Although this exchange was short, it significantly strengthened mutual understanding between students of both countries, especially our students' understanding of German culture. Deep friendships were formed between students of the two nations, and we look forward to German students’ coming to our school for exchange next year. Let's take a look at some reflections from the students!

I am very happy with this exchange tour, and the whole process was relaxing and enjoyable. I encountered many new things and met some interesting people. I believe that, at this age, there are two things we need to explore. First: what kind of person do I want to become? Second: who do I want to be with? Fortunately, this journey has given me more thoughts on these two points and further enriched my spiritual world. In conclusion, I want to say that we are all part of a community; it's never about winning over others; when a person genuinely thinks for everyone and solves problems, he will surely find happiness.

This trip to Germany gave me many wonderful experiences and feelings, such as being inspired by the honesty and warmth of CIS students. They took me to try activities like bowling, ice skating, trampolining, dodgeball, etc.. We had lots of fun and developed deep friendship. At the same time, I gained a deeper understanding of German culture, including some very subtle cultural differences. For example, Germans have a different habit when eating boiled eggs: while we usually peel and eat them directly, in Germany, people typically cut off the top of the egg with a knife and then use a spoon to scoop and eat it. Local supermarkets generally have plastic bottle recycling machines that offer a refund of 0.25 euros (approximately 2 RMB) for each bottle returned, promoting environmental conservation practices.

The journey to Cologne was brief but profound, like a fantastical and elusive dream that lingers in my memory. Together, we explored the bustling Christmas markets, deepening our understanding through continuous communication. The phrase "du na ma shu na" in German means "what you eat makes you look beautiful," a humorous compliment that left a lasting impression on me. At CIS, where we also took on the task of teaching Chinese, both the teachers and students showed an unexpected level of interest and enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture. The most unforgettable part was experiencing the authentic local way of life. Aunt Joorie taught me how to use household utensils, correctly sort trash, and cut bread. She prepared various foods for me, including Italian, Korean, and German dishes. Even though our native languages differed, English served as a bridge, creating a channel for mutual communication.  This was a journey of a lifetime for me, where I made many new friends and understood the significance of communication and language learning, among other things. What makes me cherish this time so much is not just Germany but the people I met there. Their sincerity and love deeply moved me.

I believe this trip to Germany will be unforgettable for me. Experiencing different cultures made me very excited. I enjoyed walking on the streets of Germany, observing the shops and buildings along the way. In Germany, I could also taste different foods, and the Turkish döner kebab was very popular in Cologne, which surprised me. Another exciting thing was the exchange with German students. They showed great enthusiasm for our visit and were interested in learning Chinese. They often joked, saying things in Chinese like "You're fat," "I'm handsome." During these ten days, we traveled together, ate together, visited places, and played basketball; I miss those times a lot.  I quickly developed a deep bond with my host student, Mehmet. We talked about everything, and he was always there to help me. I feel very lucky to have such a good host family. He thoughtfully tried to make me feel fulfilled every day. He taught me how to play the piano and chess, and I played board games with his family. His family provided chopsticks for me during meals to make me feel at home. I miss this trip, and I already want to go back and play with them forever.

I want to express special thanks to my German host, Ms. Christine; she is an art teacher at CIS. On the first weekend after our arrival, she took us to explore German towns, taste locally famous foods, and even tried the Christmas hot mulled wine. We sampled non-alcoholic red wine, which is said to be a special drink prepared for children during Christmas in Germany. Strolling through the misty streets of Germany, admiring the colorful houses, was a delight beyond words. During this time, I not only learned a lot but also experienced the warmth of home. Ms. Christine is not just my temporary host but also my reliance and support in a foreign land. Her attentive care made me feel incredibly happy and content. This journey is not only a retracing of history and culture but also a profound appreciation of the beauty of music, art, and nature. At the intersection of these three places, I felt the overlap of time and the inheritance of civilization, understanding the essence of global cultural diversity and experiencing the beauty of humanity.

On the first day in Germany, I sat in the living room with Aunt Joorie and Uncle Axel, enjoying a delicious lunch. We talked about a story related to Chinese history—Zheng He's voyages to the West. uncle Axel was particularly interested in Chinese history, so he often played audio stories about Chinese history in his car. Aunt Joorie 's father was also very interested in Chinese culture. He taught himself Chinese and wrote down his Chinese name. He also chatted with me about many aspects of Chinese history. In our leisure time, I taught Auryn some Chinese, and at the same time, I learned some basic German greetings. I also visited castles and hiked in the forest with Auryn's family, experiencing the power and beauty of nature, providing me with many opportunities for reflection and relaxation.

