The "Boarding School Experience" program is a combination of a short-term German course (3 to 5 weeks) and a subsequent secondary school visit (4 to 12 weeks) at selected partner schools across Germany for a very special fee. Students will start with an intensive German course at our course center in Bad Schussenried or Lindenberg. After the German course, they will continue their stay at the school of their choice and experience the daily life at a German boarding school.
This specially designed short-stay study experience will allow international students to collect their first impressions of living and studying at a German school. Not only will they be able to improve their active German language knowledge during their stay, but they will also be introduced to German culture, landmarks and traditions. While school grades are not in the foreground of this program, students shall have a high motivation to make the most of their experience, including an improvement of their overall academic skills.
Student requirements
- You are between 14 and 17 years old
- Your passport qualifies you to travel to and stay in Germany visa free
- Your German knowledge is at least B1 *
- You are willing to spend at least two to three months in Germany
- You are highly motivated to integrate yourself into a boarding school community and become an active part of the daily life
*Students with a lower German level can extend their German course prior to the school visit to reach the necessary German knowledge.
Program details
The "Boarding School Experience" covers an overall period of 2 to 4 months and combines a stay at the Humboldt-Institut Bad Schussenried or Lindenberg (3 to 5 weeks) with a subsequent stay at one of our selected boarding school partners (1 to 3 months).
- Humboldt-Institut Bad Schussenried / Lindenberg
- Intensive German course (3 to 5 weeks) in small international classes with 30 lessons per week
- Accommodation on campus in twin rooms with en-suite bathroom
- Full board
- 24-hour supervision
- Teaching material and course certificate
- Daily leisure program including sports, creative and social activities as well as weekly excursions
Humboldt-Institut Lindenberg
Residential school for German as a foreign language (A1-C2) (Bavaria)
The Humboldt-Institut Lindenberg is a residential school for German as a foreign language, where international students between 13 and 17 years of age are prepared for their studies at a German boarding school. The focus in intensive courses with 30 lessons is on the following areas: reading and listening comprehension, writing skills, oral expression and grammar.
A student with no previous German knowledge can complete level B2 in approx. 6-8 months due to our “total immersion” concept, continuous progress control and monitoring as well as active daily use of the German language also outside the classroom.
Accommodation in boarding home
Twin rooms, all rooms with shower/WC
Special features
Daily free time activity program (sports, creative work, social activities)
Workshops
Cultural program (including weekly full-day and half-day excursions)
The boarding home is open 365 days per year accommodating students from all over the world.
№ of students
200
maximum
№ of boarders100%
Class size
10
on average
Group size
15
on average
Humboldt-Institut Bad Schussenried
Residential school for German as a foreign language (A1-C2) (Baden-Wuerttemberg)
The Humboldt-Institut Bad Schussenried prepares international students for their studies at a German boarding school. The focus is on the following areas: reading and listening comprehension, writing skills, oral expression and grammar. Students are taught in intensive courses with 30 lessons per week (teenagers) or 25 lessons per week (children).
A student with no previous German knowledge can complete level B2 in approx. 6-8 months due to our “total immersion” concept, continuous progress control and monitoring as well as active daily use of the German language also outside the classroom.
Accommodation in boarding home
Twin rooms, all rooms with shower/WC and balcony
Special features
Daily free time activity program (sports, creative work, social activities)
Additional supporting program for children (ages 10-13)
Workshops
Cultural program (including weekly full-day and half-day excursions)
The boarding home is open 365 days per year accommodating students from all over the world.
№ of students
300
maximum
№ of boarders100%
Class size
10
on average
Group size
10‑15
- Boarding School
- Regular classes at a German school (1 to 3 months)
- Accommodation on campus
- Full board
- Teaching material
- Boarding school activities
Gymnasium Lindenberg
Co-educational public school with Humboldt boarding home (Bavaria)
The Gymnasium Lindenberg combines a social integrative basis with a blend of direct instruction and group work approaches. The school program aims at tolerance, responsibitity, a realistic self-assessment and mutual respect. Senior students regularly support younger students in academic and social activities.
The family environment and international atmosphere of the Humboldt boarding home supports and encourages students to integrate quickly into German everyday life. Social contacts inside and outside the boarding home are established and students are supported academically and socially throughout their school career.
Educational form
Grammar school (Years 5-13)
Branch of study
- Languages
- Natural sciences
Accommodation in boarding home
Twin rooms, Year 12 students can stay in single rooms
Special features
Students attend the public school and stay at the private Humboldt boarding home
Students can stay in the boarding home on weekends and holidays (except summer holidays)
Boarding home is open 365 days/year.
№ of students
650
№ of boarders60
Class size
24
on average
Group size
15
on average
Internat Schloss Buldern
Co-educational private boarding school (North Rhine-Westphalia)
For more than 50 years we offer an extremely wide range of courses and course combinations in school, so that students can choose their favorite and best classes. To enhance their motivation, each student’s individual progress is discussed regularly. Due to small classes and individual support in the school and in the boarding school, the learning process is less stressful.
The varied activities outside school help students to improve their social competence and try out different sports and activities to find their own individual way.
Educational form
Grammar school (Years 5 -13)
Branch of study
- Fine arts
- Languages
- Natural sciences
Accommodation in boarding home
Twin rooms, single rooms available
Special features
Chinese is a potential Abitur subject for Chinese students
School marks are given on a monthly basis
№ of students
470
№ of boarders130
Class size
15‑20
Group size
20
on average
Lietz Internat Schloss Bieberstein
Co-educational private boarding school (Hesse)
Our educational concept is based on the fundamental idea of the founder of the school, Hermann Lietz, who propagated learning with the head, the heart and the hands. This holistic learning approach does not only focus on lessons and subjects, but tries to foster students' personality.
