High standard in Germany
High School in Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Germany, from the lowlands of the north to the Bavarian Alps of the south! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
Think big
This big nation truly has it all. From beautiful scenery and cozy villages to modern cities and charming Christmas markets. The mixture of old and ultra modern is exciting in cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne In the mountainous central and southern regions and around the river Rhine, you’ll find dream-like castles. If you want to think big for your high school exchange, think Germany!
Area: 375 000 km2
Population: 82,5 million
Capital: Berlin
Language: German
National holiday: October 3rd
Country code: +49
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High standard schools in Germany
Germany is a federal republic and schools differ in terms of foreign languages offered (English is always mandatory) and the number of school years (12 or 13) depending on where in the country you are placed. The lowest common denominator is that the academic level is high. You can count on some good education. Also, German teachers want you to be active in class. Raise your hand and ask questions and take part in discussions. This will also give your German skills a real boost!
Two years of German language study is recommended, but not required.
High School in Germany
There are two types of high school in Germany that lead to the German high school diploma Abitur, which allows access to university: Gymnasium and Gesamtschule. Gymnasium usually ends with year 12, Gesamtschule with year 13, which means that the tempo of learning is a bit more relaxed. Exchange students are usually not placed in the final two years. Exactly which year you will attend depends on your age, your grades and your level of German.
You can look forward to feeling welcome, since there is an overall interest in international relations and foreign cultures in this open and culturally diverse country.
Weekends with the family
Being a part of a German family you will soon get in touch with the language and the culture. Family is important to Germans and they often spend the weekends together, visiting relatives or being outdoors. For many German families, Sunday lunch is when they all sit down and eat together.
Germany is a big nation and your family will probably show you around in their particular area. What you get to see depends a lot on where you are located. You might live close to cute markets in old villages, deep green forests, beautiful river valleys or a big city with lots of sightseeing.
Freedom and responsibility
German teenagers are rather independent and often given a lot of freedom, but they are also expected to show a great deal of responsibility. A year in Germany is a great chance for you to grow as a person.
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–18 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August/December
Language requirements: Good English, some knowledge of Italian recommended
Visa: Yes.
Prep course: STS Welcome Camp included
School year: September–June
School day: Usually 08.00 – 13.00, Mon–Sat
Subjects: Mandatory courses vary by school
The keyword is Verein
Naturally you can spend your free time in a café, at the movies or in a shopping mall, like young people all over the world. But here’s a tip for your free time in Germany: Verein. What now?
Verein is German for club and many exchange students quickly discover that joining some kind of activity group is a great way to make new friends and have fun after school. Are you into art, dance, music, drama? Ask your host family for help to find the Verein that suits you best!
Sporty people
Germans are sporty people and many students practice sports at a local Verein when classes are over. Of course, soccer is a favourite. As you probably know, the national soccer team has been extremely successful over the years. Other popular sports are gymnastics, athletics and handball.
Travel with us
You can also join one of the trips we arrange every year. We offer a three day visit to Hamburg in the fall semester as well as a weekend trip to Munich in spring. Your local contact person will give you more detailed information about prices and travel dates. Discover more of Germany!
STS High School students on exchange in Germany get the chance to join optional trips. One of the trips offered usually goes to Berlin.
STS Welcome Camp in Europe
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome camp is included for all students going in the autumn. Welcome camp is not included if you go in the spring term.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Area request
From 700 €
You can choose one of three regions in Germany: North, Centre or South. Germany’s different regions are geographically, culturally and even linguistically diverse. The North includes the coasts of the North and Baltic seas and cities like Hamburg and Bremen. Central Germany is home to great cities, like Cologne and Düsseldorf in the West and Leipzig and Dresden in the East. The South boasts beautiful mountains and forests, as well as cities like Munich and Stuttgart.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
City request – Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt
From 1 200 €
Germany has a lot of famous large cities. Do you want to spend your exchange in or around one of the vibrant cities of Frankfurt, Cologne or Hamburg, do tell us! We will try to make your dream come true.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
Capital city request – Berlin
From 2 700 €
You can make a request to be spend your exchange in the area of Berlin, the capital of Germany. Once divided into two by the Berlin wall, it has a fascinating history and is now a vibrant and exciting international city.
The earlier you apply, the higher your chances are of securing your first-choice location, so don’t delay! Submit your application as soon as possible, and keep in mind that a fee will apply if you end up at your chosen location.
Special request
From 300 €
Do you have a special request concerning your exchange? A certain town you want to stay in, a favorite subject you want to study, a sport you want to continue to practice or try out, or something completely different. You name it, we will try to arrange it! The sky is the limit.
If we can fulfill your request, you pay an additional fee. If not, there is no charge.
Preparatory language course – German
800 €
Are you going on an exchange year to a German-speaking country? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It’ll help you master the language faster once you’re there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying right from the start.
Designed to prepare you for your exchange year, this course is perfect for those who want to start practising the language as soon as possible. You will gain confidence in the language, get the tools to face the challenges of studying abroad and increase your awareness of different cultures.
The course content will consist of grammar, listening, speaking, reading, writing, expanding your vocabulary and pronunciation exercises. You will have 4 lessons of 45 minutes a week and you will receive 45 minutes of individual training.
Our destinations
Your exchange year can take you to North America, South America, Europe, Asia, or Oceania. Each destination offers unique cultures, school systems, and everyday experiences — and the choice is yours. Where will you go?
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