It was a super-smooth and positive experience all around – at school, with the host families and the exchange students alike!
Michele, Columbus, OH
Attention German students!
There are THREE ways to participate on The Friendship Connection!
Pick the one that suits you the best this school year:
- If you are only interested in hosting a German student this spring and not returning to Germany in the summer, please sign up as a “Host Only” participant. There is no charge to be a “Host Only” family.
- If you are interested in hosting in the spring and returning the visit to your German partner this summer, please sign up as a “Full” participant.
- If you are a former participant and would like to host your German partner again, you can make this reqeust on your application form and include your partner’s name on the line provided. If you are wanting to host a new German partner, there is also a space on the form to make this request.
Travel to Germany!
June 16th – July 9th, 2026 You would visit your partner in Germany, live with his/her family and attend a few weeks of school! (You will not be required to do any school work…just observe and participate where you can.)
Note: Americans will observe anywhere from one week to three weeks of school in Germany depending on their placement and when their host school begins their summer break. Either way, the Americans will collect amazing experiences and learn so much about the language and culture, no matter how many weeks or how limited their time is in the German school.
The cost for the 2026 summer trip is $2,100! The price will include airfare, illness/injury insurance, chaperons and all administrative fees.
An American student’s return date can be extended upon a parent’s request, if the participant has friends or relatives in Germany, however, Friendship Connection, Inc. can no longer arrange these flight deviations with the airlines. (Please refer to the link “Flight Deviations” in the “Forms” section for more information on how to extend the stay.)