I am interested in being a foreign exchange student in Germany, can you help me?
Hi, I am nearly 14 and almost done with German 1. I will take German 2 next school year, and I really want to go to Germany and be an exchange student for either a year or a semester. My German teacher said that there is little to no fees except for personal costs, like food and such. Who do I need to contact to do this, and can you share your experiences if you have ever been a foreign exchange student, anywhere? Thanks so much! :]
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Try here:
2 :
Pleeeeeaase do NOT go with Two Worlds United. Bad, bad idea. There's many sites about how terrible they are, an example being here: http://www.myexperiencewithtwoworldsunited.com Now. The safest, most reliable programs are AFS, YFU, ASSE, and Rotary. There are fees with every program. In fact, it's the other way around. You do not pay for meals or a home. It depends on where you're from and where you're going. Assuming you're from the US, a year in Germany with AFS would run you $9,900. However, AFS offers the Congress-Bundestag full scholarship. If you applied for this and won, you'd have to pay for nothing, except, say, if you wanted to go shopping for clothes, you'd have to pay for that yourself (unless your host family was feeling extra generous). Your program would find you a host family (the host family receives no money from the program) in Germany. This host family would be required to provide you with a roof, a bed, meals, etc. They would also be required to include you in family activities/events, e.g. They could not go out and have a picnic and leave you at home. Now, back to the programs in general, AFS, YFU, and ASSE tend to be on the expensive side. They all offer the Congress-Bundestag scholarship, though (I think...). Rotary is much more affordable, but not many people get their first choice as they prefer to send students to places where they will be unfamiliar with the language. Personally, I think you're just better off applying for Congress-Bundestag with AFS. Of course, any other program could work, but AFS has been around for the longest. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me through my profile. ^_^
3 :
I'm afraid your teacher is mistaken! Exchange programs typically cost between $6,000 and $10,000, plus expenses. The only thing I can think of is that your teacher was thinking of the CBYX program, the ONLY free exchange program, but it is a very competitive scholarship. If this is what she meant, she should have information about the program. I was a CBYX participant in high school and I highly recommend it! (the 2nd "cheapest" option is Rotary, which is a partial scholarship and also very competitive b/c you're up against people who want to go all over the world -- CBYX is Germany only) Go to the CBYX website and find the company that recruits for your area of the country: http://www.usagermanyscholarship.org/ (I was Southeast, and my organization was CIEE). CBYX is also on Facebook, though it is mostly alumni groups/groups of students there this year/going next year -- but you can see from the groups how close we all are! The applications period is in the fall -- it will become available via mail and on the website in September or October, and be due in December. It's just like a college application :) You'll need stellar grades and two teacher recommendations. German is actually not a requirement for Congress Bundestag, so you'll be ahead of the pack. Some states are more competitive than others. If you become a semi-finalist, you will have an in-person interview in February or March, and be notified of whether or not you got the scholarship in late March or early April. You're thinking years ahead, which is great. Doing a program like this requires planning. Set up your class schedule next semester with the idea in your mind that you may not be there for your junior year -- take advanced classes, and know that you may have to either repeat a year, or cram junior & senior classes into your senior year in order to graduate on time. Talk to your guidance counselor ASAP about how going abroad for the year will impact your high school graduation schedule. You CAN go on this program once you've graduated, if you can wait that long. Many people do it right after they graduate, inbetween high school and college. (but you always run the risk of not getting the program if you wait) Good luck! It's very atypical of Americans to study abroad in high school, and it will really set you apart as you apply for college. I got a full scholarship to a top school, but I missed out on a lot of high school stuff, too. It was worth it :) I am still friends with people I went to Germany with, and now I work in the exchange industry. (and, of course, my apologies if I assumed American and you're not. In that case, go with Rotary, as CBYX is Americans to Germany and vice versa only :D) Feel free to message me with any questions!
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Visa for student exchange program in Germany?
| Visa for student exchange program in Germany? I am an Indian student , who is planning to come to Germany for a student exchange program in sep 2009(for 3 months). What is the procedure to obtain the spouse visa for the same ? How long does it take to obtain the visa for 1. Student 2. Dependant(spouse) ? Other - Europe - 1 Answers Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions : 1 : State department. |
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
As a holder of student visa for Germany can I enter the country via. Luxembourg or Czech Republic?
