Editors note:  I have to apologize as I was unable to transcribe many of the German words and places that Abigale mentioned in her presentation.  I attempted to spell some but found it futile.  So, some of the commentary will be generalizations and descriptions instead of actual German words, etc.  
 
Cheri introduced Abigale, who was our Rotary exchange student to Germany in 2019.  Abigale is from Lakewood, NY and is a proud 2019 graduate of Southwestern Central School.  Abigale spent her freshmen college year at Hobart and William Smith and is now attending a college in Florida.  Hopes to study abroad as well in the future. Her ultimate goal is to get into the culinary industry as that is where her heart lies.  Makes sense since her family owns Ellicottville Brewing Company!
 
   
 
Abigale lived in a small Bavarian town south of Munich called, Bad Tölz.  Bad Tölz is a town in Bavaria, Germany and the administrative center of the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district (Wikipedia).
 
Abigale mentioned the sunsets were amazing in Germany and the scenery is breathtaking.  She spent her recreation time going to hockey games with her friends and a lot of time visiting scenic lakes in Germany.  
 
 
When Abigale first arrived in Germany, she attended a two week language camp which helped to jump start her ability to speak German.  It was a good experience and helped her talk with her initial host family.  
 
Abigale enjoyed going to German school.  Schools are very different in Germany.  There are 3 different types of high schools -  each at a different level.  Some are focused on university, others on trade schools, etc.  School day hours are also very different and the classes are different periods.
 
The school Abigale attended was the highest level.  For most students in this level of school, in order to go to university, they have to take a series of exams covering many different topics in order to attend university. Much harder than the requirements in America.   
 
 
In Germany, students only need to take 3 years of college.  And students cannot change majors once you get in.  The cost of university is very cheap in Germany compared to America.  
 
Abigale’s first host family – family with two sons and two daughters – Abigale spent the year with two of the kids at home – other family members were at university.  The first host family would take Abigale on hikes in the Bavarian Alps.  She would wake up at 4am to hike and watch the amazing sunrise!  Wow.  
 
 
Second and third host families – I was not able to recall information about the second host familu, but her third host family – all the kids were boys!  Abigale remarked that they acted like her cousins, which was a good thing! The family also went to Italy and climbed mountains.
 
Food/Culture in Germany
 
German food culture includes bread/butter/jams for breakfast – lots of bread!  As well as different types of meat and vegetables.  
 
In terms of culture, memorial sites for the Holocaust are important in Germany.  Younger generations are more open to talking about it than the older generations are.  
 
Abigale also attended the well-known Oktoberfest.  While the worldwide impression of Oktoberfest is beer, there are actually a number of rides and fun for kids as well!  
 
 
The Rotary Club Abigale attended was a male only club in the heart of Bavaria.  It was interesting and different, but the members of the club were very nice and accommodating to her.  
 
Abigale was also able to visit with Luna from Denmark as well.  Luna was our exchange student in 2018.  She stayed for a few days with Luna in February 2019!  And, in March 2019, Abigale’s family came to visit.  
 
She then returned home on June 23, 2019 and graduated with the local Rotary outbounds for 2019/2020 exchange year.