Why go on a German school trip?
Basic and useful communication skills are becoming an increasingly important aspect of Modern Foreign Language studies. And, knowledge of cultue and history is just as valuable as learning the language and literature. It is recognised that one of the best ways to retain some of this knowledge is to apply it in real-life scenarios — for example, conversing with native speakers.
Recent MFL GCSE reform is shifting the curriculum away from just ‘teaching to the exam’, but rather teaching vocabulary that can be used naturally in real life. A German language school trip is the perfect way to further support students through development in an immersive experience. A few benefits include:
- Improved pronunciation and fluency
- Practising communication with native speakers
- Better understanding of German cultures
- The inspiration to go further with their learning
At WST, our German language school trips are designed to maximise opportunities for students to practise their language skills, as well as experience new cultures and make memories for life.
Where to go on a German language school trip
There are several destinations to choose from when deciding on where to tackle secondary school or sixth form students on a German language school trip. For a trip abroad, Germany is the natural choice, with several beautiful locations with rich cultural and historical significance to explore.
Berlin or Munich are a great way to experience city life, or coach trips to Cologne and the Rhineland region offer the chance to explore several cultural locations. And for something a bit closer to home, our trips to London include several key locations and immersive experiences to put German skills to the test.
Experience German culture in Berlin
A trip to the bustling capital city of Berlin offers a range of opportunities for students to develop their listening, comprehension, and speaking language skills. Students can practise their linguistic skills when ordering food at restaurants or purchasing gifts at the breathtaking Berlin Christmas Market.
Berlin can be easily explored on foot, with several major historical sites within walking distance, such as the Reichstag Building and the Brandenburg Gate. In just a 4 day trip to Berlin, your students will have the chance to form a deep knowledge of the city’s culture and absorb as much of the natural language as possible.
Take a German language school trip to Rhineland
Rhineland spans a large western region of Germany, taking its name from the major river Rhine which runs through it. Rhineland encompasses multiple popular German cities and towns, such as Cologne and Cochem, offering opportunities to experience various cultures and customs. You can choose to stay in the vibrant city of Cologne, or for a quieter and more immersive German experience you can stay at a small family run hotel in one of the small towns or villages along the banks of the Rhine or Moselle rivers. Students can get to know more about the region’s history at Cologne Cathedral, or one of the many medieval fortresses along the river banks, while developing their language listening and speaking skills in picturesque backdrops.
If visiting during Christmas, students can enjoy several festive-themed activities. Practise conversing with native German speakers at one of the Cologne Christmas Markets before riding around the city on the Christmas train. Another attraction open all year around is Phantasialand, a theme park in Brühl that thrillseekers will love.
The region of Rhineland has so much to explore, we’d suggest 3-5 day trips are the best way to take in and enjoy all it has to offer for your students’ German language development.
Practise your German language skills in Munich
Munich is another historic German city, with plenty of locations to explore and chances for students to apply their language. With several museums and centuries-old churches, Munich is a culture-rich destination your students will love getting to explore. Students can put their linguistic skills into action at the Viktualienmarkt before enjoying a relaxed walk to enjoy the beautiful architecture around the city.
For a different perspective, a visit to Olympiapark and its tower is the perfect way to see the city from new heights. Get to know the city’s history at several famous museums, such as the BMW Welt & Museum. A German language trip to Munich is the ideal way for students to enjoy 4 days practising their skills in an idyllic location.
Stay close to home with a German language trip to London
You don’t have to travel overseas for German language trips. London offers a genuine insight into German culture and history across various sites and activities. Students can get to know more about the UK and Germany’s shared history at the Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington. Take a river tour along the Thames, accompanied by a German commentary for a truly unique educational experience. You can even get a taste for German cuisine at authentic food establishments throughout the city, followed by a screening of a German movie at the Goethe-Institut.
London is a great way for students to practise their German skills in a shorter amount of time, with 1 or 2-day trips offering plenty of opportunities for development.
7 German language experiences your students won’t want to miss
There is no better way to learn the German language than to practise among its native speakers. Students will love how much Germany has to offer, from the bustling markets and delicious food to the rich culture and historic locations. Here are 7 activities to enjoy on your next German school trip.
Take part in German language workshops
German language workshops are a great way to put learning into practice. The tailored workshop sessions demonstrate how German linguistics can be applied in real life, and are designed to boost students’ confidence in their ability to communicate. After preparing in their groups, students can put their learning into practice in the city by speaking with locals to order food, ask for directions, and have other real-life interactions in German. Students can take part in German language workshops in Berlin and Rhineland.
Interactive language tasks with E3 Trails
We’ve partnered with E3 Trails, an education trail writer, to develop an interactive activity designed to encourage students to take their German language learning journey into their own hands. Over a few hours, teams of students are tasked with challenges that require them to use their language skills to overcome problems and complete scavenger hunts. The competitive element of an E3 trail encourages students to work together to be crowned the winners. E3 Trails are available in Berlin and London.
Experience traditional German Christmas markets
The magic of Christmas can be found in abundance at traditional German Christmas Markets. Explore a range of food stalls, handmade gifts, and the general merriment of the season. Christmas Markets can be found all over Germany in the winter, with Cologne and Berlin being two of the most popular destinations.
Go on a guided walking tour
Guided tours led by local experts take students to historic sites, cultural locations, and museums to provide a deep understanding of Germany as a whole. Students are encouraged to ask questions and converse with their tour guide in German to improve their speaking and listening skills.
Visit the Imhoff Stollwerck Chocolate Museum
Located in the Rhineland region, the Imhoff Stollwerck Chocolate Museum is a fun way to learn more about the history of chocolate in Germany. Students can watch chocolate being made and even try some samples themselves, making this a fun and delicious memory your students will never forget. It’s also possible to to pre-book some space in the cafe to enjoy the traditional Kaffee un Kuchen.
Explore the charming town of Cochem
The Moselle Valley is home to the town of Cochem, a beautiful location which looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. Discover the town’s history at Castillo de Cochem before exploring an array of independent shops, museums, and cultural galleries. Though a busy location, Cochem has a magical air about it and is a perfect place to hone German-language speaking and listening skills.
Enjoy the excitement at Phantasialand
Spend a full day at Germany’s number 1 theme park, Phantasialand in Brühl. The large theme park is split into several different themes, each with a unique set of rides and attractions so everyone can find something to enjoy. Students who love the adrenaline of roller coasters will have plenty of rides to choose from, while those who prefer a slower pace can enjoy walking around the themed villages.
Start planning your German school trip with NGT
At Next Generation Travel, our expert team of trip planners will work with you to plan and tailor your German language school trip. Whether your students are studying for GCSEs or A-Levels, we’ll put together an itinerary that’ll meet their education goals while guaranteeing an exciting experience. We can even arrange accommodation and transport to make sure everything runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today to request a quote.
