Study Abroad in Germany
Explore a new culture, learn a new language & broaden your horizons by enrolling in a program to study in Germany with YFU. Discover our programs today.
Study in Germany
Germany is a breathtakingly beautiful country with a unique and rich history and a diverse modern culture. One of the most popular study abroad destinations in Europe, Germany offers an inclusive and exciting exchange experience at every turn!
“Since my YFU experience in Germany, I have lived 23 years in 9 different countries including Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Australia, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom and of course the USA. My cultural understanding experience was a highly valued commodity in work and helped me take on international roles in my company. What a jump start on life and exploring the world.”
- Frank
+ More About Germany
When you choose Germany as your classroom, you will explore ‘das land der dichter und denker’ or ‘the land of poets and thinkers’ while taking in the breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys in this diverse land.
With a large immigrant population from various European nations, Germany is home to exciting cities like Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin, and will offer a variety of cultural and historical events for you to explore. Almost a third of the population belongs to a sports club; football (soccer) and motorsports like Formula One racing are the most popular. Germany has also made a very influential mark on world cinema and music, and maintains this status with events such as the renowned Berlin Film Festival and great classical composers like Beethoven and Bach.
Whether you consider yourself a poet, a thinker, an athlete, or a world traveler, Germany has something exciting to offer you!
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Germany:
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
YFU Stiftung/Stipendium Program to Germany
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity
Germany For You
+ Application Deadline
Applications for Spring/Winter programs must be submitted by October 1 for review. Summer and Fall departure programs are due April 1.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment. Students going to any Germany program do not need to obtain a visa prior to departure.
Additional Costs
Program tuition does not include personal spending money or school-related costs such as books and school trips.
Important Information
Students who have previously participated in a semester or year exchange in another country are not eligible for a year or semester program in Germany. In addition, applicants should be aware that smoking is prohibited for anyone under the age of 18 in Germany.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Programs
Germany has a variety of cultural opportunities and a host family that is waiting to share them with you! As an exchange student to Germany, part of your experience will be:
School
As a student in Germany, you may be placed in a gymnasium or gesamtschule. Most students will attend a gymnasium, which prepares students for entrance into the German university system. Gymnasiums have a set of core classes (math, science, languages, social sciences) supplemented by elective courses. At school, students may participate in physical education, the arts (theater, music, and photography), computer projects, and other events. YFU students should be prepared for the possibility of attending classes in a grade or two lower than their American grade level. Students in Germany spend the final year of secondary school preparing exclusively for German colleges, so YFU students typically do not attend classes at this level.
Orientations
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in Germany, students will participate in a 6-day arrival orientation. Students will also participate in an online Germany course (or test out if they have previous langugae ablity) to help develop German language proficiency.
Students will also take part in a six-day mid-year and two-day regional re-entry orientation. The orientations and language camp are included in the program tuition.
Extracurriculars
Outside of school, most German youth are involved in organizations such as sport clubs, church, and community education centers. Exchange students are encouraged to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered in their communities.
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departure: Students born March 31, 2006 - July 31, 2009.
- 2024 Spring Departure: Students born September 30, 2005 - January 13, 2009.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Year | Early August | Late June | $14,595 |
| 2024 Spring Year | Late January | Early January | $14,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local German high school (excluding summer students)
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Germany Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
German. Previous language study is not required.
Host Family Placement
Students are placed throughout Germany, usually in the countryside, small towns, or medium-sized cities. Very few students are placed in larger cities. A charming aspect of German family life is the tradition to have family members and friends come over in the afternoon for tea or coffee. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your new host family and friends.
+ Semester Programs
Germany has a variety of cultural opportunities and a host family that is waiting to share them with you! As an exchange student to Germany, part of your experience will be:
School
As a student in Germany, you may be placed in a gymnasium or gesamtschule. Most students will attend a gymnasium, which prepares students for entrance into the German university system. Gymnasiums have a set of core classes (math, science, languages, social sciences) supplemented by elective courses. At school, students may participate in physical education, the arts (theater, music, and photography), computer projects, and other events. YFU students should be prepared for the possibility of attending classes in a grade or two lower than their American grade level. Students in Germany spend the final year of secondary school preparing exclusively for German colleges, so YFU students typically do not attend classes at this level.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Students will also take part in a six-day arrival orientation, a 6-day mid-year orientation and a two-day regional re-entry orientation. The orientations are included in the program tuition.
