High School Abroad in Germany
Study and live in Germany as you soak in the local culture and grow your language skills each day!
Watching Harry Potter and NCIS in German with your homestay. Grabbing currywurst on the run. Visiting the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate. Bonding with exchange students from five different continents. These are just a few memories you might share with fellow alums. Five days a week, you’ll head to your local Gymnasium (public high school) for classes with your German peers. Though all classes are taught in German, many people also speak English — which helps ease the transition.
The Take-Aways
Global Citizenship
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
College Readiness
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
Language Proficiency
Our program provides students with 150 language contact hours in just a few weeks.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
Diverse regions, rich culture, and history—you’ll find it all in Germany.
The landscape of Germany is as diverse as its customs and dialects. Make one unique corner of the country your own by studying abroad in a local, German high school for a semester or a full year.
Picture navigating the intricacies of chemistry taught in a German classroom, joining your classmates for a pickup game of football after a long day of classes, and getting to know your homestay over a hearty welcome dinner of Gulasch, Bratwurst, and Strudel.
Regardless of where you’re placed — whether in the center of Berlin or outside city limits — you’ll develop your German language skills through both coursework and conversations with the locals. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of one of Europe’s most fascinating countries, and build independence and life skills that you can draw on for the rest of your life.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Germany.
Orientation
Upon arriving in Germany with your fellow participants, you will be met by CIEE staff in Berlin, where you will begin your three-day orientation. During orientation, you will participate in different workshops focusing on a variety of themes—culture; language; academics; social norms; health, safety & security; and current events—all designed to prepare you for your experience in Germany. After CIEE’s orientation, you will spend 1-2 days getting oriented with the school hosting you, and then your classes start! During your stay, you’ll see some of the best that Germany’s capital has to offer!
Activities are subject to change, but may include a visit to the Reichstag building, which houses the German Bundestag; taking an afternoon boat trip up the Spree; or wandering through Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin’s largest palace. Laugh over great food during group meals and get to know CIEE staff and other participants.
Program Blogs
Going Back Home
I’m back home now, in a suburb of Boston where I will be a high school senior in the fall. When I see friends or bump into neighbors, they smile... keep reading
A Visit from My Parents
After eight months of living in Germany with my host family, I was really excited when my parents told me they would be coming to visit over my two week... keep reading
Keeping in Touch
A difficult part of living away from home for any amount of time is staying in touch with friends and family. I have made so many great relationships with people... keep reading
Sample Activities
The largest country in Central Europe, Germany is made up of sixteen (federal) states, each with its own distinct culture. You’ll have a whole year or semester to discover the country—on your own, with new CIEE friends, and with your homestay. From the Bavarian Alps to the streets of Berlin, there’s a range of thrilling places to explore. Castles, cathedrals, and alpine ski villages are just the start.
As part of the program, CIEE includes one day trip and one overnight trip per semester. Possible destinations include Potsdam, Leipzig, and Erfurt.
Potsdam
Potsdam was the residence of the Prussian kings and German kaisers until 1918 and home to palaces of Sanssouci—the largest World Heritage Site in Germany. It is the current capital of German federal state of Brandenburg.
Weimar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Weimar was the place where Germany's first democratic constitution was signed after the First World War, giving its name to the Weimar Republic period in German politics (1918–33). Weimar has a picturesque old town and beautiful parks and serves as a nice contrast to Berlin. While in Weimar, students will get the opportunity to learn more about Goethe and Schiller (two of Germany’s most famous writers/poets), visit the Buchenwald memorial, and go on a guided tour of the city.
Please note sample activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, their flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
- Have 2 years of German.
High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 47 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2026 21 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2025 24 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $17,250 |
| Program Academic Year 2024 48 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $19,250 |
| Program Fall 2025 23 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2024 23 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $17,250 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Our Staff
Andrea Adam Moore
Center Director
Andrea Adam Moore holds a Master in Business Administration. Andrea was previously the Director of the Indiana University Europe Gateway in Berlin.