Life in Germany: Preparing for the CBYX Vocational Program

Introduction: First, a massive "Thank you!" to Luke and Sally from the 2016 CBYX Vocational Program. Both have played a great role in the creation of this blog post, and their time in answering the interview questions is greatly appreciated. Their insights provide a valuable perspective on the success of participants after their exchange year. The CBYX Vocational Program is an exchange program dedicated to 18- to 19-year-old high school graduates. The program focuses on providing internships that align with participants' future career paths. The vocational program is fully funded, as it is sponsored by both the German Bundestag and the United States Congress. CBYX as a whole has had over 26,000 participants since its beginning in 1983. Today, I had the opportunity to speak with Luke and Sally, both members of the 2016-2017 cohort. Each was asked a series of short questions about their time in CBYX and how the program has helped shape their future. Interview with Luke: Q: ...

Introduction: Deciding to take an exchange year is an incredible opportunity, no matter which program you choose! Studying abroad allows students to gain cultural understanding, develop new skills, and strengthen future career prospects. Different exchange programs have different criteria, benefits, and target age groups, so choosing the right one is important. The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Vocational Program is a fantastic option. It is widely recognized within the exchange community and is funded by both the United States Congress and the German Bundestag, providing a strong sense of reliability. This program has been running for over 40 years and is backed by countless testimonials, an active alumni network, and even mentions on the U.S. Department of Education’s website! In this blog post, I will cover three key reasons why the CBYX Vocational Program stands out among other exchange programs. 1: It's Completely Free! As the saying goes, "Everything is better...