Stay abroad in the USA
The United States of America has been the number 1 exchange country for years and for many young Germans the American way of life is the epitome of freedom. Of course, when you think of the USA, you immediately think of the vastness, fast food culture and big cities like New York and Los Angeles. But the country of superlatives has much more to offer. During your stay abroad in the USA you will notice that the Americans are incredibly open and hospitable. Newcomers will be integrated very quickly and will immediately find a connection.
Study abroad programs in the USA
High School in the USA
- Student exchange from 14 years
- Intermediate English skills
- 6 months to 1 year stay possible
- Program starts in January and August
Short program Homestay USA
- Short stay in the USA with a host family
- 14 -18 years
- Basic knowledge of English
- 2 to 8 weeks stay possible
- Programs start during the summer holidays
About the country
Due to the size of the USA, almost all climates are represented, starting with the subtropical climate in Florida and Hawaii up to the arctic climate in Alaska. In the central regions there are extremely hot summers and very cold winters. In late summer, tornadoes and hurricanes can be expected, especially on the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic coast. Only Hawaii has constant high temperatures between 22 and 26°C all year round.
There are over 7000 species of plants in the country. In addition to trees such as pine, willow, maple, beech, birch, walnut or spruce, which are also familiar to us, cacti and yuccas can be found especially in the southwest of the USA. The land of space and freedom is also home to many animals. The largest and most famous are reindeer, elk, antelope and even bears.
Language
English is the native language for 82% of the population, but it is American English, which is sometimes very different from British English. So the pants are not “pants”, but “pants and because of the Americans’ love of abbreviations, the cell phone is not called “mobilecellphone”, but simply “cell.
Spanish is taught as the first foreign language, especially in states that border Mexico. More than 30 million US-Americans speak Spanish as their mother tongue or second language. The USA is the country with the fifth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world.
Culture
The USA is the source of fast food chains. In every small town you can find McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s or something similar. Many diners have a drive through, which is used a lot and with pleasure. If you go to a restaurant, you have to wait at the entrance until you get a seat, unlike in Germany. In restaurants there is free ice water for every guest and other drinks can be refilled as often as you like (free refill). Especially impressive is also a shopping tour in the USA. Everything in the store is huge. Orange juice does not come in small tetrapacks, but in canisters.
One of the most important holidays in the USA is Independence Day on the 4th of December. July. Independence is celebrated with many different festivals, events and at the end of the day with a big fireworks display. Almost as important as Independence Day for Americans is Thanksgiving, a big family feast when relatives come home from all over the country. Traditionally, turkey is eaten. This day is always the fourth Thursday in November.
The most important pastime is sports. No matter if you do sports yourself or just watch, on weekends you go to basketball halls, football or baseball fields. Social life also takes place at school. With numerous activities and clubs, there is something for everyone.
Everywhere in America you are greeted with a “How are you today”?” welcomed, but without expecting a detailed answer. Typical is also the invitation to come by or simply the request “Give me a call”!”. Mostly these are just empty phrases, because America is the land of small talk.