<p>I'm thinking about going to German for a semester. Would this help or hurt my chances in getting into a good college? I'm a sophomore in high school (4.0, athlete, in a bunch of ecs), and I'd like to go to Germany (most schools there start) at the end of January and then stay there until June when the 2nd semester ends. Please give me your honest feedback about this. Danke sehr.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how it would affect college acceptance, but a friend of mine is graduating early to go to Italy during her senior year on an exchange. So, at first it looked all good... she would have all the appropriate classes to graduate and doing fairly well in them- but now the stress of graduating is really getting to her. She has been suspended for skipping(because she was emotionally worn out one day from stress), quit her sport, and has been kicked out of a club office because of lack of participation. Previously she was a good student, involved in everything- sucessfully involved in everything. So, just remember that the exchange program shouldn't take place over your other activities because a sharp decline will not show well.</p>
<p>Also, I'm not sure how being away for a semester would work in regards to the classes at your home school. Is your school on the semester system? Ours is not and I'm not sure how you could get credit for a class when you were only there for half of the year. From what I've heard from my school, you won't get credit for any of the classes you take in Germany. BUT, we only offer year exchanges. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I don't know if going to Germany for a semester will affect your chances at getting into college, but you can always do a summer program in Germany as opposed to being their for a semester. Check out Youth for Understanding at <a href="http://www.yfu.org%5B/url%5D">www.yfu.org</a>. They're a good high school foreign exchange program.</p>