Jointly funded and managed by the U.S. and German governments, the CBYX program provides 300 scholarships for high school students, recent high school graduates with interests in vocational fields, and young professionals for an academic year home-stay program. Follow the links on the Programs page to learn more about the post-secondary programs and to connect with their implementing organizations.

Program Components

As a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) high school program participant, your exchange year will include:

• Placement with a carefully selected German host family
• Admission to a German high school
• Pre-departure training in the United States and orientation programs in Germany
• Language lessons upon arrival in Germany
• Cultural excursions to the German Bundestag and select German cities
• Meetings with U.S. and German government officials

The scholarship covers costs to participate in program activities, including:

• Round-trip international transportation between the U.S. gateway city and your host community in Germany
• Medical benefits
• Lodging and meals provided by a volunteer host family
• Approximately one-month of language training upon arrival in Germany
• Tuition and academic materials, if required for your host school
• A modest monthly stipend*
• In-country support
• Transportation (while in Germany), lodging, and meals for participation in required program activities, such as the mid-year seminar and program-wide end of year activities in Berlin and Washington, D.C.

*Beginning with the 2025-26 academic year program, a modest monthly stipend will be provided to cover personal items, additional transportation and/or other incidentals.

Participants will be responsible for some costs, including:

• Transportation to and from the U.S. city of international departure/return
• Funds for expenses beyond the provided monthly stipend (personal items, activities, etc.)
• Costs associated with obtaining a German residence permit/visa (participants should follow implementing organization instructions and timelines for this process)
• Required medical examinations and immunizations; costs for management of pre-existing medical conditions (such as medications)
• Costs associated with obtaining a U.S. passport in a timely manner

For individuals who demonstrate financial need, limited additional financial support for these expenses is available and can be applied for after an individual is informed of their selection for the program.

Why Apply to CBYX?

CBYX is for motivated high school students who want to experience a culture and learn a language through a full immersion experience. Learn about German culture first-hand by living with a host family and attending a German high school. Connect to a dynamic network of U.S. Department of State program alumni.

Gain new perspectives on global current affairs and German social, economic and political life. Learn the German language through immersion in the culture at school and at home. When you return after approximately 10 months abroad, you will have a greater sense of independence, empowerment, and global citizenship. You will make friendships through a shared experience that will last a lifetime, and you will become a true member of another culture.

Embark on an adventure that is unlike any other. Verify your eligibility for the CBYX high school program on our How to Apply page!

How do I know if it’s right for me?

Any year abroad comes with many highlights and challenges. Your time in Germany will require you to adapt to a new culture, learn a new language, make new friends, and represent your home community and country. The program aims not only to expand your worldview, but also to improve understanding between the United States and Germany through your activities during your exchange. You will be a citizen diplomat and, as such, will be held to the highest standards. As a CBYX high school program participant, you will gain new perspectives on global current affairs and German social, economic and political life. You will make friendships through a shared experience that will last a lifetime, and you will become a true member of another culture.

What is the Program’s History?

Initiated in 1983, CBYX strengthens ties between Germany and the United States through citizen diplomacy. CBYX is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag, and in the United States is overseen by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Over 26,000 youth have prepared themselves for success in an increasingly global world by participating in the CBYX program.