Study Abroad in Germany

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.

Students will also take part in a 4-day arrival orientation, a 5-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, churches, and community education centers. Exchange students are encouraged to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered in their communities.

Language

German. Previous language study is not required. Year and semester students will take a 60-hour language course.

Trimester 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 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.

Students will also take part in a 5-day mid-year and 2-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, churches, and community education centers. Exchange students are encouraged to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered in their communities.

Language

German. Previous language study is not required. Language lessons are included in the tuition cost for students with a lower level of German. 

Germany For You 2-Week Summer Program

The Germany For You program is a fully-funded, two-week cultural exchange opportunity for vocational track high school students in Bay, Genesee, Midland, or Saginaw (MI) counties with freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior class standing. Students must have a 2.0 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Program departs in June 2026. Designed in partnership with the German and U.S. governments, this program allows students to explore German history, culture, and daily life through workshops, educational tours, and homestays with local families. Applications are open through February 28, 2026, providing a unique opportunity for students who may not otherwise have access to international travel and cultural experiences.

Students will be placed in the city of Halle. Your weekdays will be occupied with school or volunteer activities with your group, but your nights and weekends will be spent with your new host family.

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

As part of the scholarship requirement, all students and their guardians must be able to participate in and travel to a one-day special orientation in Saginaw, MI. Travel to the orientation site is not included in the scholarship.

Students will participate in an arrival party with their new German host family upon arrival in Germany.

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.

Language

German. Previous language study is not required and students will participate in German lessons while on program.

Apply

We invite you to visit this link to learn more about this incredible scholarship and how to apply.