"Working with CDC is a truly cooperative experience. When it comes to student services, we are often dealing with challenges - whether it is regarding student behavior or student complaints. However, whenever I see that CDC is the agent, I know we'll be able to work through the challenge as a team, to find the best outcome for all parties involved. It is also clear that their students are fully prepared for the program, which helps to limit issues after their arrival to the US."
"I think cell phones in general have effected the most change. The amount of time students spend on the phone is probably the biggest complaint we hear from host parents. However, we have to remind them that this problem exists with all students (not just exchange students). Before cell phones, if a student had a minor disagreement with a host family member, it could take days or weeks for that information to reach its way back home. Students were more likely to work through challenges with their area rep and host family, rather than asking their natural parents to intervene."
"I think we can all agree that cultural exchange programs are more important now than ever. So many countries are swinging toward populist and nationalist ideas. It is equally important for American citizens to get to know our exchange students and the different perspectives they bring to their communities as it is for those students to get to know real Americans - not the 'America' that is often portrayed in media throughout the world."
"Three years ago, I had the opportunity to visit CDC for their parents night. I was warmly welcomed by their whole staff, and after only meeting for a short time, it felt like we were old friends. What really stood out was how their team was not only co-workers but friends. You could tell they enjoyed each other's company and spent time together outside the office. I really think this type of environment extends to the students and families they work with. They have a personal relationship with every student that comes on the program, and I really think it is the key to their success."
"Our relationship has stood the test of time in terms of standards, expectations and the quality of CDC’s service. Thank you for working with us and having such lovely supportive staff. Meeting you in person is a highlight."
"Technology is the big change. Letters and fax have evolved into emails, skype and whats app. International travel has become smarter and faster but also more complicated in terms of security. Students are more confident, more aware and technologically literate. These skills help in making decisions of where to study. A prospectus is no longer enough. There needs to be good online information."
"We need globally confident citizens to have a wider view of the world."
"Thank YOU!"
"I have enjoyed working with CDC over the past years .We have had mature and well adjusted students on a regular basis and I have visited the office a few times and met with staff. I also participated in one NZ Day event which was well run and a very enjoyable experience."
"The wide use of email, skype, facebook and school websites has changed the pace of a student enrollment. Also the amount of information that both CDC the parents and the student have access to about the school, the programmes it provides and the homestay family. This can be an advantage as both the agency and schools are more accountable and parents and students have high expectations about what their experience will be. Safety is now more of a priority for the parents understandably. New Zealand's Code of Practice ensures that we provide good pastoral care and are accountable in terms of safety."
"Adolescents need to learn to be culturally responsive by developing their knowledge of different ethnicities and cultures, learn to have tolerance for peoples" differences and behaviours and understand what it is like to be "uncomfortable: "in certain situations. An international cultural exchange often exposes a person to these situations and broadens their perspective. As well, in terms of their personal development, students also learn a lot about themselves in terms of their resilience, communication skills and exposure to a different education system."
"I have really enjoyed working with our students who use every opportunity they have during their cultural exchange experience and return home with a lot more cultural understanding and tolerance, a new group of friends from different backgrounds and an appreciation of what New Zealand is and offers! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!"
"CDC have sent many great students over the years. These students have fitted extremely well into the life of Otumoetai College and Tauranga. CDC are always very professional in their support of their students and Otumoetai College."
"Cultural Exchange programs provide an important opportunity for both students and hosts to meet and connect with other cultures. This will aid the world in becoming a better place for all to live in peace and harmony."
"A big thanks to CDC and its excellent staff for the last 20 years. It has been a great journey and we look forward to the next 20 years of development in our hugely positive experience and relationship. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!"
"Fantastic to work with, very supportive to both their students and the school. Professional, efficient, trustworthy and reliable."
"Definitely technology (use of email). Increased expectations of both students and parents."
"Extremely important. Through our Globalisation goal, our school has committed to establishing opportunities for students and staff to collaborate, share and compete with renowned schools and organisations throughout the world as a means of growing the cultural understanding of the school community and critiquing our performance internationally. Our students are encouraged to see themselves as part of a learning community; one that starts within their school and spreads out – both nationally and globally."
