A new study published by weltweiser, an independent educational advisory service and publisher, presents a comprehensive overview of current trends in German international educational exchange. The research not only highlights the resurgence of traditional long-term student exchange programs following the COVID-19 pandemic but also introduces for the first time data on non-school-related exchange formats such as language travel, work and travel programs, volunteer services, and overseas internships.
Participation in Student Exchange Programs
During the 2022/23 academic year, approximately 17,750 German students participated in student exchange programs. Around 13,000 of them spent at least three months abroad, attending public schools and staying with host families under the organization of exchange agencies. The sector has largely recovered from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, with participation numbers returning to levels similar to those seen in 2015/16. The highest recorded participation occurred in 2010/11, with around 21,350 students studying abroad.
Most Popular Destinations
The study confirms that English-speaking countries remain the most preferred destinations among German exchange students. In 2022/23, over 87% of participants selected countries where English is the primary language. The United States led the list with approximately 4,782 participants, followed by Canada with 3,498, and Ireland with 1,151. Other popular countries included France, Spain, Japan, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Brazil. Overall, German students were hosted in about 40 different countries worldwide.
The German Exchange Market
Roughly 90 different organizations across Germany offer individual high school exchange programs. The research found that about 40% of these organizations sent fewer than 100 students abroad during 2022/23. Another 20% of organizations sent between 100 and 199 students, while an additional 20% facilitated the exchange of 200 to 299 students. The remaining 20% sent up to 1,000 participants. These figures underscore the diversity of the market, with no single organization holding a dominant share.
Gender Distribution Among Participants
A clear gender disparity persists across all forms of exchange programs. Approximately two-thirds of participants in both school-based and non-school-based programs were female. This imbalance is especially pronounced in volunteer programs, where nearly 75% of participants were women. In contrast, more than 40% of those participating in organized work and travel programs were men.
Trends in Non-School Exchange Programs
Non-school exchange formats, including language travel, volunteer work, work and travel, and internships, are predominantly chosen by individuals aged 19 to 25. Destination preferences vary by program type. Europe is the most popular location for language travel (nearly 85%) and internships (over 75%). Volunteer services are mainly conducted in Africa (over 30%) and Asia (nearly 25%), while Australia and New Zealand are the top destinations for work and travel experiences.
Background and Additional Resources
Since 2002, weltweiser has systematically collected data on student exchanges in Germany. The findings are published regularly and provide insight into both short- and long-term trends in international education. The 2022/23 report marks the first time data on non-school-related programs have been included, enabling a broader understanding of the evolving landscape of international educational mobility.
In addition to publishing annual studies, weltweiser has organized the Youth Education Fair (JuBi) since 2003. By 2025, more than 60 fairs will be held across Germany, making JuBi the largest event in the field of international education. Around 100 well-known exchange organizations and international education experts provide information about high school exchanges, language and youth travel, volunteer programs, au pair placements, work and travel opportunities, internships, and overseas study options. Both in-person and online versions of JuBi are available to participants.
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