Interview with Ian Pozdol
Winner of Session to Concordia Language Villages 2006
Student of Barbara Stukel at Lockport East High School
(Sophomore at Level II)

Meine Reise war wunderbar. Ich habe so viel Spaß gehabt und auch viele Freunde kennen gelernt. I want to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to go to Concordia. It was one of the most pleasurable experiences I have ever had.

1. Which session did you take? Was there a theme?

I suppose the way that it is best described is that I attended the first half of the second session (July 31st to August 12th - GB82). Four-weekers will continue to attend the last two weeks as well as a new wave of two-weekers. No general theme existed other than the fact that we were in "Deutschland". However, every day had a special concept that we experienced. For instance, one day was 68-day (protest war and learn about the Dada movement in Germany), another was Mozart day (since he is 250 years old this year), and also Berlin day (learn more about the city of Berlin). Every day was something new and exciting.

2. What was the most interesting and/most enjoyable aspect of participating in a Concordia Language Village Session for you?

The most interesting thing in general was that I felt like I might really have been in Germany. Being constantly subjected to a language and a culture really began to make me feel like I was a part of it. The most enjoyable part for me was meine Familie. Familie was our activity group, per se. It was such a great mixture of different personalities doing so many fun things together.

3. How much German did you learn? How did you learn the most?

Well, my German 2 got me through most of the general conversations such as ordering food, asking what time it was, where something was, et cetera. However, I was constantly subjected to new words that you needed to learn based on the context of the conversation in order to understand. I learned the most by being "Sprachmeister". When I was only allowed to express my thoughts in German, it forced me to pick up even more words and figure out how to use them properly even quicker or else I could be left unable to express what I was thinking. I learned more words when I was Sprachmeister than any other time.

4. Overall, how did you find the experience?

This trip was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. I made so many friends and had such a great time. I would like to return next year. I might consider taking the longer 4 week class and try learning there from a different perspective and style (They do homework and have class). This trip has only increased my desire to experience the real thing and fly to Germany itself. I hope to have another chance next year at the trip to Germany through the AATG. I hope the new teacher will offer that opportunity.

Thank you again. Auf Wiedersehen!

Ian Pozdol

E-Mails an Ian: m.pozdol@comcast.net