Ellis Student Studying in Germany
Ellis students typically begin their high school career with freshmen orientation, athletics practices, play rehearsals, and the homecoming dance. But for Annika Ramani, her high school experience didn’t begin in the Upper School but in the southwestern corner of Germany. A member of the Class of 2021, Annika is currently studying in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, for the first six months of the school year. She attends St. Ursula Gymnasium Freiburg, a German school for grades 5 to 12, where the only English spoken at the school is in English class.
Thanks to her German heritage, Annika has been learning and speaking the language her entire life, so when a family friend invited her to stay with them in Freiburg im Breisgau, she jumped at the opportunity. A new member of the community and the Class of 2021, Annika will arrive at Ellis in February upon her return from Germany to begin her freshman year.
Belle Moldovan, Visual Art Teacher and Annika’s advisor, has been in touch with Annika while she’s been abroad, she says, “my advisory group has facetimed with Annika this year in order to welcome her to the Upper School, without actually physically being here. It’s great to see my six advisees building community with Annika as they share stories and laughs about what it means to be an Ellis Upper School student. We’re excited for her to join us in person early next year!”
We caught up with Annika in Germany to hear more about her adventures abroad and to introduce her to the Ellis community ahead of her arrival at Ellis this February.
How did the opportunity to study abroad in Germany come about?
A few years ago, German family friends invited me to stay with them and study in Germany. My parents and I felt that this (my freshman year) would be the perfect time to do so. However, I felt that in order not to miss as much of what my peers in the U.S. were doing, I would only spend 6 months in Germany, instead of the full year. This way I would also not have to potentially repeat the year in the States.
What is the biggest difference between schools in the U.S. and schools in Germany?
In my opinion, the biggest difference between American and German schools is the freedom and the responsibility that comes with that freedom. For example, in Germany, students from every grade are allowed to leave campus for lunch and eat somewhere in the city. Whereas in the U.S., students stay on campus for the entire school day. I enjoy this freedom a lot and I think, when translated for the classroom, said freedom can have huge benefits. For example, a few months ago, Germany had its elections, and chancellor candidates were campaigning throughout the country. It just so happened that Chancellor Merkel was in Freiburg during our civics class and so we went on a mini field trip to hear her speak, which was very exciting!
In my opinion, the biggest difference between American and German schools is the freedom and the responsibility that comes with that freedom. For example, in Germany, students from every grade are allowed to leave campus for lunch and eat somewhere in the city. Whereas in the U.S., students stay on campus for the entire school day. I enjoy this freedom a lot and I think, when translated for the classroom, said freedom can have huge benefits. For example, a few months ago, Germany had its elections, and chancellor candidates were campaigning throughout the country. It just so happened that Chancellor Merkel was in Freiburg during our civics class and so we went on a mini field trip to hear her speak, which was very exciting!
Have you had the chance to travel outside of Freiburg im Breisgau since you’ve arrived? Where have you visited?
Recently we had a week of vacation, so my host family and I went to Graubünden in Switzerland, which was beautiful. We enjoyed climbing as well as hiking, and I was able to try some of the Swiss specialties such as Bünder Nusstorte! Another weekend, we went to Lake Constance and were able to ride in a zeppelin over the lake for some gorgeous views! One of my all-time favorite places to visit in Europe is Basel in Switzerland, where I have a friend, whom I visited a few month ago. She showed me the town hall which is painted with red and gold. Afterwards, we walked around town eating roasted chestnuts, a perfect beginning to the fall season!
How do you think your international experience will aid your studies in the Upper School at Ellis?
I feel that this experience will aid me in my studies at Ellis in many ways. For one, I feel that my study methods have become a lot better owing to the fact that I am learning, in my own way, in two languages. I also feel that I am able to analyze not only German but English as a language in a much clearer light. I feel that this will definitely help my writing.
How do you think your international experience will aid your studies in the Upper School at Ellis?
I feel that this experience will aid me in my studies at Ellis in many ways. For one, I feel that my study methods have become a lot better owing to the fact that I am learning, in my own way, in two languages. I also feel that I am able to analyze not only German but English as a language in a much clearer light. I feel that this will definitely help my writing.
What are you most looking forward to about being back in the states? About being at Ellis?
I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends again when I am back in the States! I also miss certain foods like Goldfish, and am excited to have mac and cheese again. I am especially looking forward to participating in crew for the first time at Ellis when I return!
Do you hope to study abroad again in the future?
Definitely! I feel that studying abroad really helps to immerse oneself in the language and therefore become more fluent. I am studying French and would love to spend some time in France or a francophone country. Many of my classmates here have participated in a short exchange in France and have mentioned that it helped them a lot.
I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends again when I am back in the States! I also miss certain foods like Goldfish, and am excited to have mac and cheese again. I am especially looking forward to participating in crew for the first time at Ellis when I return!
Do you hope to study abroad again in the future?
Definitely! I feel that studying abroad really helps to immerse oneself in the language and therefore become more fluent. I am studying French and would love to spend some time in France or a francophone country. Many of my classmates here have participated in a short exchange in France and have mentioned that it helped them a lot.
At The Ellis School, city, state, and even country lines do not limit the learning opportunities offered to our students. Global education has become an increasingly important addition to our curriculum across the Lower, Middle, and Upper School divisions. Annika’s experience abroad will not only enrich her own perspective but those of her classmates as well. We look forward to welcoming Annika to the Upper School later this year!
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