German Exchange Information for Students
Participating in a student exchange is one of the most unique opportunities available to you. Programmes such as this will expose you to new and challenging situations that may impact the rest of your life. This exchange will give you opportunities to grow through living and learning in the stimulating culture of Germany in Europe.
Participating in a student exchange is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have. To participate in the BC–Germany Exchange Programme, students must:
- be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and speak English as their first language
- be in Grades 10 to 12 at the time of participation
- be recommended by their high school teacher, counsellor, and principal
- be interested in the German language, culture, and customs
- be willing and able to adapt to an unfamiliar environment for the exchange
- submit a formal evaluation of the Exchange to BCHLA upon their return to Canada
This program is a direct family-to-family exchange. Hosting a German student in your home can be a wonderful experience. It allows BC host families to become familiar, first hand, with another culture and world views while realizing many opportunities for growth and development.
In general, the BC – Germany Exchange Programme holds common sense values designed to provide a shared understanding of expectations both inside and outside of the homes. Host families are to provide a safe, nonthreatening, respectful, and appropriate environment to promote mutual friendship and trust between the host family and the BC and German exchange students.
Learn more about Germany!
Learning more about where you are going will help you build confidence and enjoy your trip.
The following links are good sources of information:
- The German Portal
- German Embassy in Ottawa
- The German Portal
- Sessions will be held on a weekend or in the evening.
- Attendance is mandatory for student and at least one parent is required to attend.
- The BC school liaison teachers are invited.
Learn about BC and Canada!
As a representative of Canada and BC, you inevitably will be asked questions about our customs, culture, history, geography, and government. Being able to answer questions thoroughly and objectively will allow you to feel more comfortable speaking about your country while in Germany.
Attend an Online Orientation Session
Orientation sessions will be conducted via Zoom to provide further information. The programme coordinator will arrange the sessions and send notices to participating families.
Dates:
The approximate travel dates are the onset of spring break-usually in mid March until the end of May. They are adjusted slightly each year.
Booking Travel:
All travel arrangements are made by the BCHLA travel agent. Departures can be arranged from any airport in BC, but the group will fly together out of the Vancouver International Airport to Frankfurt.
Costs:
Additional costs for connecting flights to/from Vancouver International Airport (YVR, the departure/arrival airport for Germany) are the responsibility of the BC exchange students.
Passports:
APPLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT NOW. You can get the application on the Passport Canada website.
How to apply for a Canadian Passport (If you have an existing passport, Please make sure it has at least 90 days left on the passport’s validity upon your return to Canada):Adult Passport Link; Child Passport Link
Travel Accompaniment:
Students will be accompanied over to Frankfurt from Vancouver by a member of the BCHLA. Students will return unaccompanied to BC at the end of May.
Luggage:
Please visit the airline website for luggage allowance with weight restrictions and fees for overweight and additional luggage.
Customs:
Customs regulations are available online through Canada Customs. Please review the German Customs regulations before travelling.
Insurance:
The student and his or her family are responsible for all insurance issues.
The “settling in” period likely will be easier for you in Europe than it was for your German exchange student in BC because you already will have spent 10 weeks together. There still will be a number of adjustments to make within your new family. Just as the German exchange student was expected to adapt to house rules and routines in BC, you will be expected to adapt in Germany.
School
Your German school will develop your course timetable. You may be placed temporarily in a lower grade level than usual, depending on your German language ability. This will give you the opportunity to concentrate on improving your language skills. The BCHLA will also advise you on what courses to take while in Germany and how to build your timetable at your BC school.
At the end of your exchange, a report will be completed indicating your performance and attendance, based in large part on your effort. You will receive a copy of this from the BCHLA, along with a certificate of completion, after you submit the BC-Germany Student Exchange Programme follow-up requirements. Your grades in Germany will not count towards your graduation or GPA in BC.
Language Skills
Try to work on your German language before you depart using apps or online resources. Speak German as much as possible and try to improve your proficiency in German. Your host family may speak English with you but it will be your responsibility to remind them you wish to practice speaking German as much as possible.
German Liaison Teacher
Before you arrive in Germany, you will have received the name of the German liaison teacher responsible for you. That teacher is referred to as a “tutor.” In some German schools, there may be many exchange students from a number of countries.
An evaluation report of your stay in Germany is required by the end of May. In return, you will be sent an official “Certificate of Completion” for your successful participation in the BC-Germany Student Exchange Programme, as well as copies of your report cards from Germany.