This cultural exchange allowed me to immerse myself deeply in the local culture and life. At the dinner table, I chatted with my host family about our lives, hobbies, and travel experiences. I found that they were very interested in Chinese culture, so I shared some interesting stories about Chinese festivals, cuisine, and history. In this process, I realized that the cultural differences between us were not as significant as I had imagined. Living with the host family made me deeply appreciate the importance of cultural exchange. Despite coming from different countries and cultural backgrounds, through mutual listening and understanding, we were able to build strong friendship based on mutual respect. This experience also made me cherish and appreciate my own family and cultural background more, and it has made me more open and confident in facing future cross-cultural exchange opportunities. The trip to Cologne made me feel the history, culture, and charm of Germany, and living with the host family is one of the most unforgettable memories of my travels.

I believe this trip to Germany is nine or even ten points perfect. In the ten days in Germany, we witnessed the world-class high-speed railway system and visited one of the largest religious relics of medieval Europe. Moreover, we genuinely felt the hospitality of all CIS teachers and students, especially Mr. Shi. He spared no effort to prepare for this activity, and it can be said that without Mr. Shi, this exchange would have been impossible. Besides, German cuisine also gave us a sense of satisfaction, especially the roasted pork knuckle, which was very fresh and delicious.

Cologne is a charming destination that left a deep impression on me. Adapting to a new environment was a considerable challenge for me. On the first day in Germany, faced with an unfamiliar language and culture, I felt very lost. However, I quickly felt that Germans treat foreign students with great friendliness and inclusiveness. Whether at school or in daily life, they were always willing to help me solve problems, helping me quickly adapt to their culture.

In Cologne, I immersed myself in a fascinating cultural journey. This city, with its long history and unique culture, fascinated me. We visited the Dom, an iconic building that amazed me with its architectural beauty and historical significance. We also explored the local chocolate museum, gaining insights into the history and culture of chocolate. In Cologne, we tasted local delicacies such as sausages, pork knuckles, and bread, each dish leaving a lasting impression. In the city, I also felt the warmth and vitality, with locals being friendly and welcoming, making me feel very comfortable.

Cologne is one of Germany's oldest and most charming cities. Among the city landmarks we visited, The Dom left the most profound impression on me. As I entered the cathedral, I marveled at its magnificence and intricate architectural craftsmanship. The stained glass windows inside the cathedral, having weathered centuries, still radiated vibrant colors. The colossal supporting arches and sculptural decorations showcased the exquisite skill and artistic level of Gothic architecture at the time. Cologne Cathedral is an impressive structure, not only a treasure of Germany but also a gem of all Europe. Whether you are a religious believer or an art enthusiast, Cologne Cathedral is a must-visit to experience its solemn atmosphere and ancient history.

This trip to Cologne allowed me to experience the warm hospitality of local students, and I also understood that to truly understand a place, you must go there yourself because second-hand accounts can easily be distorted. Cologne is an ancient city with a profound cultural and historical heritage, making me realize the importance of preserving and passing on cultural heritage. The occasional delays in Germany's tram system made me aware that even with well-planned schedules, unexpected situations may arise, so it's essential to leave room for flexibility when planning. During the visit to the UN campus in Bonn, I felt the efforts the United Nations puts into addressing global challenges, making me realize that everyone should have an international mindset.

I had visited Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany before and was interested in the country's culture, so this time, I came to Cologne. This exchange allowed me to deeply experience the lives of the locals, leaving a profound impression. Germany is a pet-friendly country, and you can see people walking their pets in public places such as airports, train stations, and subways. Although this may seem incredible in China, it is a common sight for them. In Cologne, I did not see the phenomenon of walking dogs without a leash, a habit established based on strict pet-keeping regulations. Germany's highways are also a highlight; their highways are toll-free, and many sections have no speed limits, allowing drivers to go as fast as they want. Everyone drives according to the rules and pays great attention to giving way to pedestrians.

I enjoyed the cityscape of Cologne, with its historic buildings and lush greeneries that captivated me. The exchange with foreign friends was relaxing and enjoyable, with humor being our common language. Fortunately, I met friends who were down-to-earth, sincere, and kind, with a natural sense of humor and liveliness in their interactions with people. Although coming from different cultural backgrounds, universal values such as openness, tolerance, respect, and understanding have connected us and reached our hearts. I believe this simple yet pure friendship is the most beautiful and precious gift that Cologne has bestowed upon me.