October 2002 - Nr. 10
Despite 9/11, German Students Still Up for Stay in USA
TWIG - The terrorist attacks that hit the United States on September 11, 2001 have made many people think twice about a trip to New York or Washington, D.C., and the threat of further attacks in the U.S. are enough to make anyone nervous. But most German high school students say that wouldn’t stop them from spending a year in America if they had the opportunity. That was the conclusion reached by the research institute Recherchen-Verlag after surveying more than 200 young people and some 40 cultural exchange organizations.
Most prospective exchange students in Germany say the chance to gain new experiences is their main reason for wanting to stay in another country for an extended period. "Understanding other cultures is even more important now," explained one 16-year-old who will spend the 2002-2003 school year in the U.S.
Parents, however, often see things differently. The majority of parents interviewed in the survey said they would prefer their children only go to the U.S. for short visits, and a stay in another European country would be better still. "You can’t really say there has been a sharp drop in the number of applicants," noted exchange program officials, "but there has been a noticeable dip."
Fairs organized to promote youth exchange have also seen fewer visitors this year than last. But students still say they see exchange programs as a good thing. "I hope that things will change back soon," said Pascal Brummer, a 17-year-old who recently returned from a summer exchange in the U.S. "In the long term it’s only cultural exchange that brings us together."
