Germany Update, June 3 2014

Today we began by touring the 500 year old ruins of the Frankenstein Castle located in the hills of central Hessen. Students heard the history of the castle and were able to explore the area independently. As with many castles, the views were spectacular.

After enjoying the stroll across the castle grounds, we once again enjoyed a traditional German meal of fleischekase (a seasoned pork meatloaf with cheese) and hard rolls.

Next came one of the more adventurous activities of the trip. We went into the woods to experience the Ketterwald, a collection of obstacle courses through the trees. When I say through the trees, I mean at least 20 feet above the ground with some courses much higher. Courses ranged from Blue (simple) to Black (advanced and really, really high). The courses started with a basic climbing web where we posed for a group photo.

After that, it was into the trees...

It was much higher than it looks! Everyone enjoyed the day with no falls or injuries, of course ;)

Tomorrow we will visit our German counterparts schools including the Peter Behrens Schule and the Fredrich Liste Schule. We will end the day with a casual bowling get together in Darmstadt.

Stay tuned for more developments and be sure to visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook Page for more information, news and photos.

MPTC Students in Germany June 2, 2014

It was a busy day for the students traveling in Germany today. It began with a lot of bustling pots, pans, cutting boards and knives as German and American students worked together to create a traditional German meal. On the menu was Wiener Schnitzel, White Asparagus with Hollandaise,  Roasted Potatoes, Braised Mushrooms in Cream and Fried Bread Dumplings.

After hours of work the final meal was served...

In addition to a great meal Fr. Corinna Haake, an instructor from the Peter Behrens Schule and German wine expert, introduced the students to the basics of wine selection and tasting.

Next on the agenda was a tour of the local Phungstadt Brewery, a traditional German brewer which was established in 1831. The students learned the history of the art of German beer brewing as well as how it is produced today. After the tour, students sampled different beers and snacked on traditional German cold cuts and sausages. Certainly after this day, no one went home hungry.

For more information and more photos, please visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook page or International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Flickr album.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to move on to Italy this week!

Germany Updates May 30, 2014

This past weekend, students participated in a number of different activities with their host friends and families. Many attended Schlossgrabenfest 2014 (say that 10 times really fast) which is a large music festival at the Graben Castle in the center of Darmstadt. Others toured downtown Frankfurt with its many shops, street performers and international cuisine. My hosts and I attended a wine festival just south of the city in Zwienenberg where we also visited a local vineyard.

Tomorrow the American and German students will be preparing a meal together at the Fredrich Liste Schule, a college similar to MPTC. The cuisine will of course be German.

For more photos and information visit the International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Facebook page or International Education at Moraine Park Technical College Flickr album.

 Stay tuned for many more activities to come!