Page 2 - GC-Nov-Dec-2025

PERSPECTIVES Building bridges across the Atlantic:

Buffalo-Dortmund Student Exchange
Fröhliche Weihnachten…
Program seeks host families

and spread the word by John Kleinmann Families interested in hosting your family's horizons, share your

For almost four decades, the don't need to speak German or have community with someone from
By Martin Ederer a large home. All that’s required is abroad, or simply add a new dimen-
blessed Advent and Christmas season to all! Let’s follow up that Buffalo-Dortmund student exchange
program has been connecting young just a spare bed, an open mind, and sion to your household, hosting an
Agreeting with a renewed assignment from last year’s greetings: Be a welcoming spirit. Host families exchange student can be a transfor-
sure to explain what central European religious and ethnic holiday tradi- people across the Atlantic, fostering
international understanding and cre- are responsible for providing meals mative experience.
tions are—and what they should mean—to your younger generations of and including the student in daily Prospective host families are in-
family. A big part of the Christmas holidays is religious tradition and ating lifelong friendships between
our two great cities. As the program family life, while the program ar- vited to attend an informational
heritage. Do not miss the opportunity to explain what it all means. ranges group activities, which in- meeting at the Buffalo Yacht Club
Religion may not be fun, but it is good for us. It forces us to face hard prepares for its next group of visit-
ing German students in 2026, orga- clude both the student and the host on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.
reality checks about who we are in the grand scheme of things. And yes, family. Students from Germany Local program coordinators as well
that story is often messy. The path from sin to redemption isn’t pretty. In nizers are seeking local families to
open their homes and hearts to teen- have their own health insurance and as representatives from Dortmund
the best traditions of Ebenezer Scrooge, that still does not invalidate the spending money. will be on hand to answer questions,
message. Things like love and goodness and decency and self-sacrifice agers from one of Buffalo's sister
cities. Students are typically between share stories from past host fami-
defy scientific analysis and quantifiable definitions…and yet we all know 15 and 17 years old, have studied lies, and provide details about the
that they matter. A lot. Be sure to explain those realities to your younger The exchange program brings
students from Dortmund, Germany, English for several years, and are upcoming 2026 exchange. Light re-
generations. It will help to explain why people happily celebrate the eager to practice their language freshments will be served.
season…and happy is not the same as silly. to Buffalo for three and a half
months between late August and skills and experience American life. For more information about the
Don’t miss the opportunity to be your children’s and grandchildren’s They're carefully matched with host program or to RSVP for the infor-
best teachers! Chances are that they won’t learn about their religious early December, giving them an im-
mersive experience in American cul- families based on interests, family mational meeting, contact the Buf-
heritage and ethnic traditions anywhere else. Ethnic and religious tradi- composition, and lifestyle to ensure falo-Dortmund Sister Cities
tions won’t survive all on their own. There’s a lot of noise out there. We ture, education, and family life.
During their stay, German students the best possible fit. Committee at buffalo.dortmund
all need to play our part in getting our distracted younger generations tuned The Buffalo-Dortmund ex- @gmail.com.
in and interested. attend classes at local high schools,
participate in community activities, change program represents the en- The Buffalo-Dortmund sister
and become genuine members of during friendship between these city relationship was established in
their host families. two sister cities and offers families 1977, making it one of Buffalo's
Host families consistently report a unique opportunity to be part of longest-standing international part-
that the experience enriches their something larger than themselves. nerships.
own lives as much as their students'. Whether you're looking to expand
Many describe gaining a new per-
spective on their own community
through fresh eyes, developing an Legend of the Christmas Rose
appreciation for German culture,
and maintaining relationships with Long ago, to Bethlehem,
their exchange students long after Came kings from far off lands
the program ends. Several families Bearing gift of jewels and gold
have even traveled to Germany to
visit their former students, strength- And myrrh in out-stretched hands.
ening the bonds between Buffalo
and Dortmund. Lowly shepherds, from the hills,
The benefits extend beyond cul- little lambs did bring.
tural exchange. American teenagers And angels sang, as all proclaimed
in host families often find them-
selves with a built-in friend and cul- The birth of the New-Born King.
PLAYING THE ANVIL: Sloan Trent did a terrific job as guest anvil
player along with lead player Josh Domin at the German Festival in tural ambassador, while younger
children delight in having an older Unnoticed near the humble crib,
Cheektowaga Town Park.
"sibling" from across the ocean. The A tiny shepherdess prayed
experience also provides families Weeping silent tears because
with an opportunity to practice for-
eign language skills and learn about No gift had she for the Babe.
Published by
Buffalo Standard Printing European history, politics, and daily
3620 Harlem Rd. life firsthand. It’s a great opportuni- And lo, small lovely blooms sprung up,
January - February Cheektowaga, NY 14215 ty, whether you have children in and her tears fell to the ground
March - April 716-831-8013 your home or not. Several former And she hastened to show the Holy Child
May - June mail@thegermancitizen.com host families have been empty nest- The loveliness she had found.
July - August ers and find the experience just as
rewarding.
September - October For Advertising Sales call: Exchange students participate in Little Jesus touched the blooms
Michelle Kisluk or
November - December Steve Kroczynski a carefully planned mix of educa- And with his blessed hands
tional and recreational activities de- The fragile petals flushed rosy pink
signed to showcase the best of
Western New York. Students attend And the Christmas Rose began.
regular high school classes, giving
them insight into the American edu- To this day, when Christmas comes
cation system while sharing their And at no other time of year
own perspectives on global issues. The abundantly bloominig Christmas Rose
Beyond the classroom, students
explore Buffalo's rich architectural Brings all its joyous cheer!
heritage, including tours of down-
town Buffalo and Buffalo City Hall. Fröliche Weinachten!
They experience the natural wonder Das Haus Museum
of Niagara Falls, often describing it
as a highlight of their American
journey. Other experiences include
rafting at Letchworth State Park and
having fun at the High Ropes course
at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville.
Cultural activities include visits
to local museums, participation in
community festivals, and sampling
regional favorites like Buffalo wings
and beef on weck. During the fall
program, students often help their
host families with Halloween prepa-
rations and participate in Thanksgiv-
ing celebrations, gaining insight into
American traditions.
Many host families also plan
their own individual activities, from
apple picking at local orchards to
shows and events at theaters in the
area, creating personalized experi-
ences that reflect their own family
traditions and interests.
2 • THE GERMAN CITIZEN • November - December 2025