AATG German Summer Study Program
Applications for the 2024 program are now open!
Find out more information below.
Are you a high school student looking for adventure in Germany? Are you a parent looking to provide your child with a summer study opportunity with a proven track record? Are you a teacher looking for a three-week immersion program where students connect with German language and culture?
The German Summer Study Program for High School Students provides a three-week homestay and school experience. Students attend classes at a Gesamtschule or Gymnasium (high school), live with the family of a sibling who attends the school, visit regional attractions, and experience the German language and culture firsthand. Students return speaking German better - with a greater sense of confidence, maturity, and independence.
The program is sponsored in cooperation with the German government's Pedagogical Exchange Service (PAD). Over 2,600 students have benefited from this unique experience since the program was created in 1978!
2024 Program Sites and Dates
- Schermbeck (Nordrhein-Westfalen), June 13 - July 1, 2024
- Kleve (Nordrhein-Westfalen), June 13 - July 1, 2024
- Hanau (Hessen), June 27 - July 15, 2024
- Kellinghusen (Schleswig-Holstein), June 27 - July 15, 2024
- Rutesheim (Baden-Württemberg), July 1 - July 19, 2024
- Heidelberg (Baden-Württemberg), July 1 - July 19, 2024
- Öhringen (Baden-Württemberg), July 1 - July 19, 2024
Learn more about our 2024 locations here!
Program Highlights
A Learning Experience Immersed in German. There is no better or more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in the culture: the German Summer Study Program provides high school students an opportunity to improve their global awareness and intercultural understanding - and improve their language skills. Living and studying in Germany is a great way to develop international friendships that last a lifetime!
Attend Classes. The host Gesamtschule or Gymnasium (high school) is still in session when the American students arrive and special arrangements are made to integrate American students into the German school. Program participants have German lessons tailored to meet their needs and also attend regular classes with their host sibling during the day.
Live With a German Family. Students experience Germany as part of a family. Each student is partnered with a host sibling who attends the local high school. Host families are carefully chosen and every effort is made to match students with similar interests. Connecting with young Germans and being integrated into their daily life creates a unique and memorable experience.
Visit Fascinating Places. It’s not all about school! Local educators lead students on excursions to explore nearby cities, museums, castles, monuments, and the great outdoors. On weekends, host families generally plan trips to show their visiting student the surrounding area. During the final week of the program, students will also travel to the city of Nuremberg to explore its rich history and culture.
Adult Supervision. Immersion in the German culture is exciting, and there is a lot to learn. From departure to Germany to arrival back in the US, students are chaperoned by a qualified American high school teacher of German. The chaperone supervises excursions, serves as a liaison with the German school, and provides the support students need when they’re away from home.
Teachers - are you interested in being a chaperone?
Find out more information and apply to be a chaperone here.
Also check out student testimonials from our 2023 group in our Fall newsletter.
Application Requirements and Program Cost
Eligibility Requirements. Students who have had two years of German and are between the ages of 15 and 17 for the duration of the program are eligible.
Please note that per our German partner's requirements, participants must be fully vaccinated or have acquired immunity against measles.
Program Cost. The program cost for our 2024 program is $4600. The program cost includes round trip air transportation to Germany from the group departure airport, comprehensive insurance coverage (health, accident, liability), transportation and lodging within Germany (homestays during the first two weeks, hotel during the final week), all group excursions and meals in Germany.
Early Bird Price: $4400. Pay in full by March 1, 2024, and save $200!
Administrative Fee. $150, non-refundable
Application Deadline. January 19, 2024
Insurance Coverage. All participants, including teacher chaperones, are covered by AATG's accident and health policy. Chaperones are also covered by liability insurance.
Need-Based Financial Aid Available. Scholarships of up to 50% of program costs are available to students with financial need. Other scholarships may be available to eligible participants. Detailed scholarship information and application materials are available on the Scholarships page. Please note that the deadline to apply for all AATG scholarships is December 15, 2023.
Not Included in Price. Passport fees, visa fees, excess baggage charges, transportation to and from the participant's home to the US departure airport, and other items of a strictly personal nature are not included in the program cost.
Application and Payment Schedule.
Applications are accepted until January 19, 2024. You will be informed of your acceptance status in early February.
The non-refundable $150 administrative fee is due by February 15, 2024.
Additional documents and the initial payment ($1000) are due by March 1, 2024. Accepted applicants will receive a link to submit their documents via e-mail.
Full payment is due six weeks prior to departure. Payment can be made by credit or debit card in our online store, or by sending a check or money order to
AATG
c/o John Capasso
112 Haddontowne Court #104
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034
Apply here for the 2024 program
You can preview the program application here.
Cancellation Policy: If a participant withdraws from the program up to six weeks prior to its start date, they will receive a full refund less any costs incurred by AATG; withdrawal from the program four to six weeks prior to its start date will result in a cancellation fee of $500, plus incurred cost; withdrawal from the program four weeks or less prior its start date will result in a $500 cancellation fee, plus incurred cost, plus additional fees as determined by AATG after the program is completed.
Questions? Contact AATG Director of Programs, Veronika Burney veronika@aatg.org
