German Exchange Program

Secondary Student Exchange Program

The province of Manitoba and the states of Hamburg and Lower Saxony in Germany have been exchanging high school students for more than 30 years.

The longevity of the program is evidence of its success and we encourage you to become a part of this great tradition.

In October 2003, the provincial government reinforced its longstanding cooperation with the city state of Hamburg and the state of Lower Saxony by signing official exchange agreements.

Unique Opportunity

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 six weeks or three months. The kind of immersion experience has proven to be very effective for language and culture acquisition.

The Exchange Program

Manitoba has high school exchange programs with Hamburg and Lower Saxony in Germany which provide numerous advantages for Manitoba students:

• Gain fluency in German
• Discover the richness of German culture.
• Develop close friendships with German students.
• Spend six weeks to 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 August to November. Each student lives with the family of a Manitoba student who has been selected to go to Germany the following March.

Each Manitoba student stays with the family of the German student who lived with his/her family. Manitoba students are accompanied to Germany by a Manitoba teacher.

The application deadline is around mid-December each year for Manitoba students who wish to participate in March of the following year.

The cost is approximately $2,000. which includes group airfare and activities in Manitoba (with visiting German students) and in Germany. The fee is paid in a series of installments: $300. at the time of application, two further installments of $300. and the balance (which depends on the cost of the airfare) one year after application.

While in Germany, Manitoba students will be asked to pay $215. (150 Euros) towards the cost of a group trip to Berlin. Participants should also budget for optional activities such as concerts, sporting events, additional trips with the school or family, plus spending money.

Who Is Eligible?

The exchange involves students in Senior 3 (Grade 11). Applicants must have good academic standing. Those choosing to stay for three months must also have a solid foundation in the German language. Students choosing to stay six weeks must have a sincere interest in the German language and culture. To apply, please complete the application form: (This is an online fillable form that needs to be printed out, and faxed to us at 204-957-1793.)

For more information and application, talk to the German teacher in your school or contact us or e-mail us at education-excellence@gov.mb.ca.