Vantage Career Center Welcomed German Exchange Students for a Week of Culture, Connection & Career Exploration

Vantage Career Center was proud to welcome a group of German exchange students and teachers from Kaufmännisches Berufskolleg Oberberg during their weeklong visit to Van Wert and the surrounding communities, held September 27 through October 4, 2025.

The exchange experience fostered international friendship, hands-on learning, and cross-cultural understanding through activities both on the Vantage campus and throughout Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.

From the moment they arrived, the visiting students and teachers were impressed by Vantage’s facilities and size.

“Our first impression was that it’s a really big school with great facilities and equipment, very clean and well maintained,” the group shared.

Mr. Markus Pempe, a teacher from Kaufmännisches Berufskolleg Oberberg, noted how different the U.S. and German education systems are in comparison.

“The education systems are completely different,” Pempe explained. “In Germany, students learn the practical parts in companies and the theoretical part in school. There are schools with labs too, but ours have a business focus, and we don’t have cafeterias or school lunches like this!”

During their time at Vantage, the students attended lab sessions alongside their American peers, earning a “Stop the Bleed” certification through the Sports Exercise Therapy program with instructor Mrs. Baumle.

“The size and equipment of the labs were really impressive,” one student shared.

“We were surprised and impressed by the hands-on mentality in every program, from Criminal Justice to Welding and Carpentry. Everyone learns by doing.”

They also toured several regional employers, including Holcim in Paulding County and Unverferth Manufacturing in Kalida, where they gained firsthand exposure to Ohio’s advanced manufacturing and engineering industries.

While visiting Kalida, the students explored the historic church, town hall, and volunteer fire department, enjoyed lunch at 1820 BrewWerks, and joined the Kalida High School pep assembly and homecoming soccer game; a highlight of their visit.

One of the most memorable highlights of the exchange took place on October 1, when the group traveled to Grabill, Indiana, to experience Amish culture and traditions firsthand.

Their day included a horse-drawn wagon ride at Graber Box & Pallet, a visit to Schmucker’s Farm & Greenhouse, and a stop at Katie’s Kountry Korner, where they toured an Old Order Amish home to learn about traditional living. Lunch at The Woodhouse Restaurant featured authentic Amish comfort food offering a true taste of Indiana hospitality.

“Of course, New York was impressive,” the teachers shared, “but we were even more impressed by how welcoming, friendly, and open-minded the people in VanWert are! Our students agree 100%!” – Mr. Pempe

Throughout the week, German students stayed with local host families, forming friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. The visit concluded with a Meet & Greet hosted by the Van Wert Rotary and the Vantage Board of Education, celebrating the partnership between the two schools and the communities that made it possible “From this experience, I learned to be more open-minded and confident when meeting new people,” said Tom, one of the German exchange students.

“The hospitality and effort people made here created an unforgettable experience for us. We made some friends for life!”

For Vantage student Sophia Brickner, whose family hosted one of the visitors, the week was just as special.

“My favorite memory from hosting a German exchange student was going to visit at Moose Landing with her and having so much fun, ” Sophia said.

“We got to ride golf carts, play the golf simulator, and hit balls at the driving range! My favorite part was watching her have so much fun learning a new sport — she had the biggest smile swinging and learning since they don’t have golf in Germany. It was such a fun and memorable experience!”

Vantage Social Studies Teacher Mrs. Sarah Koch, who helped coordinate the exchange, said the program reflects the school’s mission to prepare students for a diverse workforce.

“This exchange is such a special opportunity for both our students and our guests,” Koch shared.

“It allows everyone involved to see education, culture, and community through a new lens. We have been continually amazed at how supportive local industry and communities are with the program. Everyone involved was accommodating and excited to welcome our guests. We loved this experience and we hope to reciprocate the exchange this summer by visiting their school in Gummersbach, Germany.”