"We love working with CDC!!"
"It is with great pleasure that I send you congratulations on your 20th year of doing business! CDC has so much to be proud of, accomplishing great things in two decades. Think about how many lives you have affected in positive ways! It is impressive. I started my business 22 years ago and although I do not recall the exact date we started working together, I am sure it was around the same time you started too. CDC was one of my very first partner organizations. It is just amazing to me to realize it has been that long ago, time flies! I remember coming to Koln to meet you and see your office on a couple of occasions. You always treated me with such high regard and warm hospitality. I have been thankful for that. I have the most special memory of last time I was there, some years back, when you arranged for me to stay at a cozy German style historic hotel near your office. It was very kind and I enjoyed it so much. Meeting your staff was the highlight though! What wonderful people you have on board! And for all my staff that I have sent to meet you and participate in your orientations, we also send big thanks because those visits have been very valuable.
I have been honored to have partnered with CDC for so long. CDC is truly an amazing organization. You are honestly our BEST partner! CDC has been reliable, loyal, professional, caring, and flexible to work with. We have always found your staff to be top notch and easy to work with. I am so pleased that we have shared similar goals and concentrated on operating agencies focused on quality instead of quantity. You really stand out above the rest in the way that you care about the students and value partners.
I do not know how many students we have received from you over the last two decades but my estimate would be around 500. We have always been impressed with the amazing students you have sent. It is evident that your screening and preparation of students is excellent. We appreciate so much how much time you put into making sure every exchange is successful. The level of care that your team has shows in all you do!
Sometimes it is difficult to work with partners when there are student issues. We have found CDC staff to be so objective and open minded. Not all partners are so fair and understanding but CDC staff has been the best to work with in resolving problems that arise, learning all details before making plan, considering all sides of issues, and respecting our team’s perspectives. Words cannot describe how much we are thankful for your cooperation.
We hope that we will be working together for another 20 years! Your partnership is a real blessing to all of us at NW Services, we appreciate you greatly. THANKS for all you do! and keep up the outstanding work! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!"
"Thank you for your email and congratulations to CDC on its 20 year anniversary. It is a testament to the good work the staff at CDC have done over the 2 decades that CDC is still so successful."
"CDC was Burnaby’s first German partner. Burnaby has always enjoyed the professional and personal relationships we have had with the CDC High School Canada staff over the past 12 years."
"Germany was really the first country to support their students in a study abroad experience. Numbers have fluctuated over the years, the biggest change in the year(s) when Germany changed from a 13 year to a 12 year school system – this meant fewer students able to leave their German school in Year 11 for 5 or 10 months. Now students come mainly in Year 10, most often for the 1st semester only. Expectations have risen for the “perfect” experience as perceived on TV and in movies, with many students planning their study abroad experience since age 12 or earlier. Sadly it’s not always possible to meet those expectations. That being said, German students still have a wonderful time, integraet with the other students really well, and get involved in the myriad of activities a public school in Canada can offer."
"It’s even more vital than before with globalization and multiculturalism now a fait accompli. Students need to have an understanding, tolerance and acceptance of other cultures in order to live successfully and peacefully in their future."
"Congratulations to CDC on your 20 year anniversary! We have been partners with you for 15 years and you have always been supportive of our Saanich School District."
"You have been supportive, efficient, caring, giving, and professional throughout!"
"While technology has advanced in both marketing and application processes I think the big change has been in the growth of K-12 international education in BC and Canada. Further, the many specific educational programs like sport academies and focus courses has given students so much more choice."
"Our SISP Mission statement is to "Improve the World Through Global Connections". Our work with CDC and others certainly speaks to that statement."
"CDC has been a long-time partner for our school district and has been an amazing partner to work with over the years. They are always supportive of their students, collaborative in problem-solving, and quick to respond! We love coming to their fall event to support recruiting efforts. Happy anniversary, CDC, from the Sooke School District on Vancouver Island!
(A side story: I lived in Cologne in 2006 and applied to CDC to teach English, as one of my husband’s roommates had once been an English teacher with CDC and had told me what a great company it was. It never ended up working out with working for CDC while I was there, but it was funny to then be connected to CDC once I moved back to Canada and started working in the Sooke School District.)"
