High School in Germany – your student exchange with did
Experience your exchange year in Germany with did deutsch‑institut: International students (13–17) attend a German secondary school (Gymnasium, Realschule or comprehensive school), live with a carefully screened host family in Germany and receive personal on‑site support. Whether a school semester or a full school year in Germany – our 2–11 month programs combine language progress, culture and valuable international experience.
Questions? Book a free consultation
Why choose a high‑school exchange in Germany with did?
Personal support on site – experienced did coordinators guide you with a welcome meeting, regular check‑ins, and a 24/7 emergency contact.
Carefully vetted host families – we visit and screen every family in person. You live as a family member with full board in a single or twin room.
Flexible program length – choose 2–6 months, one school semester (5–7 months) or a full high school year in Germany (10–11 months). Abitur preparation at boarding schools possible.
Program choice
Classic (flexible placement, best value) or
Choice (your preferred region or city guaranteed).
All‑inclusive services – school enrollment, host family placement, visa support, insurance, confirmation of participation and, for stays of 5+ months, a school report card.
Experience & quality
50+ years running exchange programs, Super Star Award winner, audited according to DIN EN 14804.
German school system: which school suits you?
Depending on grades and German skills, exchange students attend a Gymnasium, a Realschule or a comprehensive school.
| Gymnasium | Academic path to the Abitur (higher‑education entrance qualification). International students are usually placed in grades 9–11. |
| Realschule | Practice‑oriented, broad curriculum up to grade 10 leading to the Mittlere Reife. |
| Comprehensive school | Combines different school types and enables individual focus areas. |
| School day | Classes typically 08:00–14:00 (45‑minute periods). Afternoons: homework, clubs, sports, friends. |
| School year | Starts (depending on the federal state) in August/September; the second semester starts in January/February. Official school holidays are included. |
| Equal rights & duties | As a guest student you are treated like German classmates – with compulsory attendance, participation and homework. |
Your host family in Germany: settle in & feel at home
Our host families in Germany are as diverse as the country itself: couples with children, single parents, couples without children, or older couples. What matters is that German is the family language and that you are welcomed as a full member of the family.
Included
- Room: single or twin room with bed, wardrobe and desk
- Meals: full board (breakfast, lunch/lunch pack, dinner)
- Daily life: shared meals, activities and insights into traditions
- Helping out: small household tasks – like other family members
Living together works with clear rules. Respect house rules and quiet hours and speak openly about wishes. If difficulties arise, your local did coordinator will support you; if necessary, we will arrange a host family change.
Application: step by step to your high‑school stay
Application deadlines:
- Program start August/September: apply by May 15
- Program start January/February: apply by November 15
Registration & documents
Submit the application form and take a German placement test (min. A2–B1). Add transcripts, a reference letter and a medical certificate. On request, we’ll name a partner agency in your home country.
Placement
Once documents and deposit are complete, we search for a suitable public school and host family. Schools decide on admission – a thorough application speeds up approval.
Visa support
If required, we issue the official invitation. Please apply for your visa at least 3–4 months before departure.
Arrival & settling in
You receive your placement confirmation with all details about your host family, school and arrival. Optional add‑on: escorted airport transfer.
Prices & services
Included in the price:
Enrollment at a public school
Host family with full board (single or twin room)
Personal support by a local coordinator (incl. orientation & follow‑up meetings)
Insurance package (health, accident & liability; mandatory)
Confirmation of participation; from 5 months: report card
Visa service and invitation letter
24/7 emergency contact
for 2 months (Classic)
Not included
- Flights
- Pocket money (recommendation: €150–€250 per month)
- School materials and books
- Local public transport to school
- Leisure activities and excursions
Program options
Classic: indicate preferred regions; placement depends on school and host family availability.
Choice: your preferred region or city is guaranteed – perfect if you already have “Berlin”, “Cologne” or “Bavaria” in mind.
