Willkommen! Over 4,600 miles from home, German exchange students Leo Kleine-Kraneburg and August Kopplow began their American high school experience at North Atlanta High School earlier this month. These past few weeks have only been a preview of the months ahead, but so far, have proven successful as both Kleine-Kraneburg and Kopplow have been able to explore the academic culture at NAHS and connect with other students. 

Junior Kleine-Kraneburg is originally from Dresden, a historic Baroque city in Saxony that winds along the Elbe River. Upon hearing about the experiences of former exchange students, his dream of an American school year was made possible through the Rotary Youth Exchange. Taking advantage of the wide range of accelerated courses offered at NAHS, Kleine-Kraneburg is enrolled in AP physics and AP language and literature, alongside some honors classes. During his ten month stay in America, he looks forward to seeing the World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium, as well as traveling to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. But above all, he has enjoyed the vibrant social atmosphere and the amicable nature of NAHS students. ‘’Everyone is so approachable and kind,’’ said Kleine-Kraneburg, ‘’It has made it so easy to connect with others.’’

Junior Kopplow was born and raised in Wiesbaden, Germany, but is well versed in American culture, thanks to his American mother. This fall, he is trading Wiesbaden’s relaxed pace for the busy pulse of Atlanta, hosted by his grandparents. One of his favorite pastimes is playing soccer, which he hopes to pursue during his five month stay through attending captain’s practices with the soccer Dubs. He has also taken an interest in America’s multifaceted cuisine, from hamburgers to tacos, and even barbecue. Additionally, he has been inspired by the variety of fashion. ‘’In Germany fashion isn’t as much of a form of creative expression,’’ said Kopplow, “I hope that by the semester’s end I can step up my style.’’ 

Adjusting to American high school has its bumps, but Kleine-Kraneburg and Kopplow have fully embraced the Dub lifestyle. The two are not exactly used to hiking the notorious eleven stories, but it has become one of many adjustments that now make up their daily routine in America. In Germany, students stay with the same group of roughly 30 students from elementary to high school. High school students have six to eight 45-minute-long periods, during which teachers rotate into the classroom. Rather than AP or IB courses, many German students can specialize in certain subjects. “In Germany, I chose to specialize in French,’’ said Kleine-Kraneburg, ‘’Now I am in French 3 at North Atlanta.’’

Kleine-Kraneburg and Kopplow have made the most of their first few weeks at NAHS, diving into sports, academics, and getting involved in the Warrior community. Their time as exchange students will promise friendships and memories that will stay with them long after their return to Germany.