The school team is very enthusiastic about aligning with every student's interests, thereby consolidating strengths and overcoming weaknesses and awakening interest in new things. Teachers put great value on enabling students to discover their various talents, whether in theater, music or art and elocution, in competitions and natural history excursions. All disciplines that are offered over and above study lectures have an important impact and all students' interests are supported.
Educational form
Grammar school (Years 10-13)
Grammar school (Years 10-12), entry only with admission exam
Branch of study
- Course system
Fixed offer of subjects leading to a general Abitur as only upper level classes (10-12 / 10-13) are taught. Focus on business sciences (10-13).
Accommodation in boarding home
Twin rooms, single rooms for senior students (final school year)
Special features
Students below Year 10 can start in Hohenwehrda and change to Bieberstein afterwards.
№ of students
100
maximum
№ of boarders100
Class size
7‑19
15 on average
Group size
8‑12
10 on average
Pädagogium Bad Sachsa
Co-educational private boarding school (Lower Saxony)
At the Pädagogium we are not exclusively focused on teaching academic knowledge, but we are equally concerned with teaching our students social skills and preparing them for all vital matters. They are to understand that in order to succeed and excel in life, mental ability is just as important as skills and commitment.
Thus, life at the Pädagogium combines academic education with a multifaceted range of offers to work in groups enabling students to learn to assume social responsibility.
Educational form
Grammar school (Years 5-13)
Branch of study
- Languages
- Natural sciences
- Social sciences
Accommodation in boarding home
Single rooms
Special features
Preparation for Cambridge Certificate and DELF (French language certificate)
№ of students
400
№ of boarders40
Class size
16‑25
Group size
8‑10
Privatschule Conventz
Co-educational private boarding school (North Rhine-Westphalia)
We educate our students in the spirit of the German Constitution. Mainly, we communicate to the students that all people are equal without looking at the color, the religion, sexuality or other individual facts. We respect each other and stand together in all kinds of situations. We prepare our students for their future career and for the reality of our different social societies.
Educational form
Grammar school (Years 5-13)
Branch of study
- Course system
With compulsory subjects and subjects of choice
Accommodation in boarding home
Single and twin rooms
Special features
Preparation for Cambridge Certificate and DELF/DALF (French language certificates)
Large variety of advanced courses to increase flexibility towards choice of subjects for “Abitur” exams
№ of students
140
№ of boarders30
Class size
15
maximum
Group size
10‑15
Zinzendorfschulen
Co-educational private boarding school (Baden-Wuerttemberg)
At the Zinzendorfschulen you live and learn in a unique ambiance of historic surroundings and the unspoiled countryside of the Black Forest.
The Zinzendorfschulen are characterized by a variety of educational paths. This variety offers optimal choices according to students' own interests and abilities.
With more than 200 years of experience in education we can assure schooling and boarding on a high level. Supporting common sense, taking care of each individual in a very personal and trustful manner and our lively extra-curricular program make everyone feel immediately at ease.
Educational form
Grammar school (Years 5-12 and 5-13)
Branch of study
- Languages
- Natural sciences
- Visual arts and design
Accommodation in boarding home
Twin rooms, single rooms (depending on age)
Special features
Decentralized campus with school and boarding home within walking distance
Religion is a compulsory subject for all students
Special tutoring and activity program for international students
№ of students
950
maximum
№ of boarders70
Class size
18‑25
Group size
8‑15
Application documents
For counseling you we need (at least) the following documents by e-mail:
- Application Form for Boarding School Experience
- Photocopy of the student’s passport
- Transcripts of the previous 2-3 school years (copy of the original and translation in English or German)
If possible please add:
- Motivation letter written by the student (in German)
- Letter of reference by at least one teacher (in English or German)
After receiving the application documents our counseling team will contact the requested boarding school(s) and recommend a suitable schedule for the “Boarding School Experience” program.
Starting dates
2024
January 7, 14, 28
February 11, 18
March 3, 17, 24, 31
August 18, 25
September 8, 15, 29
October 13, 20, 27
November 3, 17, 24
December 1, 8, 22, 29
2025
January 5, 12, 26
February 9, 16
March 2, 16, 23
August 3, 10, 17, 24
September 7, 14, 28
October 12, 19
November 2, 16, 23, 30
December 7
The starting dates refer to the beginning of the Humboldt German course. The final starting date depends on the total program, also taking into consideration school holidays at the respective boarding schools. Our counseling team will find the best possible solution for a smooth transition between German course and school visit.
Fees
| German course (3 to 5 weeks) + boarding school (4 weeks) | 6,100 € - 7,032 € |
|---|---|
| German course (3 to 5 weeks) + boarding school (8 weeks) | 8,200 € - 10,064 € |
| German course (3 to 5 weeks) + boarding school (12 weeks) | 10,300 € - 13,096 € |
The fees comprise the tuition and boarding fees for the German language course at the Humboldt-Institut in Bad Schussenried or Lindenberg (3 to 5 weeks) and at the respective boarding school (4 to 12 weeks).
Health insurance needs to be covered throughout the entire program.
Extension
Please contact our counseling service for your individual offer for a longer stay in Germany. An extension of the "Boarding School Experience" program can be tailored to the individual student's needs. This option contains at least a 10-week German course at the Humboldt-Institut with a connecting school visit of > 3 months up to one school year.
Contact
Katja Kluckhohn
Boarding School Counseling
If you have any questions:
For further information and answers please see our FAQ.
Please contact us for your personal offer.