Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program for Young Professionals (CBYX)

  Germany

• Other Cities in Germany: 
Cologne (Koln)
• Berlin: 
Berlin
• Munich: 
Munich (Munchen)

Term: Academic Year 

Description: The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals is a work/study scholarship program that gives participants an understanding of everyday life, education, and professional training in Germany, with a strong focus on cultural exchange. Funded by the US Congress and German Parliament (Bundestag), the program enables 75 Americans every year to work and study in Germany. The program year consists of:

* 2 months of intensive German language instruction at the Carl Duisberg Centren in Cologne, Radolfzell, and Saarbruecken (no prior German language skills required!)

* a semester (4 months) of classroom instruction in the participants career field at a German university or vocational school

* a 5-month internship in the participant's career field, all while living with a German host or in a shared-apartment.

The CBYX program is intended primarily for young adults in business, engineering, technical, vocational, and agricultural fields, though participants from all fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be between the ages of 18-24 at the start of the program, and should have a combination of some internship or work experience, as well as a solid academic background in their field.

All application materials must be received by December 1 to be considered for the program beginning in July of the following year. Application materials are available for download from the CDS website.

Highlights:
* Full-year scholarship including round-trip transatlantic flight, university tuition, language training, living stipend, and program-related travel costs in Germany
* Health and accident insurance
* Two-months German language training in Germany
* Five-month internship in a German-speaking work environment
* Accommodation in a German home or student residence
* Orientation, midyear, and final evaluation seminars in Washington, D.C., New York City, and various German cities
* Support provided by a network or regional German offices throughout the course of the program
* Membership to the CBYX Alumni Network

Qualifications: The CBYX for Young Professionals program is intended primarily for young adults in business, technical, vocational, and agricultural fields, though applicants from all fields are encouraged to apply.

Candidates for CBYX must meet the following eligibility requirements:

* U.S. citizen or permanent resident
* 18-24 years old at the beginning of the program
* Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent
* Completed general coursework in target internship field at a community college, college, or university
* Completed some relevant work experience (short-term, volunteer, or internship) in target internship field
* German language proficiency is preferred, but is not required
* Ideal candidates have clear career goals, good communication skills, and exhibit flexibility and diplomacy

Cost in US$: Fellowship funded by the US and German Governments

Experience Required: yes

At least several short-term or one long-term experience in the applicant's professional track. Experience may either have been paid or volunteer.

This Program is open to American Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

CDS International, Inc.'s Mission Statement: We are a nonprofit organization that supports intercultural understanding through professional development programs in Argentina, Germany, Russia, Spain, and the United States. Our programs include international internships, professional fellowships, State Department public diplomacy initiatives, J-1 visa services, work-study programs, and study tours. We have over 40 years of experience working with participants from more than 80 countries.

Year Founded: 1968