During school time

A school sponsorship lasting several weeks is a common model. It almost always involves an exchange, which means that you have to be prepared to host a guest in return . This usually only involves travel costs and pocket money for your own child. A high school year is longer and more expensive, as the school costs also have to be covered. For a half or full school year, the young people attend a public school in another country and live with a host family. The placement is arranged by an exchange organization. The money is paid in three installments.

In the gap year

Take a breather between school and university, gather your thoughts and then hit the ground running - that works perfectly abroad. Young people can take part in social projects all over the world or work as au pairs. The latter is inexpensive: board and lodging are free and there is weekly pocket money. The absolute hit: the work and travel visa for New Zealand and Australia. The work permit is valid for one year. This allows you to earn money with jobs, for example as a farm helper, so that you can travel and stop off wherever you like.

Studying

In principle, you can study anywhere in the world. You can go to a foreign university in the summer months, for one or more semesters or for the whole course. Tuition fees are usually high. It is therefore interesting to note that there is the Auslands-BAföG(www.bafög.de)- students have to pay it back, just like in Germany. On the other hand, various organizations award scholarships, such as the Rotary Foundation. And you can apply for an education loan from the Federal Government(www.bva.bund.de).

Tips & info:

Lots of useful information and experience reports. www. weltweiser.de

The umbrella organization for exchange programs has the most important addresses, such as Rotary and YFU. www.aja-org.de

The German High School Association guarantees quality. www.dfh.or