"You have been a big part of that success over the past number of years, so I congratulate you for the good work you have done. I also send warm greetings to other members of your staff who may remember me from the years I was happy to visit your office.
The information evenings organized by CDC were always a big highlight of my trips to Germany, particularly since we could always count on getting students for our program as a result. Not only that, we had the sure knowledge that the students would be followed by you and your staff, to ensure all was going well. I'm sure Carol and her staff appreciated the cooperation you were always willing to offer.
Also memorable were the evenings following the info sessions, when you kindly treated us to a great dinner. Lots of chatting with colleagues and your staff was always a terrific way to end the evening."
"I have found it excellent working with CDC since 2009 when I started at Papanui High School. I find them very professional, very easy to communicate with and the students they choose for us are always amazing. They know their norbets and can match students to schools extremely well."
"Lots of changes! Emails are so much faster and more personal. Students how have access to social media and can make more decisions for themselves. Schools have gotten better at marketing. They visit Germany more regularly. Parents are more involved and are communicating directly with their students via social media."
"Extremely important to develop global citizens. An „international experience“ is becoming the passport for future career opportunities. It opens students minds to different ways of doing things. Experiencing a different culture first hand is a life changing experience. Students learn so much about themselves, having to manage themselves when they are a long way from home."
"I have loved the personal relationship we have been able to develop with CDC, Julia Fischer and her team work tirelessly to support students bot hat home and overseas. They have a wide range of experience and manage the programme from first meeting to returning home seemlessly. For us they would have to be one oft he best agencies we work with. Keep on doing the fantastic work you are doing!"
"Great! CDC has been a wonderful partner, recruiting students who are smart, open and want to fully embrace the exchange program."
"A lot! Everything from the internet (students can search the school and HF before we click send) to the political climate in the US. I think because of the technological advances, international parents are expecting more. It makes our jobs harder, but working with CDC has made these issues better. Being able to openly talk to our partners about issues, concerns and things we need is extremely helpful in this business!"
"It is more important than even now. Cultural exchange programs provide a way for individuals to bridge the gap between cultures. It’s an excellent way for people to create extended families, broaden their horizons and truly see what each country is made out of."
"Congratulations on 20 years!"
"CDC is efficient, reliable and all of the staff we have dealt with over the years have been very professional. Students coming from CDC are always well-prepared and informed about what life & study in New Zeeland will be like."
"Students now have greater opportunity to contact home via technology and this helps with homesickness. Parents expect that students will have an experience now, not ´just´an education."
"Extremely important to develop global citizens. An „international experience“ is becoming the passport for future career opportunities. It opens students minds to different ways of doing things. Experiencing a different culture first hand is a life changing experience. Students learn so much about themselves, having to manage themselves when they are a long way from home."
"Carl Duisberg is a wonderful, reliable agency who take great care in ensuring the best experience for their students. The students are always intelligent, articulate and interesting people who participate fully in the life of the school. Most are very enthusiastic participants of our Outdoor Education programme where they get to experience more of our beautiful country and make friends for like. One student came back twice to visit because she missed the school and her homestay family so much!"
"Many students used to come for one full year, however, with the changes in German schooling, the semester programme is more common. Many students express a desire to stay longer. Contact with home is now easier with mobile phones and social networks including Instagram and WhatsApp."
"This type of programme breaks down barriers between people and countries. Students not only make friends with New Zealanders but also become close to other international students from countries including Brazil, Chile, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Korea and China. Some groups have reunions in Europe with students they made friends with at Howick College from all over the world."
"We have always loved working with Carl Duisberg and congratulate them on their exceptional service. We wish them great success for the next 20 years!"
"Very trusted partner and easy to work with. Issues are dealt with and there is a lot of support and back up friendly."
"Due to social media and whatsapp we need to get information to CDC asap. Host families have improved and host families are more aware of what is needed. Extras need to be offered, that is why we do the CDC midterm trip. German students are now younger in their classes compared to other International and Irish students which can effect integration but we chooses schools that have a past record of dealing with this scenario GDPR has thrown up some challenges with regards to what can be sent etc."
