Communication between foreign students – no problem!
On 11 May 2011 26 students and 5 teachers from Pfalzinstitut in Frankenthal, Germany visited Exeter Deaf Academy. For the two years leading up to the visit German and English students had been exchanging letters and the two teachers involved (Sandra Werner-Kressman and Jo Saunders) had been planning a day for the students to meet in person. The plans were realised when the German students visited Devon as part of a trip to England. There was much excitement from the Academy GFE students as the day approached, mainly about how the students would be able to communicate with each other and whether the German students would be able to understand BSL. After initial shyness, very soon communication was established between the students and by the end of the day friendships had already developed. Although most of the German students do not use German sign language as their first language, they were able to use it to help understanding and German and English students used a mix of both sign languages, plus spoken English and a little help from teachers, to make themselves understood.
The visit started with a tour of the Academy followed by an informal session discussing lives at college and home. After lunch in the dining room, which the German students enjoyed very much, the English students took them on a walk around Exeter and a visit to the Cathedral. By the end of the day there were promises to keep in touch and requests from English students that a return visit to Germany could be planned next year. A successful day!