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Germany

Germany is filled with culture, charm, castles, and carnivals. If the weather allows it, you’ll find everyone outdoors, hiking, swimming, canoeing, or skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing. There are many unique traditions to experience in Germany, from Karneval season to Tanz in den Mai there is always something festive to do.

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Program Summary:

Classic Program

Our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy immersing yourself in local culture & community. These are perfect for students who:

​* Flexible about location, and the academic experience
​* Want to have a cultural experience​
​* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
​* Grow as a person and improve language skills​

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Classic Program Information

Age and eligibility

Students from 15 – 17 may apply. An academic average of C grades over the last two years are required.

Language criteria

Intermediate German reading & listening.  We encourage students to become familiar with the German language so they can read it well, understand quite a lot of what is being said, and attempt to speak it as much as they can, prior to going on exchange.

An Online Language Course is available for August Academic Semester & Year programs in 2024.

Program length

Classic Academic Semester & Academic Year programs, Short 2 & 3 month programs available.

Regional & City Choice options are available on request for Academic Semester & Year Programs.

Schools

Germany’s secondary education system is comprised of different types of schools and students are assessed based on their grades to determine which school type is most appropriate for them. Each state has varying start and end dates. Schools offer core subjects like math, German, foreign languages, science, history, and physical education, as well as elective courses in IT, music, photography, and more. School days begin early and end around midday. The system is well-structured and produces high-performing results, enabling students to pursue university education regardless of their financial background. School uniforms are not required. Lessons are taught in German.

Vaccinations

Outbound students are recommended to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, but will also accept non-vaccinated students. Your Program Manager can advise if any additional vaccinations are required. Please be sure to note all vaccinations you have received in your application.

Visa

All AUS/NZ students need to attend the The German Consulate in Sydney apply for Academic Semester & Academic Year programs. Further guidance will be provided. Short program students travel as a tourist.

Students traveling on Australian & New Zealand passports, with programs up to 90 days, generally travel as “tourists” and do not need to apply for a visa prior departure. However, for programs extending beyond the 90-day period (including Semester & Academic Year programs), students are usually required to apply for the necessary visa.

Program Coordinators will provide the essential visa documents so students can lodge their visa application. Please note that Program Coordinators are not Registered Migration Agents and cannot represent the applicant. Program Coordinators will provide “guidance” where possible, however the responsibility of lodging the visa falls upon the student/parents. Visa application requirements differ per destination and, on top of the visa documents provided by your Program Coordinator, students will need to provide additional documents such as birth certificate, bank statements, police check certificate, passport photos, letter of parental consent, etc.

Visa application fees (set by the foreign Authority) fluctuate depending on the destination and may vary from $180 to $700. These costs exclude expenses such as translations, official stamps (Notary Public stamp, Apostille stamp), national police certificate, passports photos, express post envelopes, etc. In some cases, students must attend an in-person consulate / visa agency appointment, which may incur additional personal expenses for travel such as purchasing flights (Interstate flight or international flight if no representation in your home country), petrol costs, tolls, accommodation, etc.

The budget allocated for flights to Europe is AU$3,000 of the program price listed below. We may need to charge a flight surcharge if we cannot obtain a flight within this budget. For more information, please see our Flight Surcharge Policy on our Money Matters page.

Classic Program Prices for Germany

LengthArriveDepartProgram fee
AUD
Application deadline
3 monthsAug 26,
2024
Nov 25,
2024
$8,950Apr 1, 2024
Academic YearAug 26,
2024
Jun 23,
2025
$12,950Apr 1, 2024
Academic SemesterAug 26,
2024
Jan 13,
2025
$11,950Apr 1, 2024
3 monthsOct 21,
2024
Jan 13,
2025
$8,950Jun 1, 2024
2 monthsNov 18,
2024
Jan 13,
2025
$8,500Jun 15, 2024
Academic YearJan 20,
2025
Dec 1,
2025
$12,950Sept 1, 2024
Academic SemesterJan 20,
2025
Jun 23,
2025
$11,950Sept 1, 2024

Each destination has a budget for flights included in the fee. If flight costs are above this budgeted amount, a Flight Surcharge may apply. Please see our Money Matters page for program inclusions, the flight surcharge policy and other important pricing information.

Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination, students attending the Soft Landing Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change. These are based on 2023 program dates and serve to help students plan ahead. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.

Scholarship & Early Bird Discount Application Deadlines
March 31, 2024: classic programs departing between October 2024 – March 2025
October 31, 2024: classic programs departing between April 2025 – September 2025
Find out more about Scholarships and Early Bird Discounts.
Students at a cafe in Mannheim, Germany

Soft Landing Camp in Mannheim

Additional AU$1,190 per student, August Academic Semester & Year only

Your exchange program in Germany will commence with an exciting journey at the Soft Landing Camp, situated in the captivating city of Mannheim in southwestern Germany. During this three-day program, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow students from Student Exchange Australia New Zealand who are also embarking on their exchange programs in Germany. Not only will you explore the charming city, but you will also engage in workshops and sightseeing activities to ensure you are well-prepared for your exchange experience.

Our German partners conducted an evaluation with their host families, and noticed that the students who participated in the Soft Landing Camps were better with responding to challenges and dealing with them. They also observed that the students who met at the Soft Landing Camp visited each other, which meant that they were able to see more of Germany.

Soft Landing Camp is an optional extra exclusively available for long-term exchange programs, Academic Semester & Academic Year.

