Go on high school exchange in Germany
Why study abroad in Germany?
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Germany, from the lowlands of the north to the Bavarian Alps of the south! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
Think big
This big nation truly has it all. From beautiful scenery and cozy villages to modern cities and charming Christmas markets. The mixture of old and ultra modern is exciting in cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne In the mountainous central and southern regions and around the river Rhine, you’ll find dream-like castles. If you want to think big for your high school exchange, think Germany!
Area: 375 000 km2
Population: 82,5 million
Capital: Berlin
Language: German
National holiday: October 3rd
Country code: +49
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High standard schools in Germany
Germany is a federal republic and schools differ in terms of foreign languages offered (English is always mandatory) and the number of school years (12 or 13) depending on where in the country you are placed. The lowest common denominator is that the academic level is high. You can count on some good education. Also, German teachers want you to be active in class. Raise your hand and ask questions and take part in discussions. This will also give your German skills a real boost!
Two years of German language study is recommended, but not required.
High School in Germany
There are two types of high school in Germany that lead to the German high school diploma Abitur, which allows access to university: Gymnasium and Gesamtschule. Gymnasium usually ends with year 12, Gesamtschule with year 13, which means that the tempo of learning is a bit more relaxed. Exchange students are usually not placed in the final two years. Exactly which year you will attend depends on your age, your grades and your level of German.
You can look forward to feeling welcome, since there is an overall interest in international relations and foreign cultures in this open and culturally diverse country.
Weekends with the family
Being a part of a German family you will soon get in touch with the language and the culture. Family is important to Germans and they often spend the weekends together, visiting relatives or being outdoors. For many German families, Sunday lunch is when they all sit down and eat together.
Germany is a big nation and your family will probably show you around in their particular area. What you get to see depends a lot on where you are located. You might live close to cute markets in old villages, deep green forests, beautiful river valleys or a big city with lots of sightseeing.
Freedom and responsibility
German teenagers are rather independent and often given a lot of freedom, but they are also expected to show a great deal of responsibility. A year in Germany is a great chance for you to grow as a person.
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–18 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August/December
Language requirements: Good English, some knowledge of Italian recommended
Visa: Yes.
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included
School year: September–June
School day: Usually 08.00 – 13.00, Mon–Sat
Subjects: Mandatory courses vary by school
The keyword is Verein
Naturally you can spend your free time in a café, at the movies or in a shopping mall, like young people all over the world. But here’s a tip for your free time in Germany: Verein. What now?
Verein is German for club and many exchange students quickly discover that joining some kind of activity group is a great way to make new friends and have fun after school. Are you into art, dance, music, drama? Ask your host family for help to find the Verein that suits you best!
Sporty people
Germans are sporty people and many students practice sports at a local Verein when classes are over. Of course, soccer is a favourite. As you probably know, the national soccer team has been extremely successful over the years. Other popular sports are gymnastics, athletics and handball.
Travel with us
You can also join one of the trips we arrange every year. We offer a three day visit to Hamburg in the fall semester as well as a weekend trip to Munich in spring. Your local contact person will give you more detailed information about prices and travel dates. Discover more of Germany!
Welcome Camp
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome camp is included for all students going in the autumn. Welcome camp is not included if you go in the spring term.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Area request
From 500 €
You can choose one of three regions in Germany: North, Centre or South. Germany’s different regions are geographically, culturally and even linguistically diverse. The North includes the coasts of the North and Baltic seas and cities like Hamburg and Bremen. Central Germany is home to great cities, like Cologne and Düsseldorf in the West and Leipzig and Dresden in the East. The South boasts beautiful mountains and forests, as well as cities like Munich and Stuttgart.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
City request – Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt
From 1 000 €
Germany has a lot of famous large cities. Do you want to spend your exchange in or around one of the vibrant cities of Frankfurt, Cologne or Hamburg, do tell us! We will try to make your dream come true.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
Capital city request – Berlin
From 2 500 €
You can make a request to be spend your exchange in the area of Berlin, the capital of Germany. Once divided into two by the Berlin wall, it has a fascinating history and is now a vibrant and exciting international city.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
Special request
From 300 €
Do you have a special request concerning your exchange? A certain town you want to stay in, a favorite subject you want to study, a sport you want to continue to practice or try out, or something completely different. You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your request, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Preparatory language course – German
Free
Are you going on an exchange year to a German-speaking country? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It’ll help you master the language faster once you’re there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying right from the start.
Designed to prepare you for your exchange year, this course is perfect for those who want to start practising the language as soon as possible. You will gain confidence in the language, get the tools to face the challenges of studying abroad and increase your awareness of different cultures.
The course content will consist of grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, expanding your vocabulary and pronunciation exercises. You will have 4 lessons of 45 minutes a week and you will receive 45 minutes of individual training.
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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