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Programme lengths

Start and finish dates may be slightly different from those listed. Short two and three month programmes can be arranged in consultation with our affiliate in Germany. Please tell us what you would like and we will see if it can be arranged.

Gap Year students

You can go to Germany when you are 18 and can turn 19 while on exchange, but you must apply while still enrolled at school in NZ. German students are generally a little older than NZ students at the same stage of their schooling and stay at school for longer. As a gap year student you can have a little more freedom than most other students during the summer break in Germany but we need to be sure of your suitability. The idea is that you become part of a family and don’t just use the family home as a place to sleep while you’re having fun.

Scholarships

These are offered in Term 1 by our German affiliate through NZIIU and if you are fortunate enough to receive one, they pay for about half of the total cost.

Orientation

We give all students a brief orientation before they leave and you will receive another orientation on arrival. Academic year students may receive a mid-year orientation and another about a month before they leave.

Click Notes for Students to give you a comprehensive of information about the exchanges to Germany, including information on the placements, the applications procedures and exchanges for gap year students.

Placements

Placements are made as soon as possible and if you have applied at the correct time you should be in contact with your host family for at least a week before you leave. Some students are in contact for a month or more.

Host families have to go through an interview and vetting process. Most placements are around Cologne-Bonn but you can be placed anywhere in the country. Your personality and preferences are taken into account if at all possible, but the supply of generous and welcoming families is not bottomless.

Successful placements depend as much upon you as upon the family you’re given. Some students stay with the same family for a whole year while others may have two or three families.

Visas

Visas can often be obtained in Germany rather than before you leave.

Like to know more about our Student Exchange programme? Click on the ‘Enquiries’ link or email ian@nziiu.co.nz