Palmerton Area School District’s board of directors heard a proposal Tuesday night to introduce a German exchange program at its high school.

Susan Dellicker, the school’s German teacher, highlighted the program’s potential to enrich students academically, culturally, and personally. The proposed program is organized through Friendship Connection, a private organization specializing in German exchange experiences since 1981.

Dellicker emphasized the unique benefits of a true exchange program compared to the school’s existing International Travelers Club.

“Students are immersed in the culture, gaining firsthand experience of its customs, traditions, and values,” she said, adding that such programs promote global understanding, reduce stereotypes, and foster personal growth.

Under the program, German exchange students would attend Palmerton High School from March 31 to April 23, aligning with the school’s spring break. Host students would then have the opportunity to travel to Germany during the summer for four weeks.

Dellicker noted that hosting responsibilities would include allowing the German students to follow their host’s schedule and participate in other classes as appropriate.

“These students are required to follow all Palmerton school rules and can be removed from the community within 48 hours at the request of the German teacher, school administrator, or hosting family,” she said.

Students eligible to travel to Germany would need to have successfully completed German II.

“The Friendship Connection is a reputable organization,” Dellicker said, recalling her own positive experience with the program in 1986. “It ignited my love of the German language and culture and has obviously affected my career.”

The cost for participating students is $2,050, covering flights, insurance, teacher supervision, and administrative costs.

When asked about funding options, Dellicker said, “We haven’t talked about fundraising,” though she acknowledged the potential financial challenges for some families.

Board members responded positively Tuesday to the proposal.

“This is an abbreviated form of our normal foreign exchange, but one that allows our students to go abroad and interact with exchange students here,” Board President Sherry Haas said.

Next steps, district officials said, include administrative review and board approval, potentially in December or January.