It’s hard to believe, but sadly true: the 2025 student exchange between the CDSC and Walpurgisschule Menden has already become part of the past! From October 22 to November 4, 2025, we were delighted to once again welcome an 18-member group from our partner school in North Rhine-Westphalia — their second visit to CDSC after 2023. As during their first stay two and a half years ago, the sixteen students from different classes and age groups were accompanied by their teachers, Ms. Nadine Klapper and Mr. Dominik Flor. It was a joyful reunion for many!
A special feature of this year’s exchange was that several CDSC students had spent between two and eleven months studying in Menden over the past year. This time, they and their families had the wonderful opportunity to return the favor and act as hosts themselves.
The thirteen days together passed in a flash and were filled with numerous highlights for our guests. Among them were full-day excursions to the Elephant Nature Park, the CDSC forest, and a two-day trekking tour. One day was dedicated to Thai culture, lovingly introduced by Khru Jit. The group also hiked the Monk Trail, accompanied by a monk from the temple Wat Pha Lat, took part in a Muay Thai course, and even attended a Muay Thai event at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium.
Of course, our guests also had the chance to experience life at our school — observing classes and actively participating on several days. One student from Menden even contributed musically to our Monday morning assembly! In addition, many private activities helped shape the experience, so by the end of the exchange there were not only happy faces but also a few tears of farewell.
We would like to sincerely thank all participating students from Menden for their friendly, respectful, and truly enriching presence here in Chiang Mai. It was wonderful having you with us — you are always warmly welcome back! Our heartfelt thanks also go to the accompanying teachers, Nadine and Dominik. We already miss you — you instantly became part of our team. Your enthusiasm and positive spirit made this exchange possible and so enjoyable.
Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to our CDSC students and parents for their incredible hospitality, kindness, and generosity. You made our guests feel truly at home and helped build genuine friendships. Thank you so much for everything!
We all look forward to a possible reunion in the future and wish everyone involved in the exchange a blessed Advent season and many happy memories of the wonderful time we shared together.
Frank Goede
