Schüleraustausch in Deutschland - High School Germany
ICX offers you the opportunity to go to Germany for a school year or a semester, live with a host family, and attend a school there. What a decision! It will definitely have a positive impact on your future life.
Not only will you be fluent in the German language and experience the German way of life up close, but you will also have made many friends, some of whom may even become lifelong friends.
A school and family stay in Germany is a great opportunity that many young people from all over the world take advantage of. Seeing the world from a completely different perspective is a truly transformative experience. An experience that hardly any exchange student would want to miss after completing their stay in Germany.
Discovering something new
Different countries, different customs. That's what makes it exciting. Where else can we learn a language so quickly and effectively as in the country where it is spoken? It's also interesting to see how a different education system functions and what values Germans emphasize.
Both sides benefit from the exchange. Because anyone who lives as a guest in a foreign country for an extended period is also an ambassador for their own country. By sharing your life experiences, our perception of your homeland may be completely reshaped.
Welcome to Germany
Germany is a country with many faces. On one hand, bustling cities, and on the other, idyllic landscapes; flatlands and the sea in the north, towering mountains in the south. The climate is moderate, although some might wish it were a little warmer here.
Over 80 million people live in Germany, a country in the heart of Europe. It's a country with much to explore and a rich history. One of the significant historical events was the reunification of the two parts of Germany in 1990.
Pure culture
Cultural life in Germany has a long tradition. For centuries, there have been many centers, large and small, that actively fostered art, music, and theater. Building on this, a diverse cultural landscape has emerged throughout the country, featuring excellent opera houses, museums, libraries, and other state-funded institutions.
We at ICX
ICXchange-Deutschland e.V. - this name stands for International Cultural Exchange-Germany. It is a German non-profit organization that promotes international student exchange and intercultural encounters through various programs. The following goals are pursued by ICX:
International understanding Exchange of international ideas Tolerance towards different cultures and religions Promotion of peaceful coexistence among all people Since 1974, we have been facilitating and supporting foreign youth who have chosen to have a school and family stay in Germany. The stay can last for half a school year or a full school year.
Please download our brochure in English for further information:
High School Germany - German Education System
Please find updated information about the German education system here:
https://www.studying-in-germany.org/german-education-system/
High School Preparation Course in Oldenburg
Your German High School exchange program will start in Oldenburg - with workshops, sightseeing and lots of activities. You will meet other exchange students from different countries and learn more about Germany and the German school system.
- 3 days in January/February and August/September
- included in the price - no extra costs
- Transfer included from airport or train station to your accommodation in Oldenburg
If you won´t attend High School in Oldenburg, we will take care of your necessary transfer to your Host Family.
Your Host Family in Germany
Living with another family is a completely new experience. After a short period of adjustment, you will soon feel like a member of your German host family.
At ICX, we place the utmost care in selecting these families because it's important to us that you feel welcomed and secure. Open-mindedness, sociability, and tolerance are some of the qualities we look for. These are the same qualities, by the way, that we expect from you, along with flexibility and adaptability.
We only consider families in stable social and financial circumstances. From our perspective, this is a prerequisite for you to live with your host family in a safe and trusting atmosphere. By the way, the host parents do receive a compensation for their hospitality.
Everything but chance
We want you to feel comfortable. But who is the right fit for whom? That's exactly what we at ICX try to determine in advance. We take into account specific preferences from both sides. Therefore, it's important that you honestly express your hobbies and other interests in your application.
As you can imagine, there is no "typical" German host family. Host families vary in terms of their social and professional status, education, and family composition. In addition to traditional families, there are also childless couples who are eager to host an exchange student. The same applies to single mothers or fathers and parents whose children no longer live at home. Some of them live in cities, while others reside in rural areas.
"Hello, here I am!"
Even before your trip to Germany, you will receive comprehensive information material, including the address and phone number of your host family. This means you have the opportunity to contact them from home. You can then discuss, directly and at your own pace, how you envision a functional coexistence.
Your School Experience in Germany
During your stay in Germany, you will attend school just like you do back home. This comes with several advantages: you'll get to know many peers right from the start, improve your German language skills, and significantly broaden your knowledge horizon. In other words, it's the place where you'll be quickly and effortlessly integrated into a foreign society.
The German School System
The German school system certainly differs from the system you're familiar with at home. All children from the age of six are required to attend school. After completing four years of elementary school, the system divides into three branches:
- Hauptschule (Secondary School)
- Realschule (Intermediate School)
- Gymnasium (College Preparatory School)
While there are also comprehensive schools, they are relatively few in number. Considering your age and previous knowledge, you'll likely attend the tenth or eleventh grade of a Gymnasium. Gymnasium is the school with the highest academic standards.
The Full Program
Like your classmates, you will have a full schedule of classes, complete assignments, and take exams. A high level of dedication is expected from you. Classes start at 8:00 a.m. and typically end around 1:30 p.m. Instruction takes place five days a week (Monday to Friday). In the afternoons, extracurricular activities such as computer science, sports, music, etc., are offered. The start of the school year depends on the federal state and varies from early August to mid-September.
