German exchange student adjusts to changes

It's the beginning of the school year and new faces and names are everywhere. It's especially intimidating if you're the new kid. Now imagine the first day of school in another country, where even the language is unfamiliar, let alone the campus and the students.

This was the experience for junior Corbi Stimmer, who is not only new to the school, but also to the U.S. He is an exchange student from Pöcking, Germany, a small town outside of Munich and will be staying here for the school year. He is staying with the Bedard Family.

So far, Stimmer likes what he has seen.

“There are less classes to take here and the teachers are a lot nicer, and make sure you succeed,” he said. “The people here are also a lot nicer than in Germany. I really love the weather and the environment and the landscape.”

In Germany, the school days are much longer: students take 15 classes instead of seven or fewer.

“The teachers [in Germany] don’t really care if you have good grades, or if you’ll pass the class,” Stimmer said.

However, there are a few downsides to his American experience. Besides missing his friends and family back home, language is an obstacle. Stimmer still prefers speaking German.

"School here is harder because of English: I don't understand everything," Stimmer said.

Fortunately, Stimmer has a talent for languages: he speaks French, German, English and is currently taking Spanish, which has become his favorite subject.

Even after moving to the U.S., Stimmer has found the time and effort to practice his favorite sport and ultimate hobby: soccer. He has been playing for 12 years and practices five times a week playing on a team. In

Germany, Stimmer played on the Bayern Munich Academy team, a program for youth who may eventually move on to play for Bayern Munich or other German soccer teams.

“It was a lot of fun, but I had an injury and was no longer able to play,” Stimmer said.

When he’s not busy with soccer and school work, Stimmer likes to hang out with friends and meet new people.

“I love Saratoga and the people here,” Stimmer said. “I still have to think about it, but it would be really nice to study here.”

*Quotes translated from German by David Sparkman.