As part of the partnership between the cities of Greifswald and Samos, students from both cities recently participated in a unique exchange program. For one week, German students experienced life on the Greek island of Samos, followed by a return visit where Greek students explored Greifswald. This exchange not only strengthened the bond between the partner cities but also provided students with valuable cultural insights and unforgettable memories.
Day of Arrival
As the arrival day approached, excitement grew on both sides. For the German students, the days leading up to the exchange were filled with preparations. As a surprise, they designed and hand-printed custom hoodies featuring a unique blend of Greek and German elements. The back print depicted the Pythagoras monument, with the renowned German artist Caspar David Friedrich replacing Pythagoras himself. On the front of the baby-blue hoodies, the outlines of Germany and the island of Samos were connected by two paper planes, symbolizing the continuous exchange between both cities. The process of printing the hoodies by hand only heightened the anticipation.
With everything carefully packed and labeled, the stage was set for the reunion. Meanwhile, the Greek students, accompanied by two teachers and the deputy mayor, woke up eager for their journey. At 9:00 AM, they gathered at Samos Airport, weighed their luggage, checked their tickets, bid
farewell to their families, and set off. A quick flight to Thessaloniki was followed by a two-hour layover, during which they had lunch and texted their German host siblings. As their flight to Berlin neared its end, they could already sense the colder weather awaiting them. Upon arrival, they collected their luggage and boarded a bus for the three-hour journey to Greifswald, passing the time with card games, food stops, and
growing anticipation.
While the Greek students were en route, their German counterparts were busy preparing for their arrival. In the evening, they gathered at their school to set up a finger-food buffet and finalize their surprise. At 9:30 PM, the long-awaited moment arrived—the bus pulled up at Humboldt School, and for the first time since April, Greek and German students reunited. After an initial welcome, everyone moved into the auditorium, exchanged gifts, and shared a meal after the exhausting day of travel. The headmaster, Mr. Burmeister, greeted the guests and gave an overview of the week’s schedule. Soon after, the students met their host families and headed home, eager for the days ahead.
Day 1: Discovering Greifswald
The day began with a tour of Humboldt School, allowing the Greek students to experience classes firsthand. At 1:00 PM, the mayor of Greifswald, Mr. Fassbinder, officially welcomed the group, sharing insights about the city’s history, its renowned university, and the origins of the name „Greifswald.“ After a short break, the students visited the Eine-Welt-Laden (One World Shop) near St. Nicholas Church in the St. Spiritus building.
Dedicated to fair trade, the shop is part of a larger movement promoting ethical consumption. The Greek students showed great interest and had the opportunity to purchase products from around the world. Next, the group climbed to the rooftop of St. Nicholas Church, where they enjoyed a
breathtaking view of Greifswald and its surroundings, including the Baltic Sea and nearby islands. Inside the church, the Greeks were fascinated by its architecture, noting the differences from their own religious structures.
At 4:30 PM, everyone reconvened at the school for a dance workshop. A professional dance instructor taught traditional dances, including an international dance, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. It was a fun and engaging way to end the first full day of the exchange.
Day 2: A Trip to Stralsund
On Tuesday, the group visited Stralsund, starting at the Ozeaneum, an aquarium focused on the Baltic Sea.
The guided tour highlighted the sea’s low salt concentration and its diverse marine life, including both saltwater and freshwater species. A striking exhibit made entirely of ocean trash emphasized the urgency of combating marine pollution. The students also learned about endangered species such as seals and sea turtles, gaining a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation. A highlight of the visit was the penguin feeding session, where even opportunistic seagulls managed to snatch some fish. After exploring the aquarium, the students took a stroll through Stralsund, buying souvenirs and enjoying the historic city center. In the evening, they gathered at „Peter Pane,“ a popular burger restaurant, before ending the day at a local bar in Greifswald.
Day 3: Exploring Coastal Protection in Eldena
Wednesday began at Eldena Beach, where students played volleyball before heading to the flood barrier in Wieck. Divided into two groups, they received guided tours explaining how the 7-meter-deep barrier, built in 2008, protects Greifswald from flooding and preserves the brackish water biotopes of the Ryck lowlands. The guides also discussed future sea-level rise projections and the importance of coastal protection.
After lunch by the Bodden, the students collected litter from the beach, finding mostly beer mats and cigarette butts. They noted that, unlike in Samos, Greifswald’s beaches were relatively clean due to wellplaced trash bins. The afternoon was spent visiting a small zoo, exploring the city, or traveling to Rostock’s Karls Erdbeerhof to see the famous ice world exhibit. The evening concluded with a cozy campfire, marshmallows, and sausages.
Days 4 & 5: Adventures on Rügen and Climate Awareness
On Thursday, the group traveled to Rügen, Germany’s largest island. They hiked three kilometers through the forest to the Königsstuhl National Park Centre, where they explored an interactive exhibition on the island’s history and the formation of its famous chalk cliffs. After lunch, they admired the breathtaking cliffs before heading to Prora Beach to collect water samples for the next day’s analysis.
The trip continued at Karls Strawberry Farm in Zirkow, an amusement park with a strawberry theme. Students enjoyed free time exploring the park before returning to Greifswald. Later that evening, they gathered to watch the Germany vs. Italy and Greece vs. Scotland football matches.
On Friday, students met at school to write reports on the exchange and analyze the water samples collected at Prora Beach. A climate protection officer gave a presentation on environmental sustainability, rounding off the educational aspect of the program. In the evening, everyone met at the harbor to enjoy their last night together.
Final Day: Last Breakfast
On the last morning, the group gathered at the beach for a traditional German breakfast, sharing food and conversations one last time. As the shuttle to the airport arrived, the students took a final group picture before saying their goodbyes, cherishing the friendships and memories made during this unforgettable exchange.
