"Vorfreude auf eine andere Kultur"

"Vorfreude auf eine andere Kultur" - Anticipating another Culture

Sächsische Zeitung

06.08.2013

5 A4-Sheets arrived in the mail at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marusch from Kurort Hartha over the past few weeks. 5 short profiles with some important information about 5 young people from the USA. Heidi Marusch takes the papers into the kitchen, goes through them thoroughly and arrives at a decision, Juergen does the same in the living-room. Then the big question: Which guest-student do we want to take on for a year? "The curious thing was, that we both picked the same one", says Heidi. After that the choice was clear: Jack will spend a year in the small town in the Tharandter Forest. His actual name is John, he is 18 years old and comes from Illinois. As to why his emails state "Jack", Heidi and Juergen have no clue. They will find out. On August 18th they will pick him up from the main train station.

 For many years Heidi has considered the idea, to take part in an exchange program as a host parent. "But it has never worked out, when we were still working we would not have had enough time for an exchange student. One wants to show them the country and people. But this year they leaped at the opportunity. Heidi read in the newspaper that YFU was looking for host-families. She called them the same day. "My biggest concern was that as retirees, we'd be to old for such a program, but the concern was unfounded.

Jack has slowly begun packing, meanwhile, you can tell Heidi and Jürgen have great anticipation when they talk about getting ready for the exchange student. He will have two rooms of his own on the top floor of the house. The Maruschs are already in contact with their exchange student. When he shared with them that he likes to ride his bike at home, the Maruschs were given a fright, while they have a cat and 3 dogs, unfortunately no bicycle. So they got one on ebay. Heidi also ordered a card from ADAC with excursion destinations, for their fall vacation on the North sea. Jack's profile sheet says that he is an actor and that he is interested in culture. The Semperopera in Dresden then is naturally a must. The Maruschs are also informed about the forms and offices they need to take Jack to.

But with all the euphoria Juergen has to break a bit. "If this goes any further, then the poor boy will have to take a whole truck-load home with him at the end of the year." said Juergen with a smirk. "He is 18 years old and will be sure to have his own interests". Juergen lived for 2 years in Canada when he was a kid - as a result there will be no problems with understanding one another. Besides, Jack has 4 years of German lessons behind him. While here, he will attend the Gymnasium in Freital even though he has already graduated from highschool in the US, School attendance in the guest country is part of YFU's programm.

The Maruschs will soon participate in an information-day for all the host-parents. There, they will be informed about possible problems. The young people don't always stay with the host-family. "We hope that there is good chemistry, and we will see what Jack is interested in. It is sure to be a big adventure for everyone."