Comments about Bamberg and TREFF PUNKT

Larry from the USA send us this comment about his time in Bamberg:

Gesendet: Sonntag, 18. Februar 2007 07:19

Dear Alexandra and Treffpunkt Team,

I recently received the email, stating that “Die neuen Photos sind da.” Of course, the photos were “da” for quite some time on Treffpunkt’s superb website, and I have enjoyed looking at them on-line and thinking back on my delightful time in Bamberg.

Since returning to the States and being buried, once again, in our “workaholic” lifestyle, I have taken great pleasure in reflecting on my experience at Treffpunkt. Of course, I know that Germans themselves are as stressed as anybody by globalization, unemployment rates, productivity competition, etcetera, but it was delightful to take a couple weeks to experience something entirely “other” in picturesque Bamberg—majestic cathedrals, narrow cobblestone streets, bakeries by the dozens, small shops of every variety, pubs and restaurants aplenty, and bicycles all-around. A filmmaker couldn’t create something more “European.”

What sets Treffpunkt apart, however, has everything to do with the people, not just the wonderful setting. This starts with the genuine enthusiasm, warmth, and sincerity of you and Joachim and extends to the professionalism and helpfulness of the entire teaching staff. I was very impressed by the consistent quality of the teaching, which combined a certain Germanic “Tüchtigkeit” with a simultaneous “Gemeinschaftsgefühl” such that we were always motivated yet never threatened in class or individual sessions.

Not to be overlooked is the stimulating experience of meeting other adult German learners. My small class had participants from Japan, Latvia, Albania, Sweden, Spain, and England along with “der Amerikaner.” Half the fun was getting to know each other, stumbling along in our broken (but improving!) German.

I hope to return to Treffpunkt again this year. In the meantime, I am taking every opportunity, as time allows, learning the language and exploring all that German culture has to offer. Thanks, again, for a memorable learning experience.

Sincerely yours, Larry Rainey