Make new friendships: Families wanted as guest parents for exchange students!

Make new friendships: Families wanted as guest parents for exchange students!

Lately an exciting project has been launched in northern Germany that offers families the opportunity to close new friendships and at the same time gain cultural experiences. Member of the Bundestag Dunja Kreiser (SPD) calls to commit themselves as host families for American students. The parliamentary sponsorship program (PPP) of the German Bundestag, which has existed for over 40 years, pursues the goal of promoting international friendships and strengthening transatlantic cooperation. The hosts not only get to know American culture better, but also enrich the life of the guests with their own culture. Interested families who want to take this opportunity can contact Werner Heise, the regional supervisor of Give e.V. Contact information is available at werner.heise@posteo.de .

The PPP not only enables German students to spend an exchange year in the United States, but also invites young Americans to experience their adventures in Germany. Every year the program provides numerous scholarships for an exchange year, and the application deadline for the next program ends on September 12, 2025. This initiative is carried out in close cooperation between the German Bundestag and the US Congress, with a patron of the Bundestag president Julia Klöckner. Pupils who were born between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011, as well as young professionals who were born after July 31, 2001 can apply. You can find more information on the website of the Bundestag here .

scholarships for student exchange

Another exciting aspect is the offer of the German Foundation for International Communication, which for the school year 2026/2027 awards in the world grants. These scholarships support pupils in their stay abroad and each provide 2,500 euros as pocket money. A school stay of at least ten months abroad is a prerequisite. Applicants should also demonstrate a certain voluntary commitment and be open and flexible towards other cultures. Furthermore, you have to have interest in new experiences and contacts and be aware of your role as a representative of Germany. The application documents must be submitted by March 31, 2026, and the scholarship holders are announced by email at short notice. More information is available on the website of the German Foundation of Völker understanding here .

The exchange with other cultures is a valuable experience that enriches both the host families and the exchange students. So if you want to get involved, you should not miss these opportunities. A small but decisive step towards international understanding and friendships across the Atlantic.