Anyone know of any German exchange programs?

Question

I want to go to Germany when I'm 15 years old. I'm in eighth grade now, and 12 years old. I was thinking of a program where I would go to germany, and a german would go to my home in America. How much is a reasonable price to pay for an academic year and how much German do you usually have to speak? If you've gone to Germany as an exchange student, did you like it there? how was your host family? and also, were you highschool credits you earned in germany transferred to your school in America?

thank you!

Answer 1

I don't know of any exchange programs for your age group that exchange like that but what you can do is study abroad your Junior year of High School and host a German exchange student either your sophomore or senior year. I would highly recommend going through AFS, they have 60 years of experience in intercultural exchanges and have a great support system! For a full year abroad to Germany it costs about 10000, I would say it's pretty reasonable since it covers everything except spending money. AFS doesn't require you to know the language of your host country at all but it does help immensely and will probably make your stay more enjoyable. Since your only in 8th grade you could probably start taking some German language classes to help prepare yourself. Having your school credits gets transferred all depends on what your High School at home will accept, so talk to your guidance councilor about it!. I haven't been an exchange student to Germany but I'm German and most of my family lives in Germany so I've been there many times. The people are all very nice and welcoming I'm sure you'd love it there!

Good Luck!