No Need to Worry About Language Difficulties
At the beginning, you might find it a bit challenging due to language proficiency. But don't worry: everyone understands that. Rest assured, the teachers will pave the way for you as an exchange student to quickly find your bearings. By the way, you'll be responsible for covering the costs of school materials, books (unless provided by the school), and public transportation to school.
High School locations
Your German High School can be located all over Germany. If you choose our CLASSIC program we will find you a host family that matches to you regardless of their place of living. If you prefer to choose the location of your High School experience yourself, you can apply for our SELECT program. Here you can attend schools in the following destinations:
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- München/Munich
- Bremen
- Oldenburg
- Wilhelmshaven
- Frankfurt/Main
- Düsseldorf
- Münster
- Hannover
Why choose Germany for a high school exchange?
Why choose Germany for a high school exchange?
A high school exchange in Germany is an excellent opportunity to become fluent in German, experience everyday life with a host family, and gain first-hand insight into one of Europe's leading education systems. Students develop independence, intercultural skills, and friendships that often last a lifetime.
How long can I study abroad in Germany?
High school exchange programs in Germany are typically available for:
- One semester (half a school year)
- One full academic year
What is it like to live with a German host family?
Exchange students live with carefully selected German host families and become part of their daily lives. Sharing family routines, traditions, and celebrations allows students to experience German culture in an authentic and meaningful way.
How are host families selected?
Host families are carefully screened to ensure they provide a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment. They may include:
- Families with children
- Couples without children
- Single parents
- Parents whose children have already moved out
Host families live in both urban and rural areas throughout Germany.
How are exchange students matched with host families?
The placement process considers each student's personality, hobbies, interests, and preferences. The goal is to create a successful match that helps students feel at home from the very beginning.
Can I contact my host family before arriving?
Yes. Before departure, students receive their host family's contact information and are encouraged to get in touch before traveling to Germany. This helps both sides get to know each other and makes the transition easier.
What type of school will I attend in Germany?
Most international exchange students attend Grade 10 or Grade 11 at a German Gymnasium, the country's academically focused secondary school. Students attend regular classes alongside German classmates and fully participate in school life.
How does the German school system work?
School attendance is compulsory from the age of six. After four years of primary school, students typically continue in one of several secondary school types:
- Hauptschule
- Realschule
- Gymnasium
Some regions also offer comprehensive schools that combine different educational pathways.
What is a typical school day like in Germany?
Classes usually begin around 8:00 a.m. and finish at approximately 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Many schools also offer optional afternoon activities such as:
- Sports
- Music
- Computer science
- Art
- School clubs
Do I need to speak German before my exchange?
Previous knowledge of German is helpful but not essential. Teachers understand that exchange students need time to adjust and provide support during the first weeks. Living with a host family and attending school every day helps students improve their German quickly.
What school-related expenses should I expect?
Exchange students are generally responsible for:
- School supplies
- Textbooks (if not provided by the school)
- Public transportation to and from school
Is there an orientation program before school starts?
Yes. Every exchange program begins with a three-day orientation in Oldenburg. During the program, students:
- Meet other international exchange students
- Learn about German culture
- Receive an introduction to the German education system
- Participate in workshops, sightseeing, and group activities
Airport or train station transfers to Oldenburg are included in the program.
Where can I do a high school exchange in Germany?
Students can be placed throughout Germany.
With the Classic Program, students are matched with the best available host family anywhere in the country.
With the Select Program, students can choose from several destinations, including:
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Munich
- Bremen
- Oldenburg
- Wilhelmshaven
- Frankfurt
- Düsseldorf
- Münster
- Hanover
What is Germany like as a host country?
Located in the heart of Europe, Germany is home to more than 80 million people. The country offers incredible diversity, from the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts to the Alps in the south, as well as vibrant cities, charming villages, forests, castles, and historic landmarks.
What cultural experiences can exchange students enjoy in Germany?
Germany has a rich cultural heritage with countless:
- Museums
- Theaters
- Opera houses
- Libraries
- Music festivals
- Historical sites
Students also experience local traditions, seasonal festivals, and regional customs throughout their stay.
What are the benefits of a high school exchange in Germany?
A high school exchange in Germany allows students to:
- Become fluent in German
- Experience everyday life with a German host family
- Attend a German secondary school
- Build lifelong international friendships
- Develop independence and intercultural competence
- Strengthen their academic and personal skills
- Prepare for future university studies and international careers
Why is cultural exchange important?
A student exchange benefits everyone involved. While exchange students learn about German culture, they also share their own traditions, language, and perspectives. This mutual exchange promotes international understanding, tolerance, and lifelong global connections.
Who is a high school exchange in Germany suitable for?
A high school exchange in Germany is ideal for students who want to improve their German language skills, experience European culture, and immerse themselves in everyday life with a host family. It is an excellent choice for young people who are curious, open-minded, and eager to broaden their horizons through international education.
