A second group of Foley High School students and teachers has returned from a two-week exchange program in Foley’s sister city of Hennef, Germany, with participants describing the experience as life-changing and filled with lasting friendships.

The Foley Sister Cities Board of Commissioners announced that the latest delegation returned home last week after spending two weeks immersed in German culture through the international exchange program. The first Foley delegation traveled to Hennef in 2024 and its members are now active in the Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Alumni Association.

During their stay, students and teachers lived with host families and attended school in Hennef, giving them firsthand exposure to daily life in Germany. The group also visited Cologne and Bonn in Germany as well as Efteling and Maastricht in the Netherlands.

Delegates explored the region’s history and culture through visits to castles, cathedrals, the Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum, Efteling Amusement Park and the Haribo Gummy Bear Store. They also visited the Drei-Lander-Eck, or “three-border-area,” where Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany meet.

One of the trip’s highlights came during a visit to DSL Whole Grain Bakery in Hennef. Bakery owner David Lee Schlenker led students and teachers through bread-baking and cookie-decorating lessons while emphasizing the importance of organic products. Schlenker said his bakery uses only organic ingredients, with 90% sourced locally.

Hennef Mayor Dahm and city leader Dominique Müller-Grote also participated in the baking activities.

Jimmy O’Cain, one of the Foley High School teacher chaperones, said, “The trip to Germany this year was “absolutely amazing”. This program offers students and teachers alike the opportunity to truly connect with people from other parts of the world and see how similar we are. The personal connection I witnessed with the American and German students and teachers was very real. This program gives each participant the opportunity to see how others live and create friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Dr. Michael Roy, lead teacher and commissioner, said, “I’ve had the privilege of taking Foley students to Germany twice now. While the groups were entirely different, the outcomes remained the same. Each journey was more than just a trip abroad. It was a catalyst for confidence, independence, and personal growth that will stay with these students for the rest of their lives.”

Student delegate Cole Reid praised several memorable stops during the trip.

“It was great. Seeing the Cologne Cathedral in person was amazing and visiting the Drachenfelsbahn Castle was unbelievable. I liked all the hiking that we did, too. It was fun. I want to go on my next trip,” Reid said.

His mother, Laurie Reid, said, “It was great. He totally would go again, and now his younger brother wants to go too.”

Student delegate McKenzie Beavers reflected on the cultural differences she observed during her time abroad.

“To me, Germany was a very eye-opening experience! It was so interesting and amazing to see all the differences between lives in Germany and America. The main thing that was surprising to me was that Germany uses major public transportation pretty much everywhere! There’s always a bus or a train you can catch to go anywhere in Germany, and I just thought it was so convenient, and you didn’t have to spend much money either. Another thing I really liked over there was that things were decently priced, and I LOVED how the tax was already included in the pricing. You paid no more than what the price said. I also adored all the beautiful scenery everywhere. There were so many castles and pretty landscapes to look at everywhere you looked,” Beavers said.

Her mother, Amber, said, “The exchange was amazing. They made such great friends. I could see it was tough when they had to say goodbye to their new German friends.”

According to organizers, delegates consistently reported receiving a warm welcome from Hennef families and residents. Many participants said they formed relationships that will last a lifetime and described the exchange as an “experience of a lifetime.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich and Foley Sister Cities Executive Director Linda B. Spangrud said they are encouraged by the impact of the exchanges and the friendships being developed between young people in both communities.

Spangrud said, “We could not do this without the abundant support of our city, schools, families, businesses, civic organizations, media and larger community. It definitely takes a village.”

Organizers said learning about other cultures and developing international friendships helps foster diplomacy and peace, reflecting the organization’s mission of “Building Friendships: The Heartbeat of Peace.”

To support future exchanges and other programs, the Foley Sister Cities Commission and title sponsor Riviera Utilities will host the inaugural Foley Sister Cities Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree on Friday, Oct. 23, at GlenLakes Golf Club in Foley.

The golf tournament will conclude with an Oktoberfest celebration featuring food, beverages and a seven-piece German band performing from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fundraiser will support future student exchanges, arts and cultural programs and other Sister Cities initiatives.

Tickets are available to the public, though organizers said sponsorship opportunities and golf team spots are filling quickly.

More information is available at www.foleysistercities.com or by email at foleysistercities@gmail.com.