Written by Lisa-Marie Fiedler
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals is a double-sided exchange program from the U.S. Department of State and the German Bundestag. Each year 75 Americans are selected from all over the United State to receive the opportunity to live in Germany for one year. At the same time 75 participants from Germany are selected to come to the United States. Deadlines for applications are December first.
As a young ambassador each participant has many tasks and activities to get involved in, yet all participants are well prepared for that. The exchange program begins in Washington, D.C. during a multi-day orientation seminar in late July. A second orientation seminar occurs once the student arrives in Germany. In early August, all exchange students who arrived in Germany depart for a language school for the next two months. In early October students are divided into their permanent placements, which are located around Germany, whether it’s living with a host family or in a dorm. All participants study one semester at a German educational institution; that could be a university, a Hochschule, a Fachhochschule or University of Applied Sciences (which are more similar to community colleges). After the conclusion of that semester, the participants need to do an internship in their professional fields, which generally begins on February 1 and lasts until June. Afterwards, each participant has time to travel through Germany.
Eligibility for Participation
Young professionals are accepted from all fields and educational backgrounds.
- U.S. citizenship
- Between 18.5 and 24 years old at the start of the program
- High school diploma or equivalent
- At least one semester of college-level classes
- Clear career and personal goals
- Some relevant work experiences
And of course, all participants should have a strong interest in German and international affairs. Prior German language skills are not required.
Why Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals
You get a unique opportunity to learn more about Germany and the culture but also to show the American culture to the people you will meet in Germany. You can acquire or improve German language skills and serve as a young ambassador of the United States. You will also challenge yourself and improve future hire-ability.
For more information visit the website provided below, or talk faces to face with two young German ambassadors in the Multicultural Room in the Old Science Building at 11 am.
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