2010 - German Teachers' Association of Ireland

“The need to exchange”
Over 25 years ago Hertha Stieber organised the first student exchanges between Ireland and
Germany on a formal basis. She was a German national, teaching in a secondary school in Ireland,
whose belief in developing cultural ties between the two countries gave students an opportunity to
develop their social and language skills. This enterprise has continued to this day and plans for
2010 are in place.
Hundreds of schools teach German up to Leaving Certificate Level. Thousands of students sat German in
2009. Most of these students will not have spoken German in its native setting but may have had to rely
on grinds to bring them up to the required level.
Over the last 10 years there has been a decline in the number of Irish students travelling abroad as part
of exchange programmes. For various reasons many schools are no longer offering their own exchanges.
However there are organisations that can fill this need with expertise and the support of education
authorities in Germany.
The emphasis in our examination system on aural and oral ability obliges the student to be more
comfortable with the spoken language and this reinforces the value of living in a German family
environment.
With the increased availability of cheaper flights and destinations in Germany the costs of taking part in
an exchange have become more affordable and compare very favourably with the alternatives of grinds or
summer schools.
I am very proud to have followed my mother’s values and beliefs and will continue to offer a personal
service to all schools who believe in the strength of the exchange philosophy. The responsibility for
organising an exchange is an onerous task for teachers on top of their normal duties, therefore the use of
a professional service should be availed of to reduce this burden.
Ich wurde mich freuen den Austausch mit Ihnen weiter zu besprechen.
Christine Cann. 086-2467468 / 086-6076550
Email: info@euexchange.org. Web: www.euexchange.org