Educational Exchanges
High School
Since 1995, the MSCA High School Student Exchange Program has brought students from Cincinnati area schools together with students from Munich, Germany for a unique educational and travel opportunity.
The Munich students will come March 24 - April 6, and the Cincinnati students will go June 16 - June 29, 2024. Please check for the 2025 application in early August 2024.
High School Exchange Program Highlights
Welcome and departure receptions for all students and families
Best value for a cultural exchange experience
Students depart to Munich from the Cincinnati/NKY airport
Student group activities may include: Reds game, FC Cincinnati game, tour of Cincinnati, service project, school tours, & social gatherings
Cost to each student is $2,000 plus cost of student or family MSCA membership
All accepted students will receive notification by January of each year to schedule home visits.
Each Cincinnati Student is partnered with a Munich Student for the exchange year.
The exchange is four weeks in length: Two weeks spent in Cincinnati in the spring and two weeks in Munich in the summer.
Students live with one another’s families during each part of the exchange.
Students attend school with their host student and participate in many travel and cultural activities in both cities.
Exchange students must speak English.
Remember: Cincinnati students do not have to speak German as most German high school students are fluent in English.
Benefits for a lifetime....
Because students stay in their partner’s home, they have an opportunity to communicate on a very personal level and allow for a broad understanding of the differences and similarities between our two cities, both educationally and culturally, resulting in relationships that last a lifetime.
Students say that they establish life-long friendships and benefit greatly from these educational, travel and cultural experiences that help them with their own school activities when they return.
In the words of previous participants...
“Great experience in learning German culture and daily life in Munich. The fun times and friendships with exchange students was the best part of making great memories. Highly recommended for students who desire to explore German culture and travel internationally!”
— Siblings, SCPA Graduate and MND Junior
“I was afraid to leave my school and my friends in Cincinnati but I also knew I wanted to learn more about the rest of the world. So I took the leap and joined this exchange. I’m so glad I did. I now feel more mature and more able to make new friends. And I now have family and friends in Munich.”
— Indian Hill Senior
“This was a life changing experience for me. Living in Munich with a family made me feel like I had always had a home in Munich!”
— Lakota West Junior
Don't miss this great opportunity to broaden your horizons, develop some independence, make new friendships, travel, and learn more about German language and culture!
The Munich students will come March 25 - April 6, and the Cincinnati students will go June 18 - July 2, 2024. We are still accepting registrations until February 2, 2024.
For further details and information about the exchange contact:
Felicia Wenzel-Vonderheide, Student Exchange Committee Chairperson
or Ute Päpke, Past President and Exchange Advisor
University Level Program
The overall mission of this exchange is to broaden, enrich, and nurture the Sister City relationship between Munich and Cincinnati, while realizing, understanding, appreciating and respecting cross cultural differences from which both cities can benefit.
Please connect with your local University for further information on exchange programs in Germany.