As a holder of student visa for Germany can I enter the country via. Luxembourg or Czech Republic?
Am I meant to land on Germany as my first destination to Europe if I'm Germany's student visa holder? Can't I enter Germany later via. Luxembourg if I'm granted tourist visa for Luxembourg? What's wrong with that?
Other - Europe - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I don't know to which previous question asked you are referring, but they don't make much sense. You can't be granted a tourist visa for Luxembourg and a student visa for Germany simultaneously; that does not comply with Schengen rules..
2 :
Due to I guess, it's a Schnegen - Visa, you can enter through Schangen countries:
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Am I meant to land on Germany as my first destination to Europe if I'm Germany's student visa holder? Can't I enter Germany later via. Luxembourg if I'm granted tourist visa for Luxembourg? What's wrong with that?
Other - Europe - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I don't know to which previous question asked you are referring, but they don't make much sense. You can't be granted a tourist visa for Luxembourg and a student visa for Germany simultaneously; that does not comply with Schengen rules..
2 :
Due to I guess, it's a Schnegen - Visa, you can enter through Schangen countries:
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Which country would you rather be a foreign exchange student in, Germany or Japan?
Which country would you rather be a foreign exchange student in, Germany or Japan?
I can either be a foreign exchange student in Germany or Japan. Which one should I pick? I can speak German and Japanese both fluently, but which country is better in terms of economic status, education, safety, crime, etc.? Which one would you rather stay and attend school in?
Other - Europe - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I would choose Japan. I took japanese in high school and am a huge fan of almost everything Japanese! Japan's crime rate is not as high and people are so laid back and very respectful. I was there 2 years ago and ache to go back. There is so much to do and see. Good luck and have fun!
2 :
Here's something to consider: the food. I know a girl who was an exchange student in Japan, but didn't like seafood. Where she was, they had fish constantly. She lived off of Rice Krispies for a while. Of course, you might be in a different part of Japan if you go there. I think both countries might be similar in the other things you mention, but I'm not sure. Crime is more about staying out of bad areas, especially in cities, no matter where you are. Japan might be ahead in education, but again I'm not positive. Don't bring up World War II in either country.
3 :
Go to Germany. Great schools and lovely atmosphere.
4 :
GERMANY. hands down.
5 :
JAPAN - No question about it...
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I can either be a foreign exchange student in Germany or Japan. Which one should I pick? I can speak German and Japanese both fluently, but which country is better in terms of economic status, education, safety, crime, etc.? Which one would you rather stay and attend school in?
Other - Europe - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I would choose Japan. I took japanese in high school and am a huge fan of almost everything Japanese! Japan's crime rate is not as high and people are so laid back and very respectful. I was there 2 years ago and ache to go back. There is so much to do and see. Good luck and have fun!
2 :
Here's something to consider: the food. I know a girl who was an exchange student in Japan, but didn't like seafood. Where she was, they had fish constantly. She lived off of Rice Krispies for a while. Of course, you might be in a different part of Japan if you go there. I think both countries might be similar in the other things you mention, but I'm not sure. Crime is more about staying out of bad areas, especially in cities, no matter where you are. Japan might be ahead in education, but again I'm not positive. Don't bring up World War II in either country.
3 :
Go to Germany. Great schools and lovely atmosphere.
4 :
GERMANY. hands down.
5 :
JAPAN - No question about it...
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Saturday, August 28, 2010
Should we host a male foreign exchange student from Germany?
Should we host a male foreign exchange student from Germany?
We are considering hosting a male exchange student from Germany for one month. Has anyone done this? What are the pros and cons? We have two teen males and one grade school age girl in our home. The student would have to share a room with a 12 year old or 14 year old. How do we know if this will work out?
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The simple truth is that you won't. The best advise that I can offer is to talk to your children, explain to them what will happen and ask them their thoughts and opinions and ask them if that will be okay with them since even though you are the parent and the adult, it is them who in the end will be 'put out' by having to share a room - so make sure they are comfortable. If you are wondering if everyone will get along, then that you will just never know, all I can suggest is that you read up on everything that is involved and try to learn as much as you can about his country and culture and try to make him feel at home as possible, making for as smooth a transition as you can. I am sure more people with more experience than I about hosting exchange students will be along shortly to offer you better advise.
