Student Exchanges
As part of our promotion of the German language and culture, we offer an annual 2-week exchange programme for our Grade 10 learners with schools in both Munich and Hamburg. The destination city alternates each year and learners from the respective German partner schools visit us in Cape Town. As an important part of the experience, learners are hosted by local families. Learners from the German as well as the English stream can choose to participate.
Our French learners also have the opportunity to participate in a 2-week student exchange with a school in La Reunion every second year.
Bavarian Exchange (Bayerischer Jugendring)
Grade 8 & 9 learners from the English stream can partake in a 10-week exchange with schools in Bavaria. The learners stay with host families and go to school with their host ‘siblings’. In return, the German learners come to Cape Town, live with their families for 10 weeks and attend the DSK. This is a popular and fruitful exchange.
A Year in Germany
The institution “Youth For Understanding” offers learners who wish to stay in Germany for a longer period of time to do so for up to one year in Grade 9 or 10. We promote this opportunity especially to learners in the English stream who have an excellent command of the German language and who are academically strong. Once in Germany, they stay with a local host family and attend the nearest school. After the year, they normally progress to the next grade.
Study Trip
There is also the option of another 2-week study trip, which is for Grade 11 learners who have a keen interest in studying in Germany after graduating from the DSK. During this trip, the group visits several universities throughout Germany to experience student life and meet DSK alumni who are currently studying in Germany.
Regardless of which opportunity our learners choose, they all come back with a greater understanding of different cultures and ways of living. For some, it is their first time away from home, for others their first time overseas. Besides educational benefits and exposure to the German language, most learners find personal growth and making new friends their greatest advantage.
Generally, student exchanges are for the parents’ account though learners can also apply for financial support if needed to give everyone the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial situation .
