Live with a Host Family in Germany

Learn more about the 2008-09 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange program.

Academic year, fall or spring semester German language program

The Reichstag Building, seat of the German Parliament, in Berlin Dem Deutschen Volke (To the German People)

This program affords students the chance to perfect their German language skills while taking advantage of Germany’s beautiful landscape of mountain ranges, valleys and plateaus. Germans have a strong musical education and a rich heritage in history and art. German families are very hospitable and quite open-minded. They will be glad to share their outlook on life with host students.

No visa is required for these programs. Students arriving for the semester or year will have to register with the German authorities upon arrival. Additional information will be provided to students after program acceptance.

Who can apply?
Students 15-18 years old. Students cannot be older than 18 1/2 at start of program. Minimum two years German instruction or 200 hours German language class and overall “C” GPA required for all three programs. Graduating seniors may be eligible.

Find out how to apply, or download the application here.

Download Application

Please send completed applications to the following address:

AIFS Foundation / American Youth Abroad
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06902

Courses
Courses that are required for students in 10th grade are: German, math, German history, chemistry, biology, physics, PE, arts, geography and politics. Students in 11th and 12th grade can choose courses according to their interests. They can choose from, but are not limited to: German, math, German history, chemistry, biology, physics, PE, arts, geography and politics.

Program dates*

Academic year
August 22 - July 16
Fall semester
August 22 - January 31
Spring semester
February 1 - July 16

*Dates are tentative and subject to change.

Accommodations
During your time abroad, you will stay with a German host family that has been carefully selected by our partner program.

Leipzig

Fee includes:

• $500 application fee
• Round trip airfare from New York, NY to Berlin, Germany
• Pre-departure orientation in the U.S. and orientation in host community
• Medical insurance
• 24-hour supervision/local representative assistance
• Homestay accommodations and all meals
• High school enrollment
• Round trip transportation to and from orientation site overseas
• Four day orientation program in Berlin, including accommodations, full board, workshops, sightseeing, cultural program, transportation to/from hotel and airport

Not included

• Spending money
• Passport and resident permit processing fees
• Domestic round trip airfare to/from New York
• Domestic travel abroad from host family to departure airport at end of program, if applicable
• Round trip transportation to and from school, if applicable
• Textbooks and supplies for school

Credits
Transfer of credits is not guaranteed. Students must check with their high school advisor prior to start of program.

Download Application