Germany
Live in a German host family, learn to speak German and be in the centre of Europe!
Germany, a country full of history and home to many of the world's most famous artists, philosophers, scientists and inventors. At the same time a country full of stunning mountains and nature reserves. Everyone knows the Germans are punctual and orderly and at the same they know how to make matters 'gemutlich' (cozy) with their famous markets and festivals. So immerse yourself in this unique combination!
Are you ready to learn a new language and interested in a place where culture and natural beauty come together? Germany is the perfect place for you!
- Live in one of the beautiful German cities or in the picturesque countryside
- Stroll around on a Weihnachtsmarkt!
- You could be lucky enough to learn to ski during a weekend away in the mountains
- Feel secure with local support always available
No matter where you are in Germany, you can find a beautiful bakery and a breathtaking walking or hiking path. Why not grab a traditional German breakfast and enjoy a sunrise walk with your host family or peers!
- Age: Between 15 and 18 years. Younger participants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who have completed high school no more than 3 months prior to the program start are also eligible.
- Language: Students are not required to know German before departure, but are advised to start learning it before they depart as classes are taught in German.
- Academic level: Students are required to have a minimum overall academic record of a 60% average in the last three years.
- Vaccinations/Immunisations: Mandatory vaccinations Covid 19 (at least two shots), Mumps, Measles, Rubella. Highly recommended are Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis.
- Status: Learner at a high school.
- Mindset: Curious, openminded and keen to immerse yourself in a life changing experience!
Duration | Start Program | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|
1 month | August 2023 | 01 March 2023 |
February 2024 | 01 September 2023 | |
2 months | August 2023 | 01 March 2023 |
February 2024 | 01 September 2023 | |
3 months | August 2023 | 01 March 2023 |
February 2024 | 01 September 2023 | |
5 months | August 2023 | 01 March 2023 |
February 2024 | 01 September 2023 | |
10 months | August 2023 | 01 March 2023 |
Fegbruary 2024 | 01 September 2023 |
You could be placed in any region in Germany according to availability and the location of your host family.
Based on your submitted school certificates, language skills, and availability, our local partner will place you at a local host school. Your host school will then decide on the grade which they think is best for you to join.
German students at public schools normally attend school in the morning. Classes normally start between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. and can end between 12 noon and 1:30 p.m. Class periods are normally 45 minutes long with a short break in between.
A Host Family, by definition, may be composed of a single parent with children (living at home), a couple without children, or a couple with children (pre-teen or teenage). Host families may be drawn from a range of age, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Host homes may be apartments, condominiums, prefabricated homes, or single-family dwellings. Placement environments may be urban, suburban, small town or rural.
You may be expected to share rooms with host siblings of the same sex. No guarantee of region, kind of family, or kind of home is expressed or implied and you must be prepared to accept placements in any region, type of family, or kind of home.
GROW Abroad will provide you with all the necessary information and documents needed. We will guide you through the paper jungle and make sure you leave prepared. We will also organise a meeting with your parents to make sure they are all up to date.
Our local partner will organise a four day orientation when you arrive to help you transition smoothly into your new life. During the orientation, our local partner will hold a workshop about the program and its core rules. They will explain how the school system works and provide you with information on the German way of living.
They will also introduce you to fun German traditions which will help you adapt smoothly into your new life. During the orientation, you will spend your first days with other exchange students. You will have the chance to share your expectations and fears with one another and already begin your international networking.
Local coordinators are the first point of contact for you as a student, you will meet them as soon as you arrive. Throughout the whole experience, your local coordinator is ready to assist you and your host family in case you need advice, require assistance or have questions or problems. Your local coordinator will be in regular contact with you and your host family. In case of an emergency, an emergency phone can be reached at all times.
Depending on the period you are in Germany and the location you are placed, you may be given the opportunity to travel with your host family or to join an organised multi-day tour with the ‘partner organisation’. You will be expected to pay your own way.
- 1 month: from € 3,200
- 2 months: from € 3,600
- Trimester (3 months): from € 3,900
- Semester (5 months): from € 6,500
- Academic year (10 months): from € 8,300
Our local partner offers a health-, liability- and accident insurance package which is included in the program cost.
We will advise you about which visa you need, this will be dependent on your length of stay. We will support you with all the documents you need to apply for your visa.
The application process consists of the following steps:
- Apply by clicking the “Enquire Now” button above
- Personal interview and acceptance
- Preparation
- Orientation program for students and parents to prepare for your experience