Interview with Cristina Thomas
Winner of Session to Concordia Language Villages 2006
Student of John Stark at Illinois Math and Science Academy
(Junior at Level III)

Wow, I can not even describe to you how amazing the Concordia camp was, but I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

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

I participated in the second two week session. During this time, many students joined a "Familie", a group that emphasized conversation skills, that was led by one or two counselors. There were also different programs that students could join, including Die Gruene Welle, Helvetia , Märchenwald , and Kollegstufe. These focused on specific vocabulary and themes relating to a topic. I participated in the Kollegstufe program. Our group included six students and three counselors. We learned a lot of grammar and practiced our reading and writing skills during the three times that we met each day.

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

As I said before, I joined the Kollegstufe program. I found my group very interesting and I had a lot of fun with them. The students in our group had learned varying levels of German; however, our counselors were still able to teach us different aspects of German without losing the attention of anyone. The counselors and students I lived with were also a lot of fun. We did a lot of activities together including camping, playing soccer as a team in the Hausmeisterschaft, and creating songs to perform at the night programs.

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

I cannot even describe the huge amount of German I have learned in these last two weeks.. My conversational skills, writing skills , and knowledge of German culture have greatly improved. I now find it easier to not only understand a native German, but also respond to him or her and take part in a conversation. Talking with the counselor most likely helped me gain these skills. They spoke only German and were patient and kind enough to help me understand and respond to a conversation.

4. Overall, how did you find the experience?

These last two weeks were AMAZING! I cannot believe the extent to which my German has improved. I will always keep in touch with the friends I have gained at Concordia and I will never forget this experience. Thank you AATG for giving me this opportunity!

Thank you again and keep in touch!

Cristina Thomas

E-Mails an Cristina: sccr12@gmail.com