Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is an expression of my personal experiences and impressions, and is not the official opinion or position of the Department of State.
What is CBYX?
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) is an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Congress and German Bundestag. Since its founding in 1983, over 17,000 German and American students have completed exchanges. Through CBYX, students get to participate in a year-long, full-scholarship exchange to either the U.S. or Germany where they stay with a family, go to a local high school, and act as an American ambassador.
Who can participate in the program?
In order to apply, you have to be an American citizen, between 15 and 18.5, and a high school student with at least a 3.0 GPA. No German experience is required, but it's considered a bonus.
What's the application process?
The application process consists of several rounds. First there's an extensive written application (which was more work than pretty much any of my college apps). If, after being evaluated by a local program liaison and submitting the written application, you're selected as a semi-finalist, there's an interview portion. To find out more about the whole process, click here.
