Even though the US is so big that only about half of its population have passports, there are quite a lot Americans that would love to explore and experience other parts of the world. However, traveling tends to be expensive and it really only gives you a tourist view of the country. The only way to immerse into a culture and get to know what life in a place is like is simply living there for a while. That is of course easier said than done, especially if you’re a student.

But hard is not necessarily impossible or where there’s a will there’s a way one might say. That way are exchange programs. They allow students to spend a year abroad and study in a whole different education system.

Unfortunately, many programs are very costly, ranging from about $8,000 to $20,000. Some however are funded by institutions or the government like CBYX, the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. CBYX is a bilateral student exchange between the US and Germany funded by both Congress and the German Parliament, the Bundestag. Each year it sends about 250 students from each of the two countries to the respective other country. 

With only 250 scholarships available recipients need to pass an application process including essays and interviews. This shouldn’t discourage anybody from applying since especially in the US admission rates are very high. Once you’ve submitted all the paperwork and received the scholarship, the program will invite you to a pre-departure orientation to inform you about all the formalities of your exchange year and for you to meet fellow CBYX students that are embarking on the journey with you. 

Then the search for a host family and your German school begins. Once a family and school are found your organization will let you know and you’re set for the adventure.