Extracurriculars
Outside of school, most German youth are involved in organizations such as sport clubs, church, and community education centers. Exchange students are encouraged to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered in their communities.
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departure: Students born March 31, 2006 - July 31, 2009.
- 2024 Spring Departure: Students born September 30, 2005 - January 13, 2009.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Semester | Early August | Early January | $13,595 |
| 2024 Spring Semester | Late January | Late June | $13,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local German high school (excluding summer students)
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Germany Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
German. Previous language study is not required.
Host Family Placement
Students are placed throughout Germany, usually in the countryside, small towns, or medium-sized cities. Very few students are placed in larger cities. A charming aspect of German family life is the tradition to have family members and friends come over in the afternoon for tea or coffee. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your new host family and friends.
+Trimester Program
Germany has a variety of cultural opportunities and a host family that is waiting to share them with you! As an exchange student to Germany, part of your experience will be:
School
As a student in Germany, you may be placed in a gymnasium or gesamtschule. Most students will attend a gymnasium, which prepares students for entrance into the German university system. Gymnasiums have a set of core classes (math, science, languages, social sciences) supplemented by elective courses. At school, students may participate in physical education, the arts (theater, music, and photography), computer projects, and other events. YFU students should be prepared for the possibility of attending classes in a grade or two lower than their American grade level. Students in Germany spend the final year of secondary school preparing exclusively for German colleges, so YFU students typically do not attend classes at this level.
Orientations
All students applying for the trimester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July or early December. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in Germany, students will participate in a 6-day arrival orientation. Students will also take part in a six-day mid-year and two-day regional re-entry orientation. The orientations are included in the program tuition.
Extracurriculars
Outside of school, most German youth are involved in organizations such as sport clubs, church, and community education centers. Exchange students are encouraged to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered in their communities.
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departure: Students born March 31, 2006 - July 31, 2009.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Trimester | Early August | Late November | $12,895 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local German high school (excluding summer students)
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Germany Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
German. Previous language study is not required.
Host Family Placement
Students are placed throughout Germany, usually in the countryside, small towns, or medium-sized cities. Very few students are placed in larger cities. A charming aspect of German family life is the tradition to have family members and friends come over in the afternoon for tea or coffee. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your new host family and friends.
+Germany For You 2-Week Summer Program
Michigan students- Germany has a variety of volunteer opportunities and a host family/school that is waiting to share them with you! As an exchange student to Germany on this unique group program, part of your experience will be:
School
Germany For You Scholarship students will spend 1-2 days shadowing a German high school student. You may be asked to talk about your own school experience while experiencing one day in the life of a German high school student.
Students will also take part in German language lessons while on program. No previous language study is required. Students will also be asked to do a short presentation at the end of their 2-weeks to talk about what they learned/experienced while on exchange.
Orientations
All students and their guardians must be able participate in and travel to a 1-day special orientation located in our Saginaw, MI office as part of the scholarship requirement. Travel to orientation site is not included as part of the scholarship.
Upon arrival in Germany, students will participate in an arrival party with their new German host family.
Volunteer Activities
While on this unique program, students will travel with their group to assist in various volunteer/ community activities in Germany. Students will be advised prior to departure if any special gear may be necessary for these activities.
Age Requirement
- 2024 Summer Departure: Students born July 15, 2006 - June 7, 2009.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany For You Scholarship | Early June | Mid-June | Full Scholarship Only |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Participation in 1-2 days of school
- Volunteer activities
- Arrival and farewell parties
- German Language lessons
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Germany staff member and YFU USA chaperone while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Language
German. Previous language study is not required and students will participate in German lessons while on program.
Host Family Placement
Students will be placed in the city of Halle. Your week days will be occupied with school or volunteer activities with your group, but your nights and weekend will be spent with your new host family.
Apply
Michigan students: We invite you to learn more about this incredible scholarship and how to apply by visiting this link.