<p>Hi Parents,</p>
<p>I am a current Junior and I am thinking about defering college for a year. I found this program and I think it would be a great opportunity, especially since I am currently in my third year of German and I really want to reach fluency one day. Have any of you guys had any experience with this program or know someone who has?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>My son was accepted to the program -- but chose another program to attend.</p>
<p>If you have read the website, you know that the country is divided up by regions and each region has a different company that does the applications. We are in colorado, so AYUSA was my son's company. </p>
<p>Applications are due early (I think dec/jan) and there is quite a bit to do -- including a physical and I think a dental appointment and signature.</p>
<p>They prefer older kids -- so if you are thinking of applying next year as a senior, you will have a better chance than some of the younger kids. They like to see community service, good grades, solid teacher recommendations and EC's that demonstrate involvement in the community</p>
<p>My suggestion is that you apply to more than one program if you are thinking of study abroad as an option -- not all will be exchanges to Germany and you need to check age requirements and if you need to still be a high school student (each program has different requirements). Here are few to check out:</p>
<p>Rotary International Youth Exchange
Congress Bundestag
United World Colleges (not really study abroad, but an international boarding school -- the age requirements may prevent you from applying)
AFS Awards for Excellence
Study Year Abroad (very expensive, but excellent financial aid can make it affordable)
YFU (check the scholarships)</p>
<p>All of these programs have an excellent reputation and a history of study abroad.</p>
<p>thank you so much, i will be sure to check out the other programs</p>
<p>I know two people who did Congress-Bundestag. One is a rising sophomore at Princeton (turned down AB Duke at Duke and Huntsman at Penn), and the other is a rising sophomore at Davidson. They both loved it and came back (even more) fluent.</p>
<p>Did those two people do a gap year, warbler?</p>
<p>Yes, they did.</p>
<p>warnler, did they apply to colleges before or after the program?</p>
<p>My son is in Germany right now through the Congress-Bundestag Program. He has had an awesome year, and really does not want to come home. But--this is his senior year so he does have college to look forward to next fall. I cannot imagine him having to return here to go to high school. I would highly recommend you going either your senior year, or taking a gap year. Just make sure you have all your ducks in order before you go. He had all of his college applications and essays in last summer before he left and since everything is online anymore, getting last minute paperwork in is no problem. Anyway--back to the program--all I can say is it has been wonderful for him--he lucked out and he has a wonderful family, is fluent in German and has learned a whole new perspective of the world.</p>
<p>I want to do this as a gap year, but I'm debating on when to apply to certain schools, using the CB to my advantage.</p>
<p>A student from my son's high school went after senior year with a deferred admission to Haverford. Her parents said that it was a wonderful experience.</p>
<p>I want to know more, too! My Son, sr in college, is considering this same option as soon as he graduates. He is well within their age guidelines. How well does he need to speak German before he goes? He's had 3 semesters in college, that's all.
Advice? Help?
Thanks.</p>