MISTI Exchange Program

For the second time, a student from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston spent three weeks teaching at Marien-Gymnasium Kaufbeuren.
While the primary goal was to support upper-level students in improving their English skills, Julia Cha also brought science into lower grades: she introduced 8th and 9th graders to atomic theory and molecular models, and even 5th graders benefited by learning English terms related to the musculoskeletal and circulatory systems. The younger students were proud to know technical words like "joints", "muscle fibers", and "connective tissue" in English.

The exchange was seen as highly enriching by both students and teachers. English has become a key language in subjects like biology and chemistry — almost the "native language of science." In addition, the program provided valuable insights into American culture and politics, sparking lively classroom discussions, especially around the U.S. presidential transition.

For Julia, the teaching stay was an opportunity to experience the German school system and Bavarian culture firsthand. She clearly enjoyed her time in the classroom and returned to Boston with lasting impressions and new perspectives.

The exchange program was made possible through the support of the Frank Hirschvogel Foundation.