In Germany there are different types of high schools. Some prepare students for the workforce; others prepare them for university. All schools are great places for making new friends and learning German.
Short days
Most high schools in Germany begin at about 8:00 a.m. and end at about 3:30 p.m. This means your morning will be busy with classes, and attendance in class is extremely important. You will have time to do homework and participate in private clubs after school.
Formal setting
In Germany, the relationship between teacher and student is more formal than you might be used to. Teachers are respected authorities, and students must use the formal “Sie” form when talking to teachers.
Getting to school
Most students take public transportation to school, and riding a bicycle to school is very popular. Some areas have school buses. It is not common for parents to drive students to school.
Private clubs
In many countries, schools offer official sports and after-school activities. This is less common in Germany. The roll of after-school activities is filled, instead, by private clubs, which are popular. There are clubs for things like soccer, dance, choir, theatre and almost everything else. Once you are in Germany, ask around at school and talk to other students to find out about private clubs that meet your interests.
Typical day at German high school
7:30 a.m. Take public transportation or ride bicycle to school.
7:45 to 8:15 a.m. Classes begin. Your first class could be something like biology or mathematics.
8:20 to 9:05 a.m. Now it is time for your second class, which could be history.
9:05 to 9:25 a.m. Time for a short break.
9:25 to 10:10 a.m. More classes. This time it might be chemistry or physical education.
10:15 to 11:00 a.m. Political science or geography
11:00 to 11:15 a.m. You get a short break before next period
11:15 to 12:00 a.m. Classes are often taught back-to-back, so now is time for the second half of political science or geography
12:05 to 12:55 p.m. religious studies
12:55 to 13:40 p.m. You have had a long morning of classes, but now its time for lunch.
13:40 to 14:25 p.m. Afternoon classes are often second languages like English or French.
14:30 to 15:15 p.m. Your last class of the day could be music.
Different states, different schools
Each of Germany’s 16 states has its own slightly different school system. The school system in Brandenburg will be a little different from the system in Bavaria, for instance. Ultimately, your the type of school you attend during your student exchange depends on where you live and also on your academic background and age.
Three types of high schools for EF students
EF exchange students are placed in three types of high schools: Realschule, Gymnasium and Gesamtschule.
Realschule: Realschule teaches a broad range of subjects and is designed for average students. It ends at grade 10, when students are about 16 years old. After Realschule, some students enter apprenticeships and others seek placements in Gymnasium to prepare for university.
Gymnasium: This type of high school prepares students for university and it teaches mostly academic subjects, as opposed to vocational subjects. Gymnasium finishes after grade 12 or 13, when students are about 18 to 19 years old.
Gesamtschule: A Gesamtschule is a comprehensive high school that has both Gymnasium and Realschule programs, in addition to vocational Hauptschule programs.
Hauptschule: EF students will not be placed in a Hauptschule, but it is worth knowing what it is. A Hauptschule is a general school for all students. Academically, it is considered a lower level than Gymnasium and Realschule. Students learn vocational skills and finish school after grade 9, when they are about 15 years old. After that they find apprenticeships and enter the workforce.
Academic courses
Each school is different, but some of the subjects you might study during your exchange year in Germany include:
- German
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Music
- History
- Geography
- Political science
- Second language, such as English or French
