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Germany Exchange Trip
Manitowoc Lutheran High School has teamed up Maria-Ward Schule in Kempten, Germany to give female students between the ages of 14-16 the chance to experience another culture and rejoice in God's Word with others.
Maria-Ward Schule is an all-girl Catholic school, nestled along Germany's border with Switzerland and Austria. They have over 600 girls aged 10-16. Like MLHS, Maria-Ward takes their faith seriously, which makes it a phenomenal ministry opportunity to share our Lutheran faith and discuss why we believe what we do.
Current Trip Information
Up to 15 MLHS girls aged 14-16 are allowed to participate in this experience.
Students will have to cover the cost of their flights and souvenirs. The rest will be covered by a German host family connected to Maria-Ward.
Dates are not set in stone, but the exchange will occur sometime between April 13th and May 2nd. It will be a 2-week exchange.
Flights will be booked with the MLHS International Coordinator after the dates are set in stone. Flights will lead into Munich, Germany.
The families of our MLHS girls are expected to repay Maria-Ward's kindness by hosting German girls for 2 weeks in the Fall of 2026. Please contact the MLHS International Coordinator if other host families will need to be arranged. You will still be expected to cover food costs and arrange activities for the German girls during their visit.
Additional Information
01.
Passport
Each student will need a passport in order to partake in the Germany Exchange trip. Students who currently do not have a passport can visit their local post office or public library to submit their application.
You can find the passport application form here.
02.
Flights
Flights will be coordinated as group with Mrs. Ruediger. It is recommended that parents pay the additional unaccompanied minor fee (~$150) so that a flight attendant can stay with your daughter during layovers and at her final destination.
03.
Translators
Each MLHS students should have Apple Translate, Google Translate, or Reverso downloaded on their phone to help with any additional translations. WhatsApp should also be downloaded so that each student can communicate efficiently with their family and host family. WhatsApp is the most common messenger app in Europe and will make texting easy for everyone.
04.
Missed School
Each student must complete the homework they would miss during the exchange trip before or during their time abroad. All missing work must be completed by the end of their first week back in Manitowoc.
Teachers will be contacted to send homework out ahead of time to the students that will be gone.
Help Our MLHS Girls Experience Life In Germany
The best way to support our MLHS girls as they prepare for their trip to Germany is to donate so they are all able to cover the cost of flight tickets for their travels. Click below to help them make this trip possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Something On Your Mind?
We understand having your child travel abroad can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience. Below are some frequently asked questions that may help you learn more about the Germany Exchange trip.
Will My Host Family Speak English?
The vast majority of the German population speaks English. Though it would be helpful to study some common phrases in German during your time exploring with your host family, you should have no problem communicating with people during your time abroad.
When should I Apply for My Passport?
If you do not currently have a passport, it is highly recommended you start the process now. The passport application link is attached in the "Additional Information" section. Passports can take months to be approved depending on the time of year, so it is better to start now then regret it later on.
How will I Pay for My Flight?
Please share the donation box above these "Frequently Asked Questions" so that friends and family can help support you as you cover the cost of your flight. In total, round trip flight costs should be between $800-900. That said, it is highly recommended parents pay the additional $150 to buy the unaccompanied minor fee at the airport. This will ensure a trusted adult is present with your child throughout the duration of their flight.
Flights will be booked as a group after every MLHS student has certified they will be coming on the trip. Please ask Mrs. Ruediger for more information.
What if I am in Extracurriculars During the Exchange?
If you are in Spring sports or other activities at MLHS during the Germany Exchange Trip, please inform Mrs. Ruediger some time between January and March of 2026. She will contact your coaches to inform them of your absence. It would also be helpful to inform them yourself in advance so that they have reminders that you will be gone.
Should I Get a SIM Card while I am in Germany?
It is not necessary to get a SIM card while you are abroad. Instead, make sure you are with another trusted person (teacher, host parent, classmate, etc.) when you are in Germany so that you can make your way around the area easily and safely. Please download WhatsApp to communicate with people while you are away. WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi to communicate.
How can I Improve My German Language Skills Before Arriving?
If you would like to improve your German skills before going abroad, it is recommended to download Duolingo, find free lessons on Spotify, or find courses on YouTube.
Can I bring My Family with Me?
Family will not be allowed to join you on your trip, but they are more than welcome to drive you to the airport themself and pick you up after your return.
Contact
Renee Ruediger - MLHS International Program Coordinator
Thank you for making this Germany trip possible!
920-682-0215
