The German Exchange Program

           The Student Exchange Program by S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and Gymnasium Isernhagen was established in the year 2007, and since then each year a group of students, upon finishing Ordinary Level Examinations get the chance of a lifetime…a visit to Hannover, Germany and spending 4-6 weeks in the country.

           This unique experience provides young Thomians to live with a German family and attend school sessions at Gymnasium Isernhagen. This provides the ideal setting for our boys to understand the German culture, the education system, and most importantly, the German ways of life. Also our students act as ambassadors of our country and college, and ever since our students arrive in Germany( in the early part of the year) they were able to experience the rich splendour of the country and its people, complete with a dash of snow, making it a lifetime experience.

          Our students, as a result of this exchange, have become more independent, self-motivated, and also acquire improved leadership and decision making skills.

          This program is facilitated by Mr. Manfred Möller of Gymnasium Isernhagen, and the Social Work Unit of S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia coordinated by Mr. Sanjeewa De Mel.

          The students who return from their adventures in Germany have a great deal to say, including the enjoyable stay with German families who graciously host them for a long period of time, attending Gymnasium Isernhagen and interacting with German students, and the trips taken with Mr. Möller to different parts of Germany, including the breathtaking Hartz Mountains, the Miniature Wonderland in the city of Hamburg, and the stay in the country’s capital Berlin, which is itself an amazing experience. Shown below are some pictures taken by our students during their stay in Germany.

For more information please visit the following links.