Studying Abroad in Germany

Do you know that the capital of Berlin has more bridges than Venice? Or that Fanta orange soda originated in Germany as a result of the Second World War? Did you hear that college education in Germany is free, even for internationals? That’s Germany, and if you interested in studying abroad in this beautiful and interesting country, just keep reading.

CBYX stands for Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange, a scholarship program to study abroad in Germany. The partner program is PPP (German for: Parlamentarisches Patenschafts Programm, Congress Bundestag Youth exchange) and this program is a scholarship for Germans to study abroad in the US. The State Department and the German Bundestag (Bundestag meaning government) created this program in 1983 to strengthen the relationship between those two countries. Together, the CBYX and PPP have helped over 24,000 students study abroad. Because of the competitive applications process, there are a few skills you should have. For example, academic merit, motivation, curiosity, and flexibility are reviewed for acceptance. Previous German language experience ist not a requirement. As a Congress-Bundestag scholar you’ll get a placement with a carefully selected host family, admission to a German high school, and pre-departure training sessions in the United States. This is followed by orientation programs in Germany. Because CBYX is a politics oriented scholarship, you’ll have the chance to meet with government officials and you get the opportunity to visit the German Bundestag and select German Cities. Moreover, you’ll also get supplementary language lessons upon arrival in your host community. Even though it’s a scholarship, you will be responsible for some costs, such as the domestic transportation to and from the international gateway city and the money you would spend for your personal use (clothes etc.). Your responsibility is also to pay the costs associated with obtaining a passport in a timely manner and the costs associated with obtaining a German residence permit, or visa, as applicable.

An exchange year is a wonderful experience to see a different part of the world and experience other cultures, living habits, and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Sometimes it’ll be challenging but it’s worth it. CBYX is a scholarship for motivated high school students who want to experience another culture and learn a language through a living experience. It’s also a good thing for your college application! You also get to connect to an elite network of U.S. Department of State program alumni. When you return after about 10 months abroad, you will have a better sense of independence, empowerment, and global citizenry.

If you have any questions about CBYX or an exchange year just write me:

Marie Sophie Polczyk

marie.polczyk@rivendellstudent.org