Learning German in the heart of the Wadden Sea: during the project week, an excursion organised by the Language Centre took students to Norderney. The study trip was organised by Regina Bernhardt, a German lecturer at the Language Centre, with funding from the DAAD’s STIBET programme.

Students from India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mexico and Germany took part in the exchange trip. Together they set off for the North Sea to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Wadden Sea at first hand and, at the same time, to speak German in authentic everyday situations — on the train, on the ferry and during joint activities on site.

Even the journey itself was a special experience for many participants. Samiksha Eknath Unhale from India describes the ferry crossing as a moment that has stayed with her: “Standing on the deck and watching the sea stretch endlessly into the distance was something I had never experienced before”. The journey was also seen as enriching, as it provided time for conversation and new encounters. Rafii Prasetya from Indonesia reflects: “Even during the journey, I was able to spend time with other students and get to know new people.”

One of the aims of the field trip was to explore the Wadden Sea as a unique natural environment. Once there, the students not only gained an insight into the ecosystem, but were also able to practise and improve their German language skills in real-life communication situations. Rafii sums up the experience as follows: “What was particularly important to me was interacting with others and having the chance to use my German in a real-life situation.”

It is often outside the classroom that particularly lively language moments arise. The group discussions, shared meals and exchanges along the way made the trip an intensive learning experience. Samiksha describes this atmosphere in her own words: “Eating together, the conversations and the shared experiences with my fellow students created a warm atmosphere that made the trip a very personal experience.”

Highlights of the trip included the mudflat walk and a guided bike ride across the island. “The mudflat walk was without a doubt one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip,” Samiksha reports enthusiastically, adding: “I was particularly impressed by how much life there is in places that seem empty at first glance.” Jesika Jariwala adds: “It was amazing what was living under the mud – it felt as though I was discovering a secret world.” The walk highlighted just how sensitive and worthy of protection this habitat is.

The bike ride also left a lasting impression. The group explored the dunes, the beach and other parts of the island by bike. Samiksha says: “The bike ride through the dunes, along the coast and through nature reserves brought the island’s beauty even closer to me.” So the ride became not only a practical but also a very memorable way of experiencing the island.