The Germans are Coming

This Friday, Oct. 18, a group of 21 High School students and two teachers from the Wilhelm-Hauff-Realschule located in Pfullingen, Germany will be joining the Toms River High School South community for two weeks.

The group’s arrival marks the beginning of the third German-American exchange program here at South.

The program, which pairs Pfullingen and South students, was founded in 2015 due in large part to the efforts of South German Teacher, Mr. Timothy DeMarco.

In 2015, under DeMarco’s leadership, Toms River South beat out hundreds of other American high schools to become part of this exchange program. The original exchange was partially funded by the United States and German Governments.

According to DeMarco, funding was given to the exchange program partially on the condition that we keep the exchange program

going. A second exchange between the two schools occurred in 2018.

This third exchange marks the first time that Pfullingen students will join the South community in the Fall.

According to DeMarco, the 21 Pfullingen students were all paired with a South student who shared common interests. The Germans will spend the entire school day with their American partners for the two weeks that they are here.

All of the Pfullingen students will be staying in the homes of their South partners. DeMarco added that along with exchange students spending quality time with their host families, there are several after school events planned as part of the exchange.

After school hours, the exchange members will go on some excursions to feel and grasp the American experience. The students will get to see New York City, Double Trouble State Park, Seaside Heights Boardwalk and experience a beach bonfire.

Additionally, the Pfullingen students will be the guests of honor at the South football home game against Jackson Liberty on October, 25.

According to DeMarco, the timing of the exchanges is perfect, as many of the German students are excited to witness an American Halloween. Exchange students will get to go pumpkin picking at Argos Farms in Forked River, go trick-or-treating and attend the annaul Toms River Halloween Parade.

The main goal of the exchange program is to build long lasting relationships and connect students with different people from different cultures.

The Pfullingen students will remain at South until Friday, Nov. 1.This summer, the 21 South students participating in the exchange will travel to Pfullingen to stay with their host families and attend the Wilhelm-Hauff-Realschule for two weeks.