2 :
Only if you are all very keen on the idea and even then it might be quite tricky. Is he the same age as one of your children or older? I would not take him at all if he is a lot older or a lot younger. He probably won't want to share a room with a younger kid either. Will he be going to school with your kids? You need to find out a bit - can he get by in English (usually Germans are very good) and if not who speaks enough German in your family? I have done many exchanges myself and hosted others and they have all been worthwhile but on one occasion I was dumped in a family whose child my age was training for Olympics. I never saw her. I went to her school but she was always in the pool morning, noon and night miles away. The family were quite kind but it was incredibly dull for me. They didn't take me out, transport me to other kids houses , show me the sights - I was so keen to come home and thank goodness she never bothered to come back to us (too busy swimming). However difficult it is for your family and how ever different he turns out to be they have to commit to total patience. It's always worse to be the one alone in a strange situation using a second language. Lay down the house rules on day 1 and do not deviate. What will he do in the way of chores? When is he to be in by? What does he and doesn't he eat? Let you know if he is not going to be in for a meal etc etc. Computer use and rules. What outings are you planning - give him input and pencil them into the calendar? I would expect some attempt from whoever is organising this to match the student's interests to those of your family. It is much better if he can do stuff with some of you successfully. There will be friction if you have very different belief systems and interests.
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We are considering hosting a male exchange student from Germany for one month. Has anyone done this? What are the pros and cons? We have two teen males and one grade school age girl in our home. The student would have to share a room with a 12 year old or 14 year old. How do we know if this will work out?
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
The simple truth is that you won't. The best advise that I can offer is to talk to your children, explain to them what will happen and ask them their thoughts and opinions and ask them if that will be okay with them since even though you are the parent and the adult, it is them who in the end will be 'put out' by having to share a room - so make sure they are comfortable. If you are wondering if everyone will get along, then that you will just never know, all I can suggest is that you read up on everything that is involved and try to learn as much as you can about his country and culture and try to make him feel at home as possible, making for as smooth a transition as you can. I am sure more people with more experience than I about hosting exchange students will be along shortly to offer you better advise.
2 :
Only if you are all very keen on the idea and even then it might be quite tricky. Is he the same age as one of your children or older? I would not take him at all if he is a lot older or a lot younger. He probably won't want to share a room with a younger kid either. Will he be going to school with your kids? You need to find out a bit - can he get by in English (usually Germans are very good) and if not who speaks enough German in your family? I have done many exchanges myself and hosted others and they have all been worthwhile but on one occasion I was dumped in a family whose child my age was training for Olympics. I never saw her. I went to her school but she was always in the pool morning, noon and night miles away. The family were quite kind but it was incredibly dull for me. They didn't take me out, transport me to other kids houses , show me the sights - I was so keen to come home and thank goodness she never bothered to come back to us (too busy swimming). However difficult it is for your family and how ever different he turns out to be they have to commit to total patience. It's always worse to be the one alone in a strange situation using a second language. Lay down the house rules on day 1 and do not deviate. What will he do in the way of chores? When is he to be in by? What does he and doesn't he eat? Let you know if he is not going to be in for a meal etc etc. Computer use and rules. What outings are you planning - give him input and pencil them into the calendar? I would expect some attempt from whoever is organising this to match the student's interests to those of your family. It is much better if he can do stuff with some of you successfully. There will be friction if you have very different belief systems and interests.
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
What to expect in the beginning as an exchange student in germany?
What to expect in the beginning as an exchange student in germany?
im going on a student excgange to germany and i would like a very detailed description of what it will be like and what to expect from the beginning - language, what it takes to learn it and how fast you will learn it - host family - schooling, please detail - what area is best to stay - what to be careful of etc. thanks in advance.
Other - Germany - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Travel and experiencing different cultures is something everyone should do. If you speak German it will be allot easier for you and if not then you must be up to the challenge. I found it fairly easy to learn the language, I took a year of German in school and once in germany I took 2 courses at night school. So learning the language is up to you. My advise is in rome do as the romans and in Germany do as the germans. I think schooling will be a challenge, I do not know about Australian schools but the Germans take education serious, although most classes only go between 800-1400 expect to study allot. If you are not going to college or a University there are 3 types of schools, depending upon which one you are going to. The big cities tend to have more of a crime problem then the smaller ones but there is not allot of crime in Germany, in most places it is safe to walk around at night. Best of luck.
