Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley High School students and teachers have returned home after a two-week exchange in Hennef, Germany. The trip marked the second group sent by the Foley Sister Cities Board of Commissioners. Participants described the experience as life-changing, and many said the friendships formed will last a lifetime.

The students returned home last week following the exchange. The first delegation traveled in 2024 and has since been active in the Foley Sister Cities Global Leaders Alumni Association. This year’s group continued to build the growing partnership between the two cities.

During their stay, students lived with host families and attended school in Hennef. They also traveled to Cologne and Bonn in Germany, as well as to Efteling and Maastricht in the Netherlands. The group visited castles, cathedrals, and popular sites, including the Lindt Chocolate Factory and Museum.

Students explored the Drei-Lander-Eck, where Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany meet. They also visited Efteling Amusement Park and the Haribo Gummy Bear Store. Delegates said the experiences deepened their understanding of European culture and daily life.

In Hennef, students and chaperones visited DSL Whole Grain Bakery. Owner David Lee Schlenker taught them how to bake bread and decorate cookies. He also explained the importance of organic ingredients, noting that 90 percent of his products are grown locally.

Hennef Mayor Dahm and city leader Dominique Müller-Grote joined the group during the bakery visit. Delegates said the hands-on experience was one of the highlights of the trip. They praised the warm welcome from residents and families.

Teacher chaperone Jimmy O’Cain said, “The trip to Germany this year was absolutely amazing”. This program offers students and teachers alike the opportunity to truly connect with people from other parts of the world and see how similar we are. The personal connection I witnessed with the American and German students and teachers was very real. This program gives each participant the opportunity to see how others live and create friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Dr. Michael Roy, lead teacher and commissioner, said, “I’ve had the privilege of taking Foley students to Germany twice now. While the groups were entirely different, the outcomes remained the same. Each journey was more than just a trip abroad. It was a catalyst for confidence, independence, and personal growth that will stay with these students for the rest of their lives. “

Student Cole Reid shared his excitement about the trip. He said, “It was great. Seeing the Cologne Cathedral in person was amazing and visiting the Drachenfelsbahn Castle was unbelievable. I liked all the hiking that we did, too. It was fun. I want to go on my next trip.” His mother, Laurie, added, “It was great. He totally would go again, and now his younger brother wants to go too.”

Student McKenzie Beavers reflected on the experience, saying, “To me, Germany was a very eye-opening experience! It was so interesting and amazing to see all the differences between life in Germany and America. The main thing that surprised me was that Germany uses public transportation almost everywhere! There’s always a bus or a train you can catch to go anywhere in Germany, and I just thought it was so convenient, and you didn’t have to spend much money either. Another thing I really liked over there was that prices were decently priced, and I LOVED that the tax was already included in the price. You paid no more than what the price said. I also adored all the beautiful scenery everywhere. There were so many castles and pretty landscapes to look at everywhere you looked.”

Her mother, Amber, said, “The exchange was amazing. They made such great friends. I could see it was tough when they had to say goodbye to their new German friends.”

Officials said the exchange continues to strengthen international relationships. Students reported a warm reception from Hennef families and said the connections they made will last a lifetime.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich and Executive Director Linda B. Spangrud expressed support for the program. Spangrud said, “We could not do this without the abundant support of our city, schools, families, businesses, civic organizations, media, and the larger community. It definitely takes a village.”

The Foley Sister Cities Commission, along with title sponsor Riviera Utilities, will host its inaugural Foley Sister Cities Oktoberfest Golf Jamboree on Friday, October 23, 2026, at GlenLakes Golf Club. The event will feature a golf tournament, followed by an Oktoberfest celebration with food, beverages, and a seven-piece German band from 5 to 9 p.m.

Organizers said tickets are available to the public, but sponsorships and team spots are filling quickly. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support future student exchanges, cultural programs, and other Sister Cities initiatives.