DECATUR - The noisiness, business and excitement that went on at MacArthur High School was something new for the six girls from Seevetal, Germany.

On Friday, they got to ride in the back of a pickup truck, waving small German and American flags during the MacArthur's homecoming parade.

Decatur and Seevetal became sister cities in 1975. Most of the girls, with the exception of one, have never been to the United States.

"I think it's interesting to see the school and see real American lifestyle," said Lynn Kessler who visited the United States while on vacation with her family.

But it has been a different experience actually going to an American school, she said.

"It's very good here, and the school is very big; everything is big here,".;Sina Wenzel said.

Annika Tietgen said it was interesting to see what went on during the homecoming activities at the school. "We have nothing like this back home," she said.

Annika also was surprised by the rumors she heard back home about American teenagers being fat and lazy were not true.

Even MacArthur students asked the girls about rumored stereotypes they've heard about Germans. They thought all Germans eat schnitzel and are associated with Nazis, said the exchange students, Laura Schnasse and Natalie Mielke, who laughed about it.

As MacArthur's band blared in the background, Svenja Suck admitted not being use to all the loudness that goes on in American schools.

All the girls were surprised by the length of time they have to stay in school. German schools have shorter classes, the students remain in the same classroom , the teachers rotate from room to room and they get to go home during their lunch break.

Kathy Sorensen, co-chairwoman of the Decatur Sister Cities organization, said it was important for the students to get to know each other.

"Students and adults come here and we go there, we get to live in each other homes," she said. "So if individuals know each other from different countries and from different cultures, we would have a more peaceful world."

Pam Henderson of Decatur volunteered to be one of the host families and has Laura Schnasse living with her.

"I think it's good for the children to share what they have and learn from other cultures ¦ and in a small way helps break down barriers in understanding each other," Henderson said. "Laura is awesome, and we're trying to give her a well-rounded look at Decatur."

The German students arrived last week and will get a chance to meet Mayor Michael Carrigan and city council members during the city council meeting Monday.

sheilas@herald-review.com|421-7963.