Lakewood High School is buzzing with excitement this year as it hosts another international cultural exchange through its German Exchange Program. The initiative, run by LHS German teacher Gregory Sent, exemplifies the school’s commitment to fostering global awareness, language proficiency, and intercultural understanding among its students. Now in its tenth year, the program has created a unique opportunity for students from Lakewood and Germany to connect and learn from each other.

​This year, a class of German students arrived at Lakewood High in mid-spring, experiencing American school life and exploring the local community. Lakewood High School’s students are now preparing to travel to Germany this June, eager for their part of the exchange.

​“The first time we did it was in 2016, so this year was our 10th anniversary, and this was our fourth time doing it…We’re back to doing it every two years,” Sent said.

​The visiting German students were warmly welcomed by the Lakewood community. They took part in classroom activities, visited local landmarks, and were immersed in American traditions. In return, Lakewood students are preparing to visit Germany, where they will experience life in a German city. They will get to visit historical sites and participate in cultural traditions firsthand with their exchange families.

​“This year, because of state testing, we did field trips so [students] got time outside of school to experience Lakewood and Cleveland area culture and history,” Sent said. “We showed them everything from Ohio City and the Guardians game and downtown Cleveland all the way to the east side, going to the art museum and Lakeview cemetery.”

​Watching students grow confident in their language abilities and develop genuine connections with their German peers is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the program for the organizers. The experience transforms students from language learners to cultural ambassadors—they’re not just learning about Germany; they’re experiencing it firsthand, which makes all the difference.

​A German student from Braunschweig, Germany, Marla Weinkschenk, said, “I’ve never been outside of Europe, so I thought it was like a great opportunity to see more of the world and also just the culture. And it’s also like a great [opportunity] to speak with native speakers who, like, actually speak English.”

​The exchange program at Lakewood High exemplifies the power of cultural exchange to broaden horizons. Students learn language in context, gaining practical skills that classroom lessons alone cannot provide. They also learn to navigate cultural differences, develop empathy, and become more open-minded individuals.​

Many students expressed that their favorite part of the program is forming friendships that transcend borders. These personal connections often serve as the foundation for ongoing communication, with students exchanging emails and social media contacts and planning future visits.

​Lakewood High School junior Clio Burgoyne, a German 3 student and Weinkschenk’s host, said, “I hope to just learn more about German culture. Because, like, [Marla’s] definitely told me a lot about German stuff, but obviously I won’t know until I go over there.”

Different students have different reasons for signing up for the exchange this year. “My dad did an exchange when he was in high school, and he was like, Oh, it would be a good experience. And I heard about it from, like, other people that had done it in past years,” Burgoyne said.

​As Lakewood students prepare for their journey in June, the program’s impact on the school community is noticeable. Organizers are already discussing ways to expand the program, including hosting more students and establishing partnerships with other international schools.

​The school community is proud of its ongoing commitment to international education. “I think it’s an exciting time for kids and for me, because we have this school time, but it’s just around the corner, not only the end of the school year, but also the trip,” said Sent.

​By having students learn and grow together across cultures, the exchange program not only enhances language skills but also cultivates empathy, curiosity, and friendships. As the upcoming trip to Germany approaches, both students and staff are excited about the continued growth and cultural exchange ahead.