Visiting Germany and seeing a different culture and lifestyle was an experience shared by 20 exchange students from Hartselle High School June 3-16.

Junior Madeline Sittason, one of the exchange students, was hosted by the Masendorf family and was escorted by her exchange partner, Lina, 16. Other family members were the father, a university professor, the mother, an engineer, and a son, Lucas, 18.

“They’re a close-knit family that puts a high priority on spending time together,” Sittason said. “Meals are prepared in the home and eaten together for the most part. They were very hospitable and fun to be around.”

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“Food is somewhat different to what we’re used to,” she added. “They eat a lot of sausage. Two of the homecooked meals I enjoyed the most were grilled chicken and tomatoes and a fried pork chop served with stewed potatoes.”

To satisfy their American appetites, the students got together and ate out at a pizza place five times during their visit,” Sittason said.

One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to attend high school where exchange partners are enrolled.