Example Agenda

Day 1

  • Arrival at Frankfurt International Airport
  • Meeting with our partner organisation’s team and transfer to a Youth Hostel
  • Time to settle in
  • Barbecue and Welcome evening/meeting other exchange students and camp staff
  • Evening Walk to Mannheimer Barockschloss

Day 2

  • Morning program: workshop about German culture, traditions, families, German schools, communication, leisure activities and available trips during the stay in Germany
  • Afternoon activities:
    • Visit of Heidelberger Castle
    • Boat tour with “Weiße Flotte” on the river Neckar
    • Evening Walk to Fountains at the Mannheim water tower

Day 3

  • Say goodbye to the other exchange students
  • Students are either collected by their host family or the team will help them catch a train to be met by their host family or Local Coordinator

Online Language Course

Additional AU$1,990 per student, August Academic Semester & Year 2024

We will be offering a unique opportunity – learning German online while maintaining an intercultural communication atmosphere, just like a real classroom. This course runs while the students are on exchange, which helps if they are struggling with the German curriculum, and provides additional tutoring to support their education.

The course will run from September 15 – November 15, 2024 , for students who are on August Academic Semester or Year programs. This will include 4 German units (45 mins per week) and 45 mins of individual learning. This course is compulsory for students with a German level lower than B1, or optional for those with a higher German level than B1.

Many students have already started adapting to ‘Online Life’ and our language course is designed for improving their German skills, making friends, and having fun. The advantages of virtual group teaching:

  • Participation in the language course at any location with internet access possible.
  • Students will learn in small international groups of max. 20 students.
  • Quick learning success achievable through native speakers as trainers
  • All lessons are recorded and can be repeated to ensure learning progress In the interactive lessons, the specially trained native language trainer motivates the students to speak actively in the foreign language. The course takes place via a live webinar where students can interact with the language trainer and other language students in an interactive environment.

Germany Regional and City Choices

Classic Program + additional feePrice AUD
Region Choice – Northern Germany$1,395
Region Choice – Southern Germany  $1,395
Region Choice – Eastern Germany  $1,395
Region Choice – Western Germany  $1,395
City Choice – Berlin $8,750
City Choice – Berlin $6,595
City Choice – Berlin $6,595
City Choice – Berlin $6,595


Choose an upgrade to our Classic program for Semester or Academic Year students in Germany. Select your preferred region for your exchange and if you are placed in one of your preferred regions, an additional location fee applies. Selection is first come, first served and subject to availability. Limited spots available, so secure your spot soon to improve your chances of getting your preferred region.

LIVE Online sessions

If you would like to find out more information on our programs, please attend one of our free LIVE Online Information Sessions to:

  • Meet our staff
  • Hear comprehensive information on all aspects of exchange
  • Ask questions
  • See questions asked by other students and parents

Information evenings run for about an hour.
They are friendly, free and are the best way for us to address your specific questions in person.

Mother and teenage daughter online

Still considering where to go on exchange?

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Canada

Enjoy your exchange experience at an excellent high school in warm, welcoming and diverse Canada, the most multicultural country on earth! Extraordinary nature, vibrant cities and respected academic achievements for your future!

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France

Your high school exchange will show you why France is the world’s top tourist destination: rich historical sites, stunning nature, fantastic food and a vigorous debating tradition in a world language spoken by almost 100 million people!

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USA

Being a high school exchange student in the USA is like embarking on an adventure filled with new friendships, diverse cultures, and a world of educational opportunities. It’s a an experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories.

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Argentina

Argentina is well-known for its natural scenery, modern cities and fashion but also for tradition and hospitality. It is an ideal destination for exchange.

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Denmark

Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth with some of the best quality of life. Enjoy the hospitality along with an outstanding education system.

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Finland

There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting; with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Try something different on exchange on Finland.

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Germany

Your high school exchange in Europe’s economic powerhouse is a great opportunity to invest in your future while discovering rich German language and culture, an open, welcoming society and many stimulating experiences!

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Ireland

The Emerald Isle welcomes you in English and in Gaelic, to great schools, warm families, dynamic cities and close-knit small towns. Ireland has become a hotbed of innovation but remains rooted in rich traditions you will love!

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Italy

Spend your high school exchange in astonishing Italy, from beautiful medieval towns to mountains and seashore; discover capital cities of design; enjoy fabulous farm-to-table food, and learn the world’s most romantic language!

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Netherlands

Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffee houses and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train.

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New Zealand

Beautiful, unique New Zealand is a remote destination with amazing natural beauty – you’re never more than an hour away from desert, rain forest or ocean coastline – plus great tutoring and friendly locals.

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Norway

Norway is, by any standards, one of the most beautiful countries on earth – discover Norwegian traditions and culture on exchange in Norway

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Spain

Open doors by studying a great world language in a country with mountains, ocean and medieval villages all within reach, and a laid-back culture where you can learn and enjoy at the same time!

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Sweden

Sweden’s progressive society also provides an ideal climate for innovation and economic advancement. Your high school exchange here will also reveal why the country is consistently among the world’s happiest!

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United Kingdom

Some of the world’s best schools are in the UK. Combine rich culture and history, beautiful countryside, enthusiastic sports clubs and exciting excursions during your exchange in the UK.

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Japan

Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Engage in authentic cultural experiences, attend Japanese high school, and build lasting friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance language skills, and gain a global perspective that will undoubtedly shape your future.

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Worldwide High School Online Brochure

For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.

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LIVE Online Info Sessions

Please register here to learn more about Student Exchange

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Classic High School Programs

Traditional exchange programs in all destinations

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High School Choice Programs

Tailor your high school exchange in the USA or Canada

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