High School in Germany

Germany is a country full of contrasts. From its Northern beaches to the Alpine mountains in the South you’ll find highly industrialized areas as well as rivers, forests and fertile farmlands.

Located in the heart of Europe and a leader in thriving for the ongoing process of an unified and peaceful Europe, Germany today is proud of its sound democratic values, its social and health system. As well as its pulsing economy and its rich cultural history prior to World War Two. German history dates back to the Roman Ages. Old traditions co-exist with modern trends, the spirit of the Middle Ages may be encountered side by side with that of the information age. To find out how the Germans cope with the giant unification step, how various stereotypes go together with professional discipline and painstaking accurateness is certainly a great challenge and at the heart of this program.

Apply early and get a discount! Submit your application 45 days before the deadline to receive an Early Bird Discount.

These are the approximate start dates. Exact start dates will be provided closer to your arrival.

Spring

Academic Trimester: Mid-January – Late April

Academic Semester: Mid-January – Late June

Final Deadline to Apply: September 1st

Fall

2 Month Program: Late August – Late October

Academic Trimester: Late August – Late November

Academic Semester: Late August – Mid-January

Academic Year: Late August – Early July

Final Deadline to Apply: April 1st

Early Bird Discount – $250 discount if you apply 45 days prior to the application deadline

Host Family Discount – Discount of up to $1000 for families that hosted an inbound student

Area Representative Discount – Discount of up to $500 for children of ISE Area Representatives

ISE Ambassador Scholarship – Designed for students who would like to engage deeply with their host community and reflect on their experience via blog/video contributions. 

Additional Scholarships –  We gathered a list of some additional scholarships that can help finance your dream exchange

ISE Fundraising Guide –  Check out our tips and tricks for planning your very own study abroad fundraiser.

• Arrival Orientation
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Support and supervision by local representative
• Host family accommodation including 2 meals a day during the week, and 3 meals a day on the weekends.
• School tuition and fees
• Progress reports sent directly to parents
• 24/7 emergency support
• ISE Tote bag, luggage tag & lanyard

• Personal Expenses – cell phone bills, personal spending money, travel expenses
• Transportation to airport at conclusion of program
• Extra School Fees – Uniform, class trips, extra curricular activities

Students coming to Germany should be at least 15 years old and not older than 17 at the time of their arrival.

• At least 2 years of German at school and should be confident enough to try to communicate in German.
• Good academic ability and also have a strong interest in Germany and intercultural experiences in general.
• Be fun-loving, stable, uncomplicated and, last but not least, adaptable characters with a great “feeling” for people. They should be open, honest and communicative.
• Be in a state of good physical and psychological health.

Most important of all these essential criteria is that the students, who apply for this program, have the genuine strong wish to take part in international exchange and get to know Germany and the Germans.

Students will attend either a Realschule, a Gymnasium or a Gesamtschule, where they will be graded according to age and academic ability. Most students attend year 11, some go to year 10. Depending on the state, there are either 12 or 13 school years in German schools, the Abitur is taken after year 12 or year 13. Exchange students will not be able to graduate.

Students have to go to school on a regular basis and will be able to choose courses they personally prefer. They will have the same status as their German fellow students. They are expected to be active members of the school community and support the class by their active participation in every course they choose.

Schools in Germany offer a wide range of subjects. The subjects they can take are: German, English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Social Studies, History, Physical Education, Arts, Music, French, Latin.

Many schools also offer a wide range of afternoon activities on a voluntary basis, such as choir, orchestra, foreign languages, arts, sports, drama. Often they have various sports teams (basketball, soccer, badminton etc.).

For all students an orientation will be held within the first few days upon arrival. The main subject is integration into the host family, into school, and German culture and everyday life.

1. Explore our programs, options and countries to find your best match. 
2. Complete our interest form and, if applicable, let us know who referred you to us.
   • You can submit the interest form here: Travel & Study Abroad Interest Form
3. Schedule a meeting with one of our Travel & Study Abroad experts.
4. Submit your application and a $200 application fee. This non-refundable fee will be applied to your overall program costs.
5. Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a deposit of 50% of the total program costs, up to $1500. The final payment is due several weeks before your departure.