German-US-American Youth Exchanges – USA-Special 2022
The former pioneers of non-profit student exchange programs have developed into glob- ally networked organizations over the years. Today, AJA-organizations enable around 4,000 German high school students to take part in a long-term exchange (a full academic year or semester) in over 50 countries around the world. Exchanges are not a one-way street. Around 2,000 students from around the globe also come to Germany through AJA organizations every year, enabling host families to enjoy intercultural experiences without spending time abroad themselves. The offices of the AJA organizations are supported by a network of around 10,000 volunteers. AJA programs are designed as non-formal intercultural learning programs that teach the young participants numerous personal and intercultural skills. This is supported by intensive preparation and follow-up as well as pedagogical supervision during the exchange. The AJA organizations and their exchange pro- grams have been making an important contri-
bution towards international understanding and strengthening civil society as well as peace and democracy education for many years.
Although the program now spans a large number of countries, exchanges with the US continue to be the most popular in the AJA organizations. The
The US is the top-ranking exchange country for young people in Germany.
US is the top-ranking exchange country for young people in Germany. The AJA data report, which was published for the first time in June 2021, shows that participant numbers have remained consistently high for years. Every year, around 40 percent of all AJA exchange program participants complete their exchange year or semester in the US. Since 2010, almost 14,000 students from Germany have visited the US through AJA. The unique relationship between the two coun- tries is also reflected in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange . Since 1983, the German Bund- estag and U.S. Congress have covered the costs
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