Why Apply to Become a Congress-Bundestag Scholar?
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program is for motivated high school students who want to experience a culture and learn a language through a full immersion experience. Earn a competitive edge for your college applications. Learn about German culture first-hand by living with a host family and attending a German high school. Connect to an elite network of U.S. Department of State program alumni. Embark on an adventure that is unlike any other.
As a CBYX participant, you will gain new perspectives on global current affairs and German social, economic and political life. You will learn the German language through immersion in the culture at school and at home. When you return after 10 months abroad, you will have a greater sense of independence, empowerment, and global citizenry. You will make friendships through a shared experience that will last a lifetime, and you will become a true member of another culture.
Basic Eligibility:
To be considered eligible for a CBYX scholarship, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident
- Between the ages of 15 years and 18 years and 6 months at the start of the program
- A current high school student at the time of application, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Previous German language study is not a requirement and all levels of language ability are encouraged to apply.
Only those students who meet the basic eligibility requirements will be considered. Applicants from all racial, economic, ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are students with disabilities.
Only those students who meet the basic eligibility requirements will be considered. Applicants from all racial, economic, ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are students with disabilities.
The CBYX application deadline varies based upon regional organization. Select your state in the drop-down to the left to find the deadline set by your regional organization.
Applications are evaluated based upon:
- Evidence of the personal qualities essential for adjustment to another culture, such as flexibility, curiosity, open-mindedness, sense of humor and tolerance for adversity
- Written and oral communication skills
- Motivation for a cross-cultural experience
- Academic merit
CBYX 2014-15 Program Timeline
December 2013 - February 2014: Applications are due (deadlines vary by implementing organization)
January 2014 - March 2014: Regional organizations select Semi-Finalists
February 2013 - April 2014: Interviews are conducted with Semi-Finalists
March 2014 - April 2014: Finalists and Alternates are announced
May 2014 - August 2014: Pre-departure preparation for all Finalists and Alternates
July 2014 - September 2014: CBYX scholars depart for Germany
June 2015 - July 2015: CBYX scholars return from Germany
Dates may vary based on regional organization.
January 2014 - March 2014: Regional organizations select Semi-Finalists
February 2013 - April 2014: Interviews are conducted with Semi-Finalists
March 2014 - April 2014: Finalists and Alternates are announced
May 2014 - August 2014: Pre-departure preparation for all Finalists and Alternates
July 2014 - September 2014: CBYX scholars depart for Germany
June 2015 - July 2015: CBYX scholars return from Germany
Dates may vary based on regional organization.
