Title:
Austauschprogramme für Schüler: School Exchange in Germany – Your Gateway to the World
Meta description:
Would you like your child to spend a school term abroad? Discover Schüleraustausch programs in Germany, including participation requirements, popular destination countries and the skills students gain from this life-changing experience.
Article content:
What is Schüleraustausch (school exchange)?
A Schüleraustausch is a school-based exchange program that allows students from German schools to spend a term or a full school year at a school in another country. The goals include:
learning or improving a foreign language
getting to know different cultures
strengthening independence and global awareness
building bridges of understanding between countries
In return, the German school hosts foreign students within the same program.
Typically:
secondary school students (usually grades 9 to 11)
aged approximately 15–18 years
with the consent of parents and the home school
with a good level of foreign language skills (depending on the host country)
students should be open-minded, flexible and communicative
United States
France
United Kingdom
Japan
China
Spain
Türkiye
Norway and other Nordic countries
| Type | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kurzzeit-Austausch (short-term exchange) | 2 weeks – 1 month | Short, group-based school visits |
| Langzeit-Austausch (long-term exchange) | 3 months – 1 school year | Individual stay with a host family plus regular schooling |
| Digitaler Austausch (digital exchange) | varies | Online cultural exchange as preparation or alternative |
Jugend für Europa
Responsible for youth exchange within Erasmus+ in Germany
Website: www.jugendfuereuropa.de
AFS Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.V.
International organisation offering long-term exchange programs
Also provides scholarships and financial aid
YFU (Youth For Understanding)
One of the oldest global exchange organisations
Programs available in more than 40 countries
PAD – Pädagogischer Austauschdienst
Part of the German Conference of Ministers of Education
Offers scholarships and school exchange programs with numerous countries
Yes, usually costs arise for:
travel (flights, local transport)
insurance (health, liability and travel insurance)
program fees and administrative charges
However, many organisations offer full or partial scholarships, especially for high-achieving students or those from low-income families.
Practical improvement of foreign language skills
Self-confidence and ability to live more independently
International friendships and networks
Better prospects later on at university or in the job market
A broader, more global perspective and intercultural competence
Applications should generally be submitted 6–12 months before departure.
Some countries require a temporary student visa.
Comprehensive health insurance for the host country is mandatory.
Preparation often includes information sessions, seminars and selection interviews.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Schüleraustausch | School exchange |
| Austauschprogramm | Exchange program |
| Gastfamilie | Host family |
| Auslandserfahrung | Experience abroad |
| interkulturell | Intercultural / between cultures |
| Sprachkenntnisse | Language skills |
| Erasmus+ | European education & exchange program |
Austauschprogramm Schüler Germany, German school exchange programs, Schüleraustausch USA free, AFS YFU explained, secondary school study abroad, intercultural exchange for students
Editorial note:
Our editorial team conducts extensive research and consults multiple sources to provide accurate information. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details cannot be ruled out. The information in this article should therefore be seen as an initial guide. For binding and up-to-date details, please refer to the relevant authorities and official institutions.
