German Summer Study Program

Explore Germany, improve your German, and make international friendships that last a lifetime!

The Summer Study Program provides a three-week homestay and study experience at one of five course sites throughout Germany. Students attend classes at the host Gymnasium (German academic high school), including specially designed language classes, and live with the family of a host brother or sister who attends the school.

Over 2,600 students have benefited from this unique experience since the program was created in 1978!

Partnership with Germany. The Summer Study Program is sponsored by

AATG in cooperation with the German government's Pedagogical Exchange Service (PAD). The PAD is the sole German state agency devoted to coordinating international exchanges in Germany, and they are responsible for designing exchange programs in Germany for students and teachers from around the world. All program courses are led by German educators using the PAD’s expert framework for exchanges.

About the AATG. The AATG is a nonprofit organization that represents

German teachers at all levels of instruction in the US. AATG is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the teaching of the language, literature, culture, and civilization of the German-speaking countries, and so we know what a good exchange program in Germany looks like.

Teacher led. Students are supervised by an American teacher and member of

AATG. Chaperones meet the student group at the international departure airport and lead the group until they return back to the US. In Germany, the American teacher is joined by German school faculty who teach classes, guide students on fun excursions, and show students historical sites in nearby cities.

3 Weeks > 10 Days. More is better, especially when it comes to language

immersion! The Program goes beyond a simple bus tour of Germany: Students become part of a German host family and experience everyday life in Germany, as well as get the chance to meet and befriend German students their age.

A great investment. The Summer Study Program benefits students in their

future studies, whether they decide to concentrate on language studies or on another subject. Students who study abroad have 25% higher starting salaries than students who do not. Study in Germany is also a boost on college applications, and German language and modern cultural knowledge has applications in many fields, including science, math, and the arts.

for High School Students

Find Program details and application materials online www.aatg.org

Application Deadline April 12, 2020. Program locations vary each

summer with departures between early June and early July. Courses have been hosted by schools in Bonn, Leipzig, Kiel, and Bad Reichenhall in recent years. 2020 program dates, course sites, and group departure airports will be announced on the AATG website later this fall.

Eligibility. Students who have had two years of German and have the recommendation of their German teacher

are eligible. Participants must be between the ages of 15 and 17 at time of departure and be US citizens or green card holders. German citizens are not eligible to apply.

Program Costs. Program costs for 2020 are $3,950. This includes roundtrip airfare to

and from Germany from the group departure city, transportation in Germany, accommodations, meals, and all program activities. Scholarships covering up to 25% of program costs are available. Want to book your own international travel? A discount is offered—details at www.aatg.org.

SPECIAL EARLYBIRD PRICE. Save $350! Register and pay in full by March 1 to

receive the discounted price of $3,600!

Live With a German Family. Each student is partnered with a host brother or sister who attends the host school. Connecting with real Germans and being integrated into daily life provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about authentic German culture—and there is no better or more effective way to learn a language than to be immersed in the culture! Students return speaking German better, and with a greater sense of self-confidence, maturity, and independence.

Attend Classes. Special arrangements are made to integrate American students into the host Gymnasium (academic high school). Participants have German lessons tailored to meet their needs and attend regular classes with their hosts.

Visit Fascinating Places. It’s not all about school! Field trips are organized for students to explore nearby cities, castles, monuments, museums, and the great outdoors. Host families plan weekends to show their "son" or "daughter" the area.

Adult Supervision. From departure to Germany to arrival back in the US, students are chaperoned by a qualified American teacher of German. The chaperone supervises excursions and provides the support students need when they’re away from home.

German Summer Study Program

Study Abroad =

Higher $alary

Students who study abroad have 25% higher

starting salaries than students who do not.1

Explore language and culture with our 3-week homestay and school experience in Germany! Attend classes at a local German high school, live with a host sibling who attends the school, and visit fascinating places you’ve only read about.

Find out more and apply at www.aatg.org

“The AATG Summer Study Program showed me what I would be missing out on if I

did not continue to learn the German language… Before the trip, I simply felt interested in learning more German. After

the trip, I feel the need to pursue a minor in German or

even a double major.”

Or text GERMANY to 24587

-John Manneschmidt, who traveled to Gera in Summer 2019

1 Career Benefits of Study Abroad. IES Abroad, www.iesabroad.org

Thursday Group departure flight from the US

Friday Arrival at the course site in Germany. Meet-and-greet with host families

Sat./Sun. Activities and excursions with host families

Monday 8:00 –10:35 am German classes and classes with host brother/sister

11:00 am Reception at the town hall with host brothers and sisters

12:25– 1:10 pm German lesson with chaperone

1:45 pm Welcome party at the school

Tuesday Cruise on the Neckarsteinbach and day trip to Heidelberg

Wednesday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm School visit and classes

1:10 pm – 4:00 pm Free-time activities

Thursday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm School visit and classes

1:35 pm Tour of the city and picnic at the park

Friday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm Class time at school

1:10 pm – 4:00 pm Free-time activities

Sat./Sun. Activities and excursions with host families

Monday Day trip to Speyer, including a visit to the Technical Museum

Tuesday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm Class time at school

10:50 am Excursion to Wachenheim

Wednesday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm School visit and classes

1:10 pm – 4:00 pm Free-time activities

Thursday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm School visit and classes

1:10 pm – 4:00 pm Free-time activities

Friday 8:00 am – 1:10 pm School visit and classes

1:10 pm – 4:00 pm Free-time activities

Sat./Sun. Activities and excursions with host families

Monday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Participation in project week at school

12:00 pm Excursion to Limburgerhof

Tuesday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Participation in project week at school

Wednesday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Participation in project week at school

Thursday Day trip to Mainz, including tour of the city and cathedral

5:00 pm Farewell party for all students

Friday Group return flight to the US

Immersion. Adventure. Friendship. German Summer Study Program

Sample Itinerary