EXCHANGE IN EMSDETTEN - GERMANY
Monday, 16.3.2026
We left for the exchange after our regular classes. At 18:00, we gathered at
Jože Pučnik Airport, where we successfully passed through the security check. Our first flight,
which was scheduled for 20:10 , was delayed and rescheduled to 21:00 . The delay posed a bigger
challenge for us since we had a layover flight in Munich. Fortunate we managed
to catch the second flight at 22:00 and arrived, exhausted, in Münster shortly before midnight.
There, we were warmly welcomed by the host families and students, who took us to our accommodations
where we spent our first night.
Tuesday, 17.3.2026
After a tiring first day, the students took us to the school, where we first met the mentor of their project. Since the students were taking a test, we were entrusted to the care of younger children. We split into groups and, together with them, got to know the school through fun activities, which spans as many as three buildings.
Then we returned to the classroom, where we were welcomed and joined by our host students. They took us on a tour of the town, where we saw everything from churches and monuments to fountains and the city center. When we returned to the school, it was finally lunchtime at 13:00 , and we could choose from several meal options.
The main part of the exchange followed after lunch, when we discussed the work done on the project in both countries, and we also had the opportunity to see their work in person. Just like us, the German students created a “tree of stereotypes” and showed us videos of its creation process. At the end, we watched the first interview with a person who had experienced prejudice due to alcohol addiction.
After finishing our obligations, it was finally free time. When we returned from school, most of the girls gathered at the home of one of the German students, where we had fun playing board games and enjoying some snacks. Afterwards, we walked to a restaurant (which, as the students told us, is one of the few larger buildings in Emsdetten), where the rest of the group was waiting for us. We spent a relaxing evening enjoying good food and company. After a long day, we returned home tired and concluded the second day of the exchange.
Wednesday, 18.3.2026
On the third day, we were woken up by the sun early in the morning, and fortunately, it stayed with us all day.
We spent the first part of the day again at school, where we watched the second interview and, just like the day before, discussed it. After the discussion, we split into mixed Slovenian-German groups and began planning the excursion to the Ruhr area, which awaited us the next day. The planning took us approximately three hours, during which we were able to talk to each other and take breaks, making the work more relaxed.
After completing our research on history and setting up the stereotypes, we went for lunch at 13:00 . Soon after, we took the train for an excursion to Münster. There, the German students showed us around the city, visiting popular spots and a shopping center. Late in the afternoon, we returned by train to Emsdetten, where we spent dinner and the rest of the day with our host families.
Thursday, 19.3.2026
On the fourth day, we gathered at the train station at 7:45 . At 8:00 , we took the train to Essen, where we visited the Museum of Modern Art. Our task throughout the day was to observe people and the surroundings and reflect on the prejudices we had identified the day before while researching history, based on our own opinions and judgments.
After visiting the museum, we still had a tour of the city of Düsseldorf, after which we were free to explore on our own. Here too, we observed the surroundings and reflected on prejudices, but mostly we went shopping, as there were many stores. The journey from Essen to Düsseldorf took us about an hour and a half by train, with a transfer in Münster. We didn’t return to Emsdetten until around 20:00 . Afterwards, we again had time for dinner and socializing with the host families..
Friday, 20.3.2026
On the last day, we all went to school by bike. From there, we went to a store where we bought everything for the meals we had previously planned at school.
Our menu had two options: vegetarian and regular. On the regular menu, we chose Hochzeitsuppe (wedding soup) for the starter, chicken schnitzel with a baked egg, potatoes, and broccoli with mushroom sauce for the main course, and Struwen and Herrencreme for dessert. The only differences on the vegetarian menu were a vegetarian schnitzel and potato soup. Our final product exceeded the expectations of both the students and the teachers.
Afterwards, we cleaned and tidied up the kitchen, then returned to our respective host homes, where we had time to pack our things, rest, and prepare for the farewell party at one of the German students’ houses, which we were invited to at 18:00. There, we spent the evening socializing late into the night, enjoying music and good food.
Saturday, 21.3.2026
Since we returned from the party very late and had an early flight, there was little time for sleep. At 4:00 , we met at the airport, where we said goodbye to our hosts, their families, and mentors, feeling sad but with full hearts. Once again, we successfully passed the (much stricter) security check. Our first flight was at 6:00 , which this time departed on time, and we were able to catch the connecting flight from Munich to Ljubljana without any problems, arriving around 8:50 . There, we said our goodbyes to each other as well, marking the end of our exchange in Germany. We are already looking forward to welcoming our new friends in Slovenia.
