Despite Decrease, Germany Still No. 1 Country Sending High School Exchange Students to US

During the last few years, the ratio of German exchange students going to the US has slightly decreased. Compared to the 2003-2004 school year when the ratio of attending students was 8.483, it was “only” 6.746 this year. This is most likely do to the fact that the German school system has changed and is one year shorter now. For this reason it is harder for the students to miss one year of school in Germany.

Most students spent their year abroad in 11^th grade, whereas most of the current students do their exchange during 10^th grade, because they cannot miss 11^th grade anymore. Some might feel too young to stay away for such a long time now and others may just be afraid to miss one year of school, because the subjects being taught are still the same as in the old system and the students simply have to learn everything in a shorter period.

Despite this decrease, Germany is still by far the number one country sending high school students to the US, leaving China in second place with a ratio of 2.253 exchange students this year. But why is this?

In Germany, the USA is very popular. Everyone listens to American music, watches American movies and English is taught beginning in 4^th grade. Also, German TV shows show German students going abroad and experiencing their own “High School Spirit”. The food is different, everything is bigger than in Germany and there is just so much to see! Schools offer much more, like a big variety of extracurricular clubs, sports and performing arts opportunities, which do not really exist in Germany. The girls are excited for all the dances like Homecoming and Prom, but the students in general are just excited to take different subjects than back in Germany, like sewing, a different foreign language or cooking.

Former exchange students come home and tell their friends about their stay and everything they have experienced, which will make their friends want to go too.

It is a great opportunity to improve one’s English skills and also to experience a different culture and lifestyle. Additionally, it has academic and professional benefits - former exchange students will have more opportunities in university to expand on their experiences, as well as in their future careers. 

-- Sarah Wondratschek