What is the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Vocational Program?

Introduction:

Have you ever dreamt of getting to expand your German language, gain practical experience, and create new lifelong friendships with friends in Germany? Then the CBYX Vocational Program may be for you. Hello! My name is Brent, and I am a current CBYX Vocational Program member for the year 2024-2025. I am living in Southwest Germany, in the Freiburg region. This blog is designed to provide clarity for students who are interested in applying for CBYX, offering tips and tricks for the application process, and sharing what to look forward to if selected! 

I was drawn to the CBYX Vocational Program because I wanted the chance to experience German culture while also gaining valuable skills that would help me in college. However, I’ve come to realize that the Vocational Program is much more than just a resume booster—it’s an opportunity to grow into a stronger, more culturally understanding person. 

Speaking from first-hand experience, I know there isn’t much information available abo
ut the Vocational Program for CBYX. A big shoutout to Austin, Luke, and Sally for their advice, which I am excited to pass along in these blog posts! This 14-day blog series covers a wide range of topics, from interviews with alumni and current students to tips on adjusting to the culture and things I wish I’d known before coming to Germany. I hope this blog will better prepare you for what could be the best year of your life.

- Thank you for reading!  

History of the CBYX Vocational Program

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) is a student exchange program jointly run by the German Bundestag and the United States Congress. The program was established in 1983 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the first German settlers in North America. CBYX was also created to strengthen ties between the two nations. The year 1983 was a pivotal time in global history, marked by heightened tensions during the Cold War. Relations between the United States and the USSR were at an all-time high, and Germany, divided into East and West, was at the center of this geopolitical divide. West Germany was under the control of France, Great Britain, and the United States, while East Germany was controlled by the USSR. Fostering a strong transatlantic partnership between the U.S. and Germany was seen as vital for maintaining global stability.

The CBYX program was designed to give teenagers the opportunity to live and work in each other's countries, building mutual appreciation and fostering
long-lasting connections. The program aims to share values such as democracy, education, and cultural exchange while celebrating and acknowledging the differences between the two nations. Over its 41-year history, more than 26,000 Germans and Americans have participated in this year-long exchange program. 

What is the CBYX Vocational Program?

The Vocational Program is the smallest and middle option of the three CBYX chapters. The first chapter is the 'High School' exchange, where students study at a Gymnasium or other school in Germany. The second chapter, called the 'Young Professionals' program, is designed for college or post-graduate students to study at a German university for a semester and then complete internships in their chosen career fields.

The Vocational Program, my program, is open to students who have just graduated from high school and is only available to teenagers between the ages of 18 and 19. No prior knowledge of the German language is required to apply, making this a viable opportunity for any student. This gap year program combines elements of both the High School and Young Professionals programs. Unlike other gap year opportunities, the CBYX Vocational Program is both an academic and professional experience. Not only will you gain knowledge of the German language and culture, but you will also have the chance to work in a career field that interests you.

Becoming a member of the CBYX Vocational Program provides post-high school students with the chance to develop practical, hands-on skills, experience cultural immersion, and build lifelong connections—advantages that enhance any college application! Like the High School Program, students live with a host family for the entire year. All three CBYX programs are jointly funded by the German Bundestag and the United States Congress, which means participation is free! However, students are expected to budget around €5,000 for personal spending, clothing, and potential travel expenses. This is a recommended budget, some students can get away with spending less, and some decide to spend more. Most students find €5,000 sufficient for personal spending. 

Rundown of how the Year Looks:

A rough rundown of how the year looks: The program begins with two months of intensive language camp, followed by three months of attending a German Gymnasium (or another type of school), and then five to six months of internships in your chosen career field. Internships are the heart of the CBYX Vocational Program, and the possibilities are endless. You could be working in a bike shop, an aerospace engineering firm, a kindergarten classroom, or even hands-on trades like welding—there’s something for everyone!

In addition to the language camp, school, and internship, the program includes seminars in historically significant cities in both the United States and Germany. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., twice, as well as Weimar and, finally, Berlin.

Goals of the CBYX Vocational Program:

The CBYX Vocational Program has several goals it strives to help you achieve. The most obvious is expanding your knowledge of the German language as much as possible. Everyone sets different goals for themselves based on how much they want to improve. For me, my goal is to reach B2 proficiency by the end of the year. I started the program at A2 and, as of now, I am at B1. One of my friends aims to reach C1 by the end of the year. Ultimately, when it comes to learning German, you get out what you put in.

There’s a student in my cohort who couldn’t speak any German at all at the start of the program. At our mid-year seminar in Weimar, they spoke German in front of the entire group for the first time—and it was phenomenal! They’re already at the same level of German that I am, even though I’ve been learning for three years, and they’ve only been learning for six months. It was incredibly inspiring.

So, don’t worry if your German isn’t great at first. Believe me, mine wasn’t either! To prepare for my exchange year, I listened to lots of German music and watched German television shows. I highly recommend Deutschland 83, Where’s Wanda?, and Tatort. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes when speaking or learning German—it’s all part of the process!

Another goal of the CBYX Vocational Program is to strengthen your knowledge of the U.S. government system and Germany’s Bundestag. As part of the program, you’ll have the chance to meet your U.S. Senators and Representatives, tour the U.S. Department of State, and visit the German Bundestag.

Lastly, the program promotes cultural understanding. By immersing yourself in another culture and participating in its traditions, customs, foods, and clothing styles, you gain a deeper appreciation for it. For example, before coming to Germany, I’d never tried on Lederhosen, the traditional outfit for Oktoberfest. Initially, I thought it looked a bit silly and didn’t understand why people wore it. Now, I realize how much it represents celebration, tradition, and pride in Bavarian culture.

The same goes for food! I had never heard of raclette, a traditional New Year’s Eve meal, before coming to Germany. Now, it’s one of my favorite experiences, and I’m already excited to bring that tradition back to my family next year.

*This post was proofread for clarity and grammar, but all content, events, and ideas are all my own.