We believe that interaction with German students is the key to a successful German Immersion Trip. The experience begins in England by having a German Pen-Pal. Once in Germany, the interaction with the German Pen-Pals is through carefully structured fun language activities run by us in the German High School and supervised social interaction out of the school. The Trip also includes many cultural and linguistic excursions. Our German Immersion Trips are all-inclusive and led by our very friendly and knowledgeable Reps.
There is nothing more motivating when learning a foreign language, than wanting to communicate with your peers. Your students will benefit from getting to know a German student of a similar age to themselves before, during and after the trip. This friendship will help them grow in confidence when communicating in German and also to develop an emotional attachment to German, thus motivating them to want to learn more!
Students have at least two sessions in the German High School with their Pen-Pals. This part of the trip is very popular with all students as they love to compare and contrast to their own school as they meet and get to know their Pen-Pals. The activities are organised and run by our Combination Languages team and we just ask you and your staff to support. Everything is carefully planned so that your students practise their German and the German students practise their English, meaning that everyone is in the same boat and that students can all help each other.
Our German Immersion Trips offer real educational value as they are jam packed with fun, linguistic activities. For example, our ‘Scavenger Hunt and ‘Photo Challenge’ activities involve students putting their German into real life practice by completing various tasks in small bilingual teams such as buying and writing a postcard, taking specific photos along the East Side Gallery and finding out an interesting fact about Berlin. The students are supported by our Trip Booklet so they can look up key vocabulary and phrases as they work together with their German Pen-Pals. The Final Evening Bowling with the German Pen-Pals, is always very popular and a good chance to interact in a more social setting. This is where students end the experience with many hugs, tears and promises to stay in touch.
Some of the trips and visits take place without the German Pen-Pals, and these are times to visit the sites of Berlin such as the TV Tower, the Reichstag and the lovely Berlin Christmas Markets. A guided walking tour with our very engaging bilingual Tour Guide is a brilliant way to gain a real insight into this fascinating capital city. Berlin is a very special city and we can’t wait to show it off to you and your students!
Combination Languages is run by experienced teachers so we understand that a teacher’s workload can be very demanding and we think it’s important to have someone run your trip for you. Suzie or one of her team meet you at the airport in England* to make sure that you set off smoothly, then Tom will meet you at the airport in Berlin and lead all the activities so that you can focus on supporting your students and enjoying the experience yourself. We also give comprehensive administration support to all Trip Leaders with documents such as draft letters for parents, presentations for students and detailed Risk Assessments available, and by always being on hand to answer any questions.
Our price includes everything; all transfers (UK and Germany), return flights, en-suite accommodation with teachers in individual rooms, full board, entrances and all activities led by us. We work with trusted third parties who have the same high standards as ourselves. Dietary requirements are carefully communicated to all food providers to ensure that every member of the group is well looked after. The only things that you may need to add to our price are the cost to supply Cover Teachers for any lessons that you and your team miss, travel insurance and we recommend a small contingency. Apart from that, there is nothing to add!
