German students in town to experience M’sian culture
JOHOR BARU: A group of students from the French High School in Berlin is excited to experience true Malaysian culture. They are on an eight-day student exchange programme.
The 15- to 17-year-olds arrived last Friday and have been staying with Malaysian families here as part of the programme.
For Leonie Arnold, 16, the experience has been an adventure and she cannot wait to see more of the local life.
“The food has been a little bit of a challenge. Although I love spicy food, the level of spiciness here in general is beyond what I am usually used to.
“Of all the food I have tasted so far, my favourites are mangoes and crabs,” she told The Star.
Another 16-year-old student, Roxane Dimitriadis, is fascinated with Malaysia’s diverse culture.
“I enjoyed the city tour, especially visits to the Chinese, Hindu and Sikh temples, all of which are located close to each other,” she said, referring to the Street of Harmony along Jalan Trus in the city centre.
Her friend, Maja Weisfeld, also 16, quickly grew fond of her host family.
“I am staying with a Malay family and I am so touched by their hospitality and caring nature, especially the grandmother who has been taking care of me like her own when I felt sick two days ago,” she said.
Ciska Wohlgemuth, 17, who is half-Chinese, said that blending in with her Chinese host family was smooth as she could speak Mandarin.
“It is so familiar yet so different – although we share many similarities, such as the language and mannerism, there is still a difference in culture and lifestyle,” she said.
The exchange programme organised by SMK Infant Jesus Convent is aimed at exposing foreign students to Malaysian life as well as to share knowledge and foster friendship.
A host parent, Howard Sin, 45, said that both hosts and guests have gained experience since the programme’s inception in 2015.