Domestic Students
Study Abroad: German Exchange Program
Domestic
Manitoba and the state of Hamburg, Germany have participated in an exchange program for high school students since 1979. The longevity of the program is evidence of its success and we encourage you to become a part of this great tradition.
In January 2017, Manitoba reinforced its longstanding cooperation with the city-state of Hamburg by re-signing the official exchange agreements.
Unlike many programs, where students spend a couple of weeks in the host country travelling in English-speaking groups, this exchange places students in schools and families for three months. This kind of immersion experience has proven to be very effective for language and culture acquisition.
The German exchange program provides you with numerous advantages:
- Gain fluency in German
- Discover the richness of German culture
- Develop close friendships with German students
- Spend three months surrounded by the beauty and energy of northern Germany and visit historic Berlin
- Become part of a German family
- Learn to adapt to our changing world and gain a new perspective on Canada
How does it work?
In Manitoba, the program is administered by the Manitoba Teachers of German
. German students come to Manitoba from the end of August to mid November in 2025. A German student will live with your family and go to school with you in Manitoba.
From March until the end of June, you will then travel to Hamburg, Germany to live with your German student's family and go to school there. As a Manitoban student, you will be accompanied by a Manitoba teacher to Germany.
As a Manitoban student, your application deadline is January 27, 2025 to participate in an exchange for the 25/26 school year.
How much does the exchange cost?
The approximate cost is $4200, and includes group airfare and activities in Germany and a week in Berlin. Below is a table with a breakdown of the fee payment installments.
| Payment installments | Amount |
|---|---|
| With the Application on January 27, 2025 | $750.00 |
| September 2025 | $2600.00 |
| January 6, 2026 | $850.00 (approximately) Note: This payment can fluctuate depending on the cost of airfare and cost of a group trip to Berlin |
| Total | $4200.00 approximately |
| Note: Students should budget for optional activities such as concerts, sporting, events, additional trips with your school or host family, and spending money | |
Am I Eligible?
The exchange involves students in Senior 3 (Grade 11). Students must apply in Senior 2 (Grade 10) and must have good academic standing. Students need to be enrolled in a German Program and have a solid foundation in the German language. Please apply online at the Manitoba – Hamburg Student Exchange page.
For a Manitoba Student applying for the 2025-2026 Exchange, completed documents should be submitted by January 27, 2025.
For more information and application, talk to the German teacher at your school or contact Heidi Koop, Chair of the Manitoba Teachers of German - Germany Exchange at hkoop@westgatemennonite.org.
Learn more about the Manitoba/Germany High School Exchange Program
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