Gap Year after Graduation: Independence and Security without The Pressure of Grades

Lohmar, Dec 26, 2023 – Adolescents on the home stretch to their 2024 A-Level examinations often lack a clear vision for their future paths. They aspire to overcome all challenges and apply problem-solving skills proficiently. However, lack of practical experience and the comfort of their familiar environments can hinder intense personal growth.

Returnees from International EXPERIENCE e. V. agree post student-exchanges: it is not merely a journey to another country but a journey inwards, towards self-discovery. Navigating varied environments, forging relationships, making independent decisions and adapting — these are steps toward personality development. An academic year abroad offers a significant opportunity to know oneself better and unearth internal strengths — an opportunity perhaps not feasible amidst the pace of the German education system. And how can a clear decision about one’s professional journey be made otherwise?

There lies an opportunity in living abroad, residing with a host family, and attending school. You could do this farthest from Germany in New Zealand, adjusting to 12 hours of time difference and commencing in their second academic semester in July, or follow the same academic rhythm as in Germany and attend a high school in the Northern hemisphere, in the USA or Canada.

Eligibility for an academic year abroad at a foreign high school after the German school graduation:

High schools abroad consider the 12th grade as the final year, hence classmates range between 17 and 19 years of age. International guest students can enrol in USA high schools till the age of 17, till 19 in Canada, and up to 20 in New Zealand. South Africa and Australia are also potential destinations for a high school visit post German school graduation.

School Attendance:

High schools permit students to choose freely from a wide range of courses, with subject switch possibilities every semester. Career-oriented courses include film production, tourism, robotics, mechatronics, hospitality, business studies, Police Pathway Program, visual arts, song & dance, marine industry, etc.

In the daily school routine, guest students quickly enhance their foreign language skills. Besides everyday language usage, the written application considerably improves their expressive abilities. The different learning methods and the close-knit school spirit allow the youth to acquire competencies applicable in their further education. Learning without the pressure of grades facilitates the students to explore new topics, all while speaking English.

Free Time:

All school activities are open to guest students; they can participate in the clubs and sports and music offerings of the high school. New hobbies expand their perspective, and also form the base for building local friendships and an international network of contacts. Those spending their long holidays during their year abroad may visit the country, subject to discussion.

Host Family:

The vetted and hospitable families help guest students to adjust in the new surroundings. They incorporate their new family member into their daily life and introduce them to their culture and ways of life. Thus, they assist in orienting in the foreign country and support the youth in all matters. The guest students can develop a comprehensive understanding of the other culture, concurrently strengthening their confidence and independence.

The experiences during the year abroad will become an individual collection of stories and memories from exciting places. With new insights about themselves, the guest students return revitalized from their year abroad.

International EXPERIENCE e. V. provides information about the destination countries and everyday school life there in online zoom sessions. Those interested can also learn more at education fairs or book a personal consultation directly.

international EXPERIENCE e. V.
Amselweg 20
53797 Lohmar
Germany

https://germany.international-experience.net/

+491726208618

v.wolters@international-experience.net

International EXPERIENCE e. V. Profile
International EXPERIENCE e. V. advises and accompanies students and families for a gap year in 14 countries. The employees of iE e. V. possess specific experience. In association with local colleagues or long-standing partner organizations, intensive preparation, continuous availability, and a bespoke online tool guarantee all prerequisites for an unforgettable gap year. Profits from iE e. V. are allocated to selected needy participants.

• Approximately 700 exchange students travel abroad annually with iE e. V., specifically to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, Italy, UK, Ireland, Chile, Argentina, Finland.
• During the two-day preparation seminar in Germany, students prepare intensively; a parents’ session follows.
• A dedicated team in the USA and the accreditation as an advisor at the CSIET Council on Standards for Educational Travel ensure excellent care in the most popular destination.
• iE e. V. has been tested by the German Institute for Service Quality since 2017, and is a specialist for Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
• Founded in 2000, 260 employees in six iE representations worldwide.

This release was published on openPR.