| Duration | Classic | Choice |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 3.000 € | 4.100 € |
| 3 months | 3.900 € | 5.000 € |
| 4 months | 4.800 € | 5.900 € |
| 5 months | 5.700 € | 6.800 € |
| 6 months | 6.600 € | 7.700 € |
| 7 months | 7.500 € | 8.600 € |
| 8 months | 8.400 € | 9.500 € |
| Academic year / 11 months | 10.700 € | 11.800 € |
Additional costs
- Accident, health & liability insurance: €12 per week (mandatory)
- Single room supplement: €100 per month
- Escorted airport transfer in all course locations: from €175 to €300 (one way)
- Learning materials at school (may be borrowable)
- Public transport pass
Payment terms
- 20% deposit upon registration
- Remaining balance as soon as visa documents are required,
- or 4 months before the start of school
- Our currently valid General Terms and Conditions
- The stay begins on the Saturday/Sunday before school starts and ends one day after the last day of school
- First school day = official school start
- Last school day = official last day of school
| State | First day '25 | Fall '25 | Christmas '25 | Winter '26 | Easter '26 | Pentecost '26 | Last day '26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | 16.09. | 03.11. - 07.11. | 22.12. - 05.01. | 16.02. - 20.02. | 30.03. - 10.04. | 26.05. - 05.06. | 31.07. |
| Berlin | 08.09. | 20.10. - 01.11. | 22.12. - 02.01. | 02.02. - 07.02. | 30.03. - 10.04. | 26.05. | 08.07. |
| Brandenburg | 08.09. | 20.10. - 01.11. | 22.12. - 02.01. | 02.02. - 07.02. | 30.03. - 10.04. | 26.05. | 08.07. |
| Lower Saxony | 14.08. | 13.10. - 25.10. | 22.12. - 05.01. | 02.02. - 03.02. | 23.03. - 07.04. | 15.05. + 26.05. | 01.07. |
| NRW | 27.08. | 13.10. - 25.10. | 22.12. - 06.01. | - | 30.03. - 11.04. | 26.05. | 17.07. |
| Rhineland Palatinate | 18.08. | 13.10. - 24.10. | 22.12. - 07.01. | - | 30.03. - 10.04. | - | 26.06. |
| State | First day '26 | Fall '26 | Christmas '26 | Winter '27 | Easter '27 | Pentecost '27 | Last day '27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | 15.09. | 02.11. - 06.11. | 24.12. - 08.01. | 08.02. - 12.02. | 22.03. - 02.04. | 18.05. - 28.05. | 31.07. |
| Berlin | 24.08. | 19.10. - 31.10. | 23.12. - 02.01. | 01.02. - 06.02. | 22.03. - 02.04. | 18.05 - 19.05. | 30.06. |
| Brandenburg | 24.08. | 19.10. - 30.10. | 23.12. - 02.01. | 01.02. - 06.02. | 22.03. - 02.04. | 18.05. | 30.06. |
| Lower Saxony | 13.08. | 12.10. - 24.10. | 23.12. - 09.01. | 01.02. - 02.02. | 22.03. - 03.04. | 18.05. | 07.07. |
| NRW | 02.09. | 17.10. - 31.10. | 23.12. - 06.01. | - | 22.03. - 03.04. | 18.05. | 16.07. |
| Rhineland Palatinate | 10.08. | 05.10. - 16.10. | 23.12. - 08.01. | - | 22.03. - 02.04. | - | 25.06. |
| State | Region | Next Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Bavaria | Augsburg | Munich |
| Bavaria | Nuremberg | Nuremberg |
| Berlin | Berlin | Berlin |
| Brandenburg | Potsdam | Berlin |
| Lower Saxony | Oldenburg | Bremen |
| NRW | Cologne | Cologne |
| Rhineland Palatinate | Montabaur/Koblenz | Frankfurt |
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the exchange year in Germany
How good does my German need to be?
How good does my German need to be?
You need German at A2–B1 level. We conduct a placement test. If your level isn’t sufficient yet, we’ll recommend preparation courses. You can also join one of our German summer camps to improve your German.
Do I need a visa?
Do I need a visa?
EU citizens do not need a visa. Participants from third countries apply for a visa at the German embassy/consulate. We issue the required invitation letter.
Which school will I attend?
Which school will I attend?
Depending on grades and German skills, participants attend a Gymnasium (usually grades 9–11), a Realschule or a comprehensive school. We select the specific school after registration together with our partners.
Can I choose my city or region?
Can I choose my city or region?
Yes. With the Choice program you select your preferred region or city (guaranteed). The Classic program places you flexibly across Germany.
Will I receive a report card?
Will I receive a report card?
For stays of 5 months or longer, schools usually issue a report card; otherwise you receive a confirmation of participation. If you aim to complete the Abitur in Germany, a boarding school is an option.
What if I get homesick?
What if I get homesick?
That happens to many students. Your local did contact and the host family are there for you. For good integration, we recommend spending the first holidays in Germany.
How far is the school from the host family?
How far is the school from the host family?
Travel time is typically 15–60 minutes by public transport. You should be able to commute independently.
Am I allowed to travel during my stay?
Am I allowed to travel during my stay?
Yes, with written parental consent (at least one week in advance). Students under 16 travel only when accompanied by an adult. Travel during school time is not permitted.
Locations & regions
Available regions for your exchange year
We offer placements across Germany – from vibrant city life to green surroundings.
- Major cities: Berlin (culture & history), Cologne (Rhine metropolis with cathedral and carnival)
- Popular regions: Bavaria (Augsburg, Nuremberg), Brandenburg (Potsdam), Lower Saxony (Oldenburg), Rhineland‑Palatinate (Koblenz, Montabaur)
With the Choice program you can select your preferred region or city.
Ready for your High School Germany experience?
Apply now or book a free consultation by email.
Questions? Call us: +49 (0) 69 2400 456 0
Head Office:
Gutleutstr. 32
60329
Frankfurt am Main
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