Student Exchange Holland 2024
From the 7th to the 12th of October a group of 19 students traveled by train to Bemmel, in the Netherlands, as part of our traditional Year 9 student exchange program. During our stay, we participated in various educational and cultural activities, spent time with our Dutch exchange partners, and explored different aspects of Dutch life and culture.
Our first day at school
By Philipp and Noah
The school day started at 08:30. I, Philipp, went to school by bus and I, Noah, came by car. The Dutch teachers welcomed us kindly. We attended classes in German, French, and English. When we had our break, we were confused, because the students could stay inside. There is a huge hall for all the students. We also wondered why the food in the cafeteria was so cheap. In the cafeteria, we also found a water fountain and there was even a cashpoint.
Another aspect we noticed was that most of the students came to school by bike. When we walked around the school, we noticed that the school is very clean and modern. Furthermore, each teacher has his or her own room. Then we came across the sports ground that had not only football and basketball fields but also spaces for American football and a Tartan track. All in all, it was a very interesting experience.
The Escape Tour through The Hague
By Lea and Malika
On the second day of our trip we went on an escape tour through The Hague. Our group consisted of only four people, which made communication easier. The Escape Tour was interesting, but the riddles on the app were more challenging than we had expected. Every time we solved a clue, we received another word related to the story. The story was about King Wilhelm and his wife Sophie, but I found it rather boring. However, even though the story didn’t excite me, we got to see many famous landmarks in The Hague. The most memorable sight was the statue of Haase Harry, a well-known comic character in the Netherlands. We also visited a church that had once been a graveyard and followed Sophia’s steps during her escape.
Mauritshuis
By Marie and Sarah
The Mauritshuis art museum in The Hague displays breathtaking paintings with fascinating backstories. Thanks to our guide, we learned a lot about these remarkable works of art. Most of the paintings were by Dutch artists, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The highlight was seeing The Girl with a Pearl Earring, often referred to as the „Mona Lisa of the North.“ Overall, the Mauritshuis is a fantastic opportunity to see classic paintings in one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful locations.
North Sea Excursion
By Melis and Nila
Our trip to the North Sea on that cold day was unforgettable. A chilly wind blew in our faces as we walked along the beach, collecting shells and admiring the waves. The highlight was discovering a jellyfish washed up on the shore. Its translucent body and delicate tentacles fascinated us. This experience allowed us to bond as a class and get to know the Dutch students better, creating lasting memories. It was a day that deepened our appreciation for nature.
Nederlands Openluchtmuseum
By Carl
Our time at the Openluchtmuseum was interesting, informative, and exciting.
We learned about the history of the Netherlands and how people lived in the past. We went into a traditional Dutch windmill. Inside, there were texts and pictures that provided information about how farmers worked and lived. We also learned about the daily routines of the people at that time.
There was an interactive murder mystery to solve via an app, where we had to explore different Dutch houses from various time periods to find clues. We also played „hide and seek“ in the large area of the museum. Every five minutes, we had to send a photo to the group chat. There were plenty of places to hide with your small group.
Afterwards, we enjoyed delicious fries in one of the old-style shops. We also traveled on old trams around the entire museum and picked up our friends.
All in all, it was a great experience. The museum is very beautiful, with peaceful lakes and forests. The detailed replicas of the houses, but also riding the old tram made it even more special.
Farmer’s Golf
By Althea
On the last day, we played golf on a farm. We also went into a cowshed where we saw some cows, which were a bit smelly, but also very cute. We were divided into groups of five, with two teams playing against each other.
The end of the golf club was shaped like a traditional Dutch wooden shoe, and the golf ball was a small football. There were 10 holes in total, and we played for about two hours, with each team member taking turns hitting the ball. The team with the fewest hits won. Everyone had a great time, and at the end, we were all treated to free drinks.
Free Time in Bemmel
By Ester, Luna, Mila and Melis
During the exchange week, we also had some free time to explore and do the things we wanted. We often met up with other Dutch students and their exchange partners at playgrounds, at someone’s house, or in the small town of Nijmegen. One afternoon we cycled there and even went to a fair, which was very exciting. Almost everyone in the exchange group visited a skate park, where we played a game called „Werewolf.“ It was a bit cold, but we had a lot of fun. Some of us stayed at home, watching movies or playing games with our host families or got a brief tour of the city.
All in all, we had an amazing time with a packed schedule. The host families were very kind, and our exchange partners organized great activities for us! We were really happy to meet new people and make friends!!
