Jointly funded and managed by the U.S. and German governments, the CBYX program provides 350 scholarships for high school students, high school graduates in vocational fields, and young professionals for an academic year home-stay program. Follow the links below to learn more about the post-secondary programs and to connect with their implementing organizations.
Program Benefits
Gain a college advantage
As a CBYX high school program participant or alum, your college application will stand out from the rest. College admissions counselors often speak to the invaluable experience of a cultural immersion program. They recognize the independence and global awareness that come from a program such as CBYX. As a U.S. Government program, CBYX offers its alumni even greater recognition than other comparable programs. CBYX high school program alumni have a leg up in life thanks to their German language ability and, immeasurable factors like maturity and world view.
Access a vast alumni and professional network
Alumni of the CBYX high school program enjoy a lifetime of benefits. Upon completion of the program, alumni are admitted to the U.S. Department of State’s alumni community as well as the CBYX Alumni Association. Access to these networks connects alumni with other alumni who are leaders in their fields and with internships, opportunities for additional language study, fellowships abroad, independent grant opportunities and more.
Develop lifelong leadership skills
As a CBYX high school program participant, you’ll participate in a range of pre-departure and post-return activities in order to provide you with the tools to guide you through the process of integrating into day-to-day life in Germany, as well as adjusting to your return to the United States. These workshops are designed to strengthen your adaptability and develop your personal leadership skills, qualities that will serve you well through the rest of your life. You’ll join intensive orientation activities to learn about the merits of youth ambassadorship and citizen diplomacy, and to be introduced to German customs and essential language skills.
Unique experiences
As a CBYX high school program participant, you will have lots of interesting opportunities. While each exchange year is different, CBYX high school program participants will have the opportunity to meet with U.S. Department of State representatives and members of the German Bundestag. Each year the Bundestag hosts participants for a morning at their historic Reichstag building and the U.S. Embassy hosts a reception for CBYX high school program participants in the courtyard of the beautiful U.S. Embassy in Berlin, right next to the Brandenburg Gate. Individual students have joined their host families for unique experiences, such as playing in the local orchestra, dressing in traditional attire for cultural festivals, volunteering at a preschool and hospital, visiting Christmas markets, learning to cook local specialties, exploring classic architecture, touring castles, and hiking to the summits of peaks! Check out the stories of a few of our high school program alumni to learn more about what cool things can happen when you are a CBYXer!
Post-Secondary CBYX Programs
In addition to the 250 CBYX scholarships offered to high school students, the scholarship also offers two post-secondary programs. Follow the links below to learn more about the Young Professional and Vocational Programs and to connect with their implementing organizations.
CBYX Young Professionals Program
Designed for American high school graduates in all career fields, aged 18½-24. Click here to learn more about the program, eligibility requirements and how to apply!
Administered by:
Cultural Vistas
233 Broadway 21st Floor
New York, NY 20279
Telephone: 212-497-3572
CBYX Young Professionals Program
CBYX Vocational Program
This component provides scholarships to graduating American secondary school seniors (aged 18-19 on August 1 of the program start year) with a vocational interest and/or specialization for a one-year professional study and training experience in their fields of interest in Germany. Click here to learn more about the program, eligibility requirements and how to apply!
Administered by:
Nacel Open Door, Inc.
101 5th Street East, Suite 1900
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Telephone: 800-622-3553
CBYX Vocational Program