2 :
I'm currently an exchange student from the United States in Germany through YFU (youth for understanding) and it's been a great experience. The first month is a language and orientation course. This helps to learn the language and prevents "culture shock". You'd spend it with other exchange students who speak the same language. If you really want to learn German, then you really have to try, because almost everyone in Germany can speak English, and your classmates will probably be able to speak much better English than you can German because they've been studying it for 7 or so years. But I think just trying helps a lot. Being active and speaking, even if it means messing up is good because no one expects you to be perfect. I've heard of many different experiences with host families. I've had luck and gotten along really well with both of my host families (from my 1 month orientation and my permanate family) But I've also heard of students who didn't get along with their families and had to change. Which really wasn't a big deal. Schooling was more difficult. Do what the Germans do. I'm getting along quite well with my classmates right now because I strive to dress and act similar to them. The most Germans don't like differences. AND DON'T WEAR TENNIS SHOES! Germans think that's the lamest thing ever. They prefer boots or sneakers (such as converse) The teachers help a lot and the first few weeks at a new school are hard, but it gets better quickly. I think staying in a smaller area is better. If you get put in Berlin, I feel sorry for you. All the exchange students I know who've been put in large cities have had more problems than the ones who were put in smaller towns. I'm currently in a small town, which at first disappointed me, but now I love it! What you'll need to be careful of is the bus/train system. I'm not sure where you're from, but in the USA we don't have such a system! And it was really complicated at first! But after a long explaination, I finally understood. And maybe you should try not to fall in love. I don't know how I'm going to leave my boyfriend! He's so cute and German! Oh, and be careful with alcohol! Since the drinking age in Germany is 16, sometimes there are problems with that. But be smart and I don't think anything will happen! Good luck and have fun!!!!
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im going on a student excgange to germany and i would like a very detailed description of what it will be like and what to expect from the beginning - language, what it takes to learn it and how fast you will learn it - host family - schooling, please detail - what area is best to stay - what to be careful of etc. thanks in advance.
Other - Germany - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Travel and experiencing different cultures is something everyone should do. If you speak German it will be allot easier for you and if not then you must be up to the challenge. I found it fairly easy to learn the language, I took a year of German in school and once in germany I took 2 courses at night school. So learning the language is up to you. My advise is in rome do as the romans and in Germany do as the germans. I think schooling will be a challenge, I do not know about Australian schools but the Germans take education serious, although most classes only go between 800-1400 expect to study allot. If you are not going to college or a University there are 3 types of schools, depending upon which one you are going to. The big cities tend to have more of a crime problem then the smaller ones but there is not allot of crime in Germany, in most places it is safe to walk around at night. Best of luck.
2 :
I'm currently an exchange student from the United States in Germany through YFU (youth for understanding) and it's been a great experience. The first month is a language and orientation course. This helps to learn the language and prevents "culture shock". You'd spend it with other exchange students who speak the same language. If you really want to learn German, then you really have to try, because almost everyone in Germany can speak English, and your classmates will probably be able to speak much better English than you can German because they've been studying it for 7 or so years. But I think just trying helps a lot. Being active and speaking, even if it means messing up is good because no one expects you to be perfect. I've heard of many different experiences with host families. I've had luck and gotten along really well with both of my host families (from my 1 month orientation and my permanate family) But I've also heard of students who didn't get along with their families and had to change. Which really wasn't a big deal. Schooling was more difficult. Do what the Germans do. I'm getting along quite well with my classmates right now because I strive to dress and act similar to them. The most Germans don't like differences. AND DON'T WEAR TENNIS SHOES! Germans think that's the lamest thing ever. They prefer boots or sneakers (such as converse) The teachers help a lot and the first few weeks at a new school are hard, but it gets better quickly. I think staying in a smaller area is better. If you get put in Berlin, I feel sorry for you. All the exchange students I know who've been put in large cities have had more problems than the ones who were put in smaller towns. I'm currently in a small town, which at first disappointed me, but now I love it! What you'll need to be careful of is the bus/train system. I'm not sure where you're from, but in the USA we don't have such a system! And it was really complicated at first! But after a long explaination, I finally understood. And maybe you should try not to fall in love. I don't know how I'm going to leave my boyfriend! He's so cute and German! Oh, and be careful with alcohol! Since the drinking age in Germany is 16, sometimes there are problems with that. But be smart and I don't think anything will happen! Good luck and have fun!!!!
