Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) in Germany - Semester Abroad

Academics

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a fellowship that annually provides 75 Americans and 75 Germans the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program.

CBYX is open to candidates in all career fields, and applicants from a broad range of backgrounds are selected for the program each year. CBYX is sponsored in the U.S. by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, as amended. Cultural Vistas has administered CBYX for Young Professionals for over 40 years.

The program starts in late July with students departing from Washington D.C. and arriving in Germany. The program ends the following June with students arriving back to Washington D.C. for their conclusion seminar.

Please note:

• Locations range from big to mid-sized cities, small towns, and villages.
• Placements are determined by factors such as language level and where the student’s internship is located.
• Students do not choose a specific location, instead, they are assigned one. However, if you find an internship early in the program, you will be able to secure a spot in the location of the internship.
• You can start searching for internships after being accepted into the program.

Study Details:

Courses cover a wide range of topics, the most popular include engineering, agriculture, business, urban planning, public policy, and international affairs.

After the 8-week language school phase, you will relocate to your permanent placement location for the remainder of the program. There, you will be fully immersed in German daily life and culture through studying and (later) interning in your chosen career field.

Between October and February, you will study at a German university or Hochschule. The majority of courses are taught in German, which will help you further develop your vocabulary and practical knowledge related to your studies. Depending on your field and how it is traditionally taught in Germany, you might attend a Berufsschule (vocational school), or be placed in a hands-on work environment during the study phase.

In addition to attending classes, you will be expected to participate in community service projects. This volunteer work is designed to help you gain a deeper insight into (and make contributions to) German society, while establishing personal and professional connections.

Learn more about the program on the Cultural Vistas organization website.

Application Process, Preparations and Deadlines

Important Dates:

Admissions deadline: November 1st.

Sample Timeline:

• Fall: application opens online.
• November 1st: applications are due.
• January to April: selection process.
• March to May: selection announcements.
• April to May: pre-departure preparations.
• Late July: departure for D.C. and Germany.
• June or July of the following year: return from Germany and program conclusion activities.

See the website for more info and be sure to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor for details.

Requirements:

CBYX is open to candidates in all study fields.

Prior German language knowledge is not required, though it is helpful if you have some German language skills before the program begins. You will have two months of intensive language training upon your arrival in Germany at the Carl Duisberg Centrum language school in one of three locations: Cologne, Radolfzell, or Saarbrücken. All participants complete language training and are placed in a class level appropriate to their proficiency in German.

Participants must be:

• U.S. citizens.
• High school graduates (with diploma).
• 18 ½ to 24 years old on August 1st of program start year.
• Strongly interested in Germany and world affairs.

In addition, participants must exhibit clear career goals and relevant experience in their future career field, which includes work, internships, or volunteering.

To prepare for the online application form, be sure to gather the following: resume, copy of school transcripts, proof of U.S. citizenship, high school diploma, and a letter of recommendation.

Students are responsible for acquiring the necessary documents such as a passport and international travel and health insurance.

Inquire now for more information about the program and how to apply at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE).

Contact CGE to apply

Tuition and Funding

CBYX is a fully-funded scholarship program offered to high school and college students. Students are selected based on merit, GPA, and their submitted application.

All seminars are covered by the program, but all participants must pay for their transportation to the orientation seminar in Washington D.C. and their transportation home from the farewell seminar in Washington D.C.

The fellowship funding covers:

• a roundtrip flight from Washington D.C. to Germany
• 2 months of language school costs
• 1 semester of tuition costs
• housing during the pre-internship phase*
• a monthly stipend to cover the cost of living
• program-related travel in Germany
• health insurance in Germany

* Please note: Funding during the internship phase will depend on internship pay. The fellowship will not cover housing expenses during the internship phase if the student’s internship is paid. This means that housing is paid by the fellowship from July to January for most students.

The fellowship recommends each participant budget approximately $5,000 for travel to and from Washington D.C. and other personal expenses they may have.

Housing and Life Abroad