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Saskatoon Public Schools
Inspiring Learning
German Exchange Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​About

Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) coordinates a German Exchange program with several partner schools in Schleswig-Holstein, ​Germany for SPS students in grades 10 and 11.

During the exchange, SPS students are paired with German students and the families of both take on hosting duties. This allows SPS students to enjoy time with their German partners at their school in Saskatoon and to spend time in Germany at their partners'​ school.

Students​ can participate in an exchange of either six weeks or three months. 

Six-Week Exchange

The six-week exchange begins with SPS students traveling to Germany in mid-June to live with their host families until the end of July. This allows SPS students to have four weeks of school and two weeks of summer holidays with their German partners. SPS students participating in this exchange must complete their collegiate classes one week prior to the end of the semester before beginning their exchange in mid-June. German students will reciprocate the visit around August 20, 2024, and stay until the end of September (dates to be determined when the 2024-25 school year calendar is finalized).

This exchange is for grades 10 and 11 students who are interested in experiencing life and culture in a German home and school. Knowledge of German is not required. Students apply in their grade 9 or 10 year.

Three-Month Exchange

The three-month exchange begins with German students traveling to Canada around August 20 (with students on the six-week exchange) and staying until November 20, 2024. Canadian students reciprocate the exchange in the spring of 2025 and live with their partners from April to June. It is recommended that Canadian students complete their Semester 2 classes online or work with their teachers to complete assignments ahead of time.

This exchange is for Grade 11 students who are studying German. Students apply in their Grade 10 year.


Eligibility/Selection Criteria

​The German E​xchange program is open to all Saskatoon Public Schools students in grades 10 and 11.​

Students
  • Students must have a fully satisfactory or superior academic record, as well as suitable participation in and contribution to school life.
  • Students must be mature and flexible, so they can cope with life in a different country. A positive attitude and open-mindedness to new challenges is essential.
  • Students must be good ambassadors. For this program to be successful, students should consistently make an effort to cooperate with teachers and be willing and able to solve personal conflicts.
  • Students must be in good health.

Families

  • Families must be able to provide German exchange students with suitable accommodation and family life. A separate bedroom for the exchange student is essential.
  • Every member of the family living at home should be committed to the exchange and be willing to contribute to its success. The host student should be considered part of the family while in Saskatoon.
  • Families must be willing to provide or arrange for suitable cultural and recreational experiences to German students. This may include some travel within the province.
Schools
  • Students must receive a recommendation from their school administration and liaison teacher to participate in the exchange program. The last page of the application form must be completed by the school principal.
For detailed information on the responsibilities of students, families and schools, click here​.

Cost

Costs include:
  • Airfare: approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per student
  • Administration fee: $200
  • Hosting a German teenager: Varies, depending on six-week or three-month exchange 

Program Administration

​The exchange program is based on an arrangement between Saskatoon Public Schools and the responsible government agency in Germany.

The coordinator of the program is Mr. James Ens Funk. He is responsible for communicating with German authorities and for the administration of the program in Saskatoon. Any questions or concerns about the program should be directed to ​[email protected].


Apply

Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now closed. Please check back in the fall of 2024 for information about the 2025-26 exchanges.


​​​Contact

Mr. James Ens Funk
German Exchange Program Facilitator
Saskatoon Public Schools
Aden Bowman Collegiate
306-683-7600