Spend a summer abroad in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, exploring European politics and youth culture on this program for high school students.
Program Description
Gain fascinating insight into the European Union, a Nobel Peace Prize–winning institution, and the role Germany has played in advancing peace, democracy, and human rights in Europe. Experience Germany’s political system and get a taste of German life in Berlin. Visit the major seats of EU governance in Brussels and discuss youth issues in Bonn. Attend workshops that explore topics related to peacekeeping, antidiscrimination, politics, and the EU’s institutional structure.
As you travel from north to south, and across national borders, you spend time in Berlin, Niederalteich, Brussels, Bonn, Munich, and Maastricht. The program begins with a six-day stay in Berlin that includes German language instruction, a visit to a German NGO, and a meeting with a member of the German Bundestag. You continue on to Bavaria, where you get to share daily life with a German family during a homestay in Niederalteich and attend school with German students. Spend a day exploring the city of Munich with your group.
Continue on to Brussels, where you visit the European Parliament and other EU councils and gain important insight into how the EU works. Participate in a youth-rights workshop in Bonn and discuss youth issues in Germany and around the world with “Youth for Europe” members. Excursion highlights include a daylong visit to the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne, a boat ride on the river Rhine, and visits to Deutsche Welle TV and Haus der Geschichte. Cross the border into the Netherlands for a full-day excursion in the historic city of Maastricht, where the Treaty on European Union was signed. The program concludes in Frankfurt.
Sample Itinerary
Days 1–6
Orientation in Berlin
- Learn about the history and culture of Germany
- Visit important sites in the city, including the Bundestag
- Get to know other members of your group during activities and group discussions
- Attend German language lessons and practice your German-speaking skills
- Explore diverse neighborhoods and sample German cuisine
During the orientation period, you and your group will stay in a centrally located hostel.
Days 7–15
Thematic Focus in Bonn
- Attend seminars and workshops focused on German culture, youth in politics, anti-racism activism, environmental protection, and Germany’s place in Europe
- Go on a guided tour of the city and visit a history museum
- Meet with German youth and participate in cultural exchanges
- Visit the UN campus and discuss youth issues in Germany and around the world
- Visit the Deutsche Welle, a German radio network that reports all over the world
- Ride a boat down the Rhine and hike up Drachenfels
- Go on all-day excursions to Cologne and the ancient city of Liège, Belgium
During this period, you and your group will stay in a centrally located hostel.
Days 16–26
Homestay
- Become fully immersed in the daily life of a German family and community
- Do activities with your host family
- Explore your host community and the surrounding area with your group
- Visit a German school and a university
- Have a picnic on the Danube
During this period, you will stay in the home of a family. Sample host communities: Niederalteich, Lübbecke
Days 27–28
Program Reflection and Wrap-up in Munich
- Go on a treasure hunt throughout the city to learn about its most important sites
- Meet with a youth organization
- Reflect with your group on your experiences during the program
During the reflection period, you and your group will stay in a centrally located guest house.
Day 29
Departure
About The Experiment
The Experiment in International Living is a non-profit organization that has been offering immersive experiential learning programs abroad since 1932. Today, The Experiment offers three-, four-, and five-week summer programs for high school students in more than 20 countries around the world.
Programs are designed to equip participants not only with essential cultural skills and, in many cases, language skills, but also with a deeper awareness of and sensitivity to critical global issues shaping the diverse communities and regions we visit. Each year, hundreds of Experimenters come away from their summer abroad with invaluable new skills, connections, awareness, and knowledge that help them to thrive—and lead—in diverse, intercultural environments.
The Experiment is committed to providing participants from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with access to The Experiment’s immersive cross-cultural programs through its partnerships, scholarships, and other initiatives.
The Experiment places the highest priority on health, safety, and security. Each program follows a comprehensive structure designed to maximize the well-being of all participants while they engage in dynamic cross-cultural experiences. We have implemented specific risk management strategies that include a 24-hour emergency on-call service and regular safety reviews. We hire and train experienced adult group leaders and maintain longstanding partnerships with in-country offices to support each of our programs.
