrived at Veera’s (Finnish student) cottage. There we had a bbq, played some exciting and funny games and Marlon caught even a fish with a fishing rod. He prepared that on the bbq. Later we went to the sauna and swam in the very cold lake. A pretty nice and typical Finnish Sunday for the whole group.

Benedikt, Nicolas

Monday 22 May 2017

The bus left at 9.00 to the forest Petäjävesi and we drove approximately one hour till we reached the nature trail Tampin kierros. 

After a 1,5km walk in the Finish forest we had outdoor lunch and a bbq with sausages, Karelian pies, tomatoes etc. Some boys chopped the wood for the fire. Afterwards we drove to a wooden church in Petäjävesi, which is more than 200 years old and belongs to the UNESCO. We visited the church and got some information about it from our guide. In the evening we met for our Farewell Dinner and spent our last evening together.

Nicole, Johanna

Tuesday 23 May 2017

On Tuesday we said goodbye to our host families and went to Helsinki by bus. The capital Helsinki is a modern and pocket-sized city.

We went to an island, which is called Suomenlinna. It is one of the most popular sights of Finland. The fortress was built in the 18th century, when Finland was part of the Swedish Kingdom. We took the ferry and explored the island. Finally we went to our hostel and travelled first by train, by plane and by taxi to home sweet home.

Thanks to Mr Seyfarth and Mr Schmitt for their efforts and support!

We are looking forward to welcome our guests in Germany.

Kai , Tamara, Jennifer