Summer Study Locations 2026
Learn more about our 2026 host schools and cities!
Hanau, Hesse
The city of Hanau (population 101,364) is located just outside of Frankfurt and the sixth largest town in Hesse. The city is known for being the birthplace of Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm, Germany's most famous fairy tale collectors and publishers. From the 16th century onward, it was also a center of precious metal working with many goldsmiths. Sights include the castle Philippsruhe, a historic spa, and an amphitheater. Our partners at the Otto-Hahn-Europaschule, a returning host school, cannot wait to welcome American guests again in 2026! https://otto-hahn-schule.eu/home
Gera, Thuringia
We're thrilled to welcome back Gera as a course site for 2026! With a population of 93,000, it is the largest city in the Vogtland region of Thuringia and the third largest within the state. Birthplace of famous German painter Otto Dix, Gera is also home to several museums, one of the biggest Renaissance town halls in Germany, the Höhler cellar system, and a botanical garden. Our host school, the Staatliche Integrierte Gesamtschule (IGS) Gera, just celebrated its 30th anniversary and is looking forward to welcoming students from the US! https://igsgera.edupage.org/
Borken, North Rhine-Westphalia
Borken (population 42,840) is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, close to the Dutch border, and a brand new host site for 2026! Borken is a lively small town in Germany's Münsterland region, with sights such as the Forum Altes Rathaus Borken (FARB for short - a cultural venue in the centre of Borken and the town's museum), the Gemen castle, and a nature reserve. The Pröbstingsee lake and the Aquarius pool and sauna offer recreational opportunities on a hot summer day. Our host school, the Jodocus Nünning Gesamtschule (JNG) Borken, is no stranger to hosting exchange students: Their existing programs include partnerships with schools in the Netherlands, France, Spain and South Korea! https://jng.borken.de/jng/
Kleve, North Rhine-Westphalia
Kleve (population 52,470) is a town in the Lower Rhine region of northwestern Germany near the Dutch border and the River Rhine. The city offers plenty to see and do, including the picturesque historic gardens and castle Schwanenburg. The Gesamtschule am Forstgarten, another returning program partner for 2026, is surrounded by nature and presents itself as a bright and modern school. https://gaf.kleve.de/hp/
Rutesheim, Baden-Württemberg
Rutesheim (population 10,820), located just a quick 45 minute drive west of Stuttgart, offers plenty of recreational and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, and a zipline park. The city also offers plenty of local shopping opportunities, including a weekly farmers market. Students participating in the 2026 Summer Program will attend the Gymnasium Rutesheim, a local high school which is participating in our program for the second time. https://www.gymnasium-rutesheim.de/
Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
The city of Heidelberg (population 160,300), best known for its romantic cityscape, its castle, the university, and the Philosopher’s Walk, is a staple four our Summer Study Program! Both a scientific hub and city of literature, Heidelberg has plenty to offer in terms of education, culture, and tourism. The host school, the Internationale Gesamtschule Heidelberg, has a long history of hosting student exchanges with partner schools from all over the world, and has hosted AATG program participants for the past four years! https://igh-heidelberg.com
