Germany is where YFU began in 1951, the first exchange students to cross between cultures after World War II travelled between the United States and Germany, and that founding mission of building understanding through shared life remains central to the YFU experience today. For Australian and New Zealand students, Germany offers one of the most intellectually and culturally rich exchange environments on the network.
Modern Germany is a country of remarkable contrasts: cutting-edge engineering and deep historical consciousness, vibrant youth culture and rigorous academic tradition, bustling cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne alongside small towns with centuries of regional identity. Wherever you’re placed, Germany rewards students who are curious about the world.
*Germany will consider accepting students aged 14 on arrival on a case by case basis.
German family life is structured, warm in its own way, and deeply organised. Punctuality, clear household expectations, and a respect for personal space are norms that exchange students quickly learn to appreciate. German families tend to be direct in communication – which can initially feel blunt to Australians and New Zealanders, but quickly reveals itself as a form of honesty and respect.
The German school system is one of the most academically rigorous in the world. Exchange students are frequently challenged by the depth and pace of instruction, particularly in sciences, mathematics, and humanities. Many return home significantly ahead of their Australian or NZ year-group peers.
German is the language of the exchange. Pre-departure language preparation is provided, and German skills acquired in Germany are among the most globally useful language assets available – opening doors in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and across the broader German-speaking business world.
Students that would like to go to Germany must take a German language test. Students who have not passed the test or who have not studied German at all must participate in an intensive language camp in Germany, approximately 1 month prior to the exchange (at additional cost). Students that have studied German must still complete the test but may not be required to attend the language course.
German secondary schools operate on a tracked system. The Gymnasium (academic track, ages 10–18 or 12–18 depending on state) prepares students for the Abitur, Germany’s university entrance qualification. The Realschule and Gesamtschule tracks offer combined academic and vocational pathways. Most YFU exchange students are placed in a Gymnasium or Gesamtschule. Core subjects include German, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography, Arts, and foreign languages (typically English plus one other). Germany’s STEM and humanities education is world-leading.
The school year normally begins in August and ends in June, and usually has a 2 week long Autumn, Winter, and Spring breaks, and a 6 week long Summer breaks. Each state in Germany decides individually on the dates of the school breaks. Normal school hours at an all day Gymnasium are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, however many schools choose to have no lunch break and end earlier in the afternoon at 2:00 pm. Classes last normally between 1-2 hours with 15-20 minute breaks every 2 hours. Students take between 9-12 classes each semester.
In the upper school levels, students choose 2 or 3 main subjects areas they find interesting that they graduate with. Many classes are seminar based with teachers instructing and students taking notes, however students are also expected to lead discussions and are graded on their input.
German students normally have a lot of free time during the week they use to study for school, participate in clubs or socialise with friends.
Most families with children have between 1 and 4 children. It is normal for both parents to work, although there is a percentage of mothers who do choose to stay at home. Women are equals in the household and in society and are expected to be treated respectfully.
Although the parents are considered the heads of the household, there is normally a large amount of trust given to children. One thing many host families have in common is a meal eaten together. This can happen every day at lunch or dinner or can be a larger family meal on weekends. There is often a set list of chores assigned to the younger family members, like maintaining the garden, taking out garbage, cleaning the bathrooms and hallways, and walking the family dog.
Germans are usually very precise about who is assigned which task and when they should do it. German youth are seen by their parents more as young adults than children and are expected to run and manage their own lives to a large degree. The 1st and 2nd male child from every household are required to complete either a civil service program or enrol with the German military for 9 months after graduating from the Gymnasium.
Clubs play an important role for youth and vary from sports, religious groups, and civil services groups.
Students should be familiar with the German language but students with little knowledge of the German language can be accepted if they attend the YFU Germany Language Course upon arrival consisting of intensive German language training. Participation may be required depending on language assessment results.
Most YFU students are placed in a Gymnasium (academic) or Gesamtschule (comprehensive). Your school type will be matched to your academic background. German schools are academically rigorous many exchange students find themselves working harder than they did at home.
German families tend to be organised, direct in communication, and warm once you’re within their circle. Punctuality is genuinely important; household expectations are usually clearly stated. This directness can seem unfamiliar at first but most students come to value it.
YFU places students across Germany, in cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart, as well as in smaller regional towns. Germany has strong regional identity: Bavaria feels very different from the north, and eastern Germany is distinct from the west.
Yes. Germany is globally recognised for its engineering and technology sector, and the school curriculum reflects this sciences and mathematics are taught to a high standard. For students with career interests in STEM, a German exchange provides both academic challenge and professional context.
Yes. Germany is part of the Schengen Area, and a national long-stay visa is required for programs over 90 days. YFU provides full documentation and application guidance as part of your enrolment.
Enrolment in a public or private school for the first semester and placement in an NGO project for the second semester
Placement in an NGO project (Typically related to childcare, women's care, environmental NGOs)
Our standard all-inclusive program price with no hidden fees.
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, plus receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting a student*
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting* plus a further $2500 discount when you book your own flights**
*The host a student reimbursement is a payment of $100AUD/$120NZD per week
**When you book your own flights, you will be required to adhere to specific travel dates and arrival times in the destination country. This offer does not include exchange programs to Thailand, Korea, or China.
The first weeks of an exchange student experience in Australia are often filled with excitement, curiosity, and unforgettable firsts. Known as the honeymoon phase of cultural exchange, this is the time when everything feels new—from landscapes and wildlife to food, school, and daily life.
As everybody is speaking about the FIFA World Cup, millions of people around the globe are gathering to cheer for their favourite teams, celebrate different cultures, and experience the excitement that only a global event can create. But while the World Cup lasts only a few weeks, there’s another international experience that can change your life forever: going on a youth exchange.
The Youth Empowerment Seminar is one of YFU’s largest international youth events, bringing together exchange students, volunteers, facilitators and educators from across the globe for an unforgettable week of learning, leadership and intercultural dialogue.
Enquire today about this program. We’ve got experts ready to assist with any enquiry about the countries, programs and the process.
Simply register and attend one of our in-person Information Evenings and you will automatically get $100 off your program fee.