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Saturday, August 7, 2010
What would be the best broadway musical to take a foreign exchang student from Germany to see?
What would be the best broadway musical to take a foreign exchang student from Germany to see?
My family is getting a foreign exchange student next school year and right now we are trying to plan a trip to NYC to show her, Lea from Germany, a large American city. She, who is 16, my sister, who is 13, my mom, and me, 16, are all going so we need a show that will be appropriate and one that she will understand. We have already seen Grease, throughly modern millie, lion king, little mermaid, beauty and the beast, cats, and my fair lady.
Theater & Acting - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
lol...how about "The Producers"? They have that wonderful song "springtime for hitler in germany" I'm sure they'd get a kick out of it. Wait...the Germans have a sense of humor about their past, right?
2 :
SOund of Music is great musical for German to see. Ok maybe not. Tkae him to see Beauty and the Beast.
3 :
Hmmm, maybe The Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Wicked, or Sunday in the Park With George? Avenue Q is an amazing show, but it's not appropriate for 13 year olds, and Spring Awakening isn't the best for that age group either. EDIT: Beauty and the Beast's run has ended. EDIT {again} : I re-read the question, lol, and you'll be going next year...so RENT and Sunday in the Park With George will have ended their runs. =]]
4 :
If she is in by June 1st, Rent for sure since it is a very good play and it's end runs soon. Other good options would be Phantom of the Opera, Xanadu, Wicked, Chicago, Cry-Baby. Not sure on Spamalot though. The Producers isn't currrently on Broadway, and you wouldn't want to go to that with a German in tow anyway since it could be seen as being culturally insensitive. Check listings on Playbill.com and then check for good deals on Givenik.com. Givenik allows you to get good deals and contribute 5% of the sale to charity so that is a good thing. I have seen Phantom tickets on ther for 26 dollars a piece. There are about 20-30 charities to choose from.
5 :
heres a few suggestions..... wicked phantom of the opera legally blonde monty pythons spamalot sunday in the park with george just to name a few.......... im sure she will have fun no matter which one you pick.
6 :
And The Producers is gone. Maybe Hairspray? It's tons of fun, and a very American show. Seems like that is what she might enjoy.
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My family is getting a foreign exchange student next school year and right now we are trying to plan a trip to NYC to show her, Lea from Germany, a large American city. She, who is 16, my sister, who is 13, my mom, and me, 16, are all going so we need a show that will be appropriate and one that she will understand. We have already seen Grease, throughly modern millie, lion king, little mermaid, beauty and the beast, cats, and my fair lady.
Theater & Acting - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
lol...how about "The Producers"? They have that wonderful song "springtime for hitler in germany" I'm sure they'd get a kick out of it. Wait...the Germans have a sense of humor about their past, right?
2 :
SOund of Music is great musical for German to see. Ok maybe not. Tkae him to see Beauty and the Beast.
3 :
Hmmm, maybe The Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Wicked, or Sunday in the Park With George? Avenue Q is an amazing show, but it's not appropriate for 13 year olds, and Spring Awakening isn't the best for that age group either. EDIT: Beauty and the Beast's run has ended. EDIT {again} : I re-read the question, lol, and you'll be going next year...so RENT and Sunday in the Park With George will have ended their runs. =]]
4 :
If she is in by June 1st, Rent for sure since it is a very good play and it's end runs soon. Other good options would be Phantom of the Opera, Xanadu, Wicked, Chicago, Cry-Baby. Not sure on Spamalot though. The Producers isn't currrently on Broadway, and you wouldn't want to go to that with a German in tow anyway since it could be seen as being culturally insensitive. Check listings on Playbill.com and then check for good deals on Givenik.com. Givenik allows you to get good deals and contribute 5% of the sale to charity so that is a good thing. I have seen Phantom tickets on ther for 26 dollars a piece. There are about 20-30 charities to choose from.
5 :
heres a few suggestions..... wicked phantom of the opera legally blonde monty pythons spamalot sunday in the park with george just to name a few.......... im sure she will have fun no matter which one you pick.
6 :
And The Producers is gone. Maybe Hairspray? It's tons of fun, and a very American show. Seems like that is what she might enjoy.
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