Year abroad after the 10th grade – school, get ready, go!
A pair of A year abroad is only for the time after high school? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! With a year abroad after 10th grade, you don't have to wait until you're 18 or have graduated to get your travel bug. We have put together for you here what options you have as a minor traveler, what requirements you have to meet and what you have to do without.
The right time for a year abroad for students
Exchange year before graduating from high school in the G8 system
In the G8 system you have 12 years of schooling. Ideally, you should take an exchange year for students immediately before high school in the 10th grade, if you are around 16 or 17 years old. A year earlier is also possible in many federal states and depends somewhat on the school system. When you come back home, you can then start with your Abitur and, once you comply with the transfer guidelines, you don't have to worry about having to repeat a year.
A year abroad in grade 11 can also be done, but there is a greater chance that you will have to repeat this grade afterwards. In the G8 system, however, the loss of time in your school career is significantly less disadvantageous and the experience gained in any case an added value.
Exchange year before graduating from high school in the G9 system
The exchange year in the G9 system usually takes place during the 10th or 11th grade. Here, too, you should make sure that you are back home by the beginning of the 12th grade at the latest. Talk to your school administration during the planning phase if you do not want to repeat a year. But don't forget: repeating one school year in favor of another Great and experience-rich year abroad is worth an extra lap at school.
In general, a year abroad in the G9 system is a little easier to organize than in the G8 system, as you have more school time available. Of course, it's easily possible in both systems if you do it in time start your planning.
Year abroad after secondary school
A year abroad under 18 is not just for high school students! You can also take a year like this as a secondary school student. A good time here is the time after the 10th grade, i.e. immediately after you graduate from secondary school, when you're around 16 or 17. Before you embark on an apprenticeship, a technical college diploma or another training path, you can treat yourself to a break and discover foreign countries. Volunteer work abroad Internship or a student exchange is also possible, even if you have already completed secondary school.
Year abroad after graduating from high school
If you're not in a hurry, you can take a year abroad after you graduate from high school. You can plan volunteer work here independently or in the form of one Voluntary social year afford. If you are still unsure about which path you want to take even after you graduate, a year abroad after graduating from high school can give you the necessary guidance Bridging phase to evaluate your future while experiencing unforgettable moments.
Duration of the year abroad - Does it always have to be a year?
Even though we usually talk about the “year abroad”, you don’t have to travel for 12 months in a row. In most countries, a school year lasts fewer months anyway, so many school exchange programs can only last half a year or fewer months.
You are even more flexible with this Volunteering abroad from 16 years. Social projects have a minimum participation period of four weeks Animal protection projects or Nature conservation projects It is only two weeks, while the maximum duration is up to a year. This means that you have one medium-term stay abroad Simply organize it during the school holidays and have your achievements easily recognized and continue the school year.
Recognition of subjects - Do I have to repeat a school year after the year abroad?
If you do a student exchange during the school year, there are a few factors you should pay attention to so that you don't have to repeat a class. The best thing to do is to get in touch advise your parents and with your school administration the requirements for a leave of absence and the Transfer guidelines clear up. The conditions can also depend on the school system (G8 or G9) and the federal state.
If you stay for a semester or less, the chances are high that you won't have to repeat a school year. If your stay abroad as a student lasts longer, it is important that you can have the achievements you have achieved abroad recognized in Germany. You have to make sure that you take subjects that are... your home timetable are adapted.
It is important that you inform yourself and prepare early. An optimally organized year abroad in the 10th grade could look like this:
- You start researching and consulting with your school in grades 8 or 9
- You also submit your application during this period, around a year before your planned departure
- Departure after grade 9
- You will spend grade 10 abroad on a student exchange, either partially or completely
- Return before the start of upper school (grade 11)
Why a year abroad after the 10th grade makes sense
If you do a year abroad for students, you can develop enormously personally. Most of all you will improve your language skills, which will be very helpful to you in your Abitur, your studies or beyond.
But foreign language skills are not the only thing Impact, volunteering will have on you: the stay abroad will make you clear more self-confident and independent let be. You will intercultural competences gain and develop an awareness of the culture of your host country, which can open many doors for you later in life.
Maybe your year abroad under 18 will help you decide what you want to do after school? Many careers based on global networks and international collaboration began with years abroad during school.
Which program suits you best
Student exchange - As a guest student at a school abroad
If you are abroad for a while on a... high School If you want to go, then the student exchange is the right choice for you. You should start planning and applying for school abroad and your host family at least a year in advance. Also keep an overview of the costs or apply for one scholarship. A student exchange in popular countries can be very expensive.
Volunteering abroad
Volunteer work abroad from the age of 16 not only allows you to discover a foreign country, but also promotes your personal development. With your volunteer work you also support local communities, help in social projects, animal or nature conservation organizations and work together with other volunteers and local teams towards a sustainable future.
You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to volunteering and the planning time and costs are usually lower. Many volunteer work projects can from the age of 16 and are a great opportunity to travel independently before graduating from high school.
