News & Updates

Ventura, CA – Buena High School is pleased to mark the 40th anniversary of its German Exchange Program, a successful international partnership in Elmshorn, Germany, as part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). Since 1986, the German Exchange Program has offered students at Buena High School the opportunity for language immersion, cultural understanding, and life-enriching international experiences.

For the past 40 years, students from Buena High School have traveled to Germany to live with host families, attend school, and experience daily life abroad. In return, students from Germany have been welcomed into Ventura homes and classrooms, fostering lifelong friendships and strengthening cultural ties within the community.

Students who have participated in the exchange consistently describe the experience as life-changing. “The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it,” said one student. “Living with a host family gave me insight into what life is really like for a German teenager,” shared another.

The impact is also echoed by parents and host families. Jennifer Johnson said, “Hosting a German exchange student was a great experience. We enjoyed sharing books, music, and local attractions, and our family can’t wait to participate again.” Erin Gill added, “It was amazing to see such a strong friendship develop so quickly—one that will last a lifetime.” Another host parent noted, “This is a rare and special opportunity to truly value diversity and make meaningful connections.”

The exchange program not only enhances language proficiency but also encourages independence, adaptability, and global citizenship—attributes that extend far beyond the classroom.

In celebration of this milestone, Buena High School will host a German American Evening on April 7 at 5:30 p.m. The event will honor the program’s history, recognize alumni and host families, and highlight student experiences from throughout the years. Community members are cordially invited to attend.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, Mrs. Sabine Schafer-Mitchell, German teacher and GAPP Coordinator, is seeking to reconnect with alumni who participated in the exchange over the past four decades. Alumni are invited to share photos and brief reflections on how the exchange impacted their lives. Contributions will help showcase the program’s lasting legacy and inspire future generations of students. Alumni are encouraged to contact Mrs. Schafer-Mitchell directly.

As Buena High School marks 40 years of partnership and friendship, the German Exchange Program remains committed to bridging cultures—one student, one family, and one shared experience at a time.

Please contact: Sabine Schafer-Mitchell

sabine.schafermitchell@venturausd.org