"They seem to becoming more popular and high school numbers are increasing compared to summer programmes (This is what summer camps tell me). More value in a high school programme. Ireland is still perceived as a safe country and this sells for us."
"Boarding schools in particular always look for German students but 95% of our European boarders are Spanish. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!"
"CDC is one of my most preferred agencies to work with. Their students are always fully prepared for the adventure they are about to embark on. It was an absolute pleasure visiting with them for USA Day. I was able to meet and then place some very special exchange students here on Long Island. CDC’s students arrive ready to be the Global Ambassadors we so desperately need. They are the shining youth of our future. It has and will continue to be a privilege to place these wonderful young people with the loving host families they deserve."
"It is amazing how fast time flies. Been a very delightful and successful partnership with CDC. For as long as I can remember since been the international director at Macleans College."
"Key change that I experienced was the impact of the school system in Germany where we received younger students who are less independent and need more care."
"Extremely important for a small country like New Zealand located so far away from the rest of the world."
"Finding reliable and professionally run partners is not easy. And very privileged to be working with CDC all these years."
"Happy 20th Anniversary to Carl Duisberg International School Programs! We value our 10+ year relationship of enrolling your students and working with your fantastic staff. Your students have always been wonderful additions to our school community and many people from our office have fond memories of traveling with your team throughout Germany. We wish you many more prosperous years and look forward to continuing to work with you."
"Nothing but positive and good fun. Our partnership really came at the right time. My colleague Gail and I were travelling Germany and I found CDC contact details and booked in an appointment. Gail and I were warmly welcomed by Mirjam who said that they had high school programmes worldwide but not the UK and were interested in collaborating. This was the beginning of a wonderful partnership which has been full of increasing success and the odd challenge (client not CDC!). It’s great working with CDC because if there is an issue, we can openly and easily come together to find a fair resolution which can of course be managing client expectations. The seminars are always fun not just to meet the parents but to demonstrate that it is a partnership and that WHG and CDC are both working together for the benefit of the students experience."
"This came up quite recently at our winter orientation. I truly thought that being more globalized, parents these days would be more relaxed and have more appropriate expectations than perhaps those 30 years ago when we started our UK high school programmes. In fact, I think parents are more aware and have higher expectations which we of course try to meet (within reason!). We are pleased to see more regulation and safeguarding to support students on our programmes, it helps to soothe anxiety from parents when we tell them that we are regulated, the homestays are checked, our drivers are checked etc."
"The benefits of going on an exchange programme are huge, I can personally verify this as I was once an exchange student.. I know, A British student on an exchange programme, we do travel but only in very small numbers! I spent thee wonderful months in France at 13 years old living with a British host family and attending a local British school in Nantes. Albeit a long time ago, I can remember coming home feeling more confident and assured of myself. It is not just about improving your language skills, in fact, I would say this was a positive side-effect of going on an exchange programme but not the main thrust. It broadens your views, softens your stereotypes and encourages you to be empathetic. Ignore Brexit, ignore what you may read in the media, the world for the most part is a wonderful place and you should get out and see as much as possible from as early as possible."
"Yes! All of us at WHG would like to thank Katrin, Dana, Mirjam and Tasja for their ongoing support, it is an absolute pleasure to work with you and we look forward to the next 20+ years working together."
"Working with the CDC team is always a pleasure. They are responsive, organized and very professional. I can always rely on them to be pleasant and reasonable in our partnership – even when we are dealing with difficult situations. They are also a lovely group of people to spend time with outside of the working environment. For the last 3 years, we have welcomed CDC students on our New York Orientation program. This program is a massive project that requires a lot of organization. Every year, I find myself telling my colleagues how much I appreciate the CDC team’s attention to detail and care for the students’ wellbeing. They are a truly cooperative and caring organization."
"Education Queensland International congratulates you on your 20th anniversary. Your dedication to students and families has been extraordinary. We have had the pleasure of welcoming many well matched and well prepared students in the Queensland high school program. At all times, you have sought and achieved the highest international education ideal of making the once-in-a-life experience truly life changing and memorable. Thank you for being such an significant German contemporary for all of these years."
