Vellmar's Amelie fulfills the dream of exchange year in the USA!

Vellmar's Amelie fulfills the dream of exchange year in the USA!

In Vellmar, an exciting news causes a fresh wind: 16-year-old Amelie Peters will travel to the USA for a whole year in August. The student was selected from almost 900 applications for the parliamentary sponsorship program (PPP) of the German Bundestag and the US Congress. This valuable opportunity to spend an exchange year in Salt Lake City, Utah, is special, because the full scholarship covers all costs. It has been awarded since 1983 and has opened a new world to many young people, reports The German Bundestag .

The selection process is demanding: Amelie had to face a selection discussion in which she answered questions about political, social and cultural issues. Her mentoring sponsorship comes from Boris Mijatovic, a member of the Greens. "I have been interested in a year abroad since the eighth grade and was motivated after visiting the German Bundestag to apply," said Amelie.

a year full of new experiences

The exchange year will not only give Amelie the opportunity to improve her English skills, but also to gain deeper insights into American culture. After a first video call with their host family, their anticipation for the "high school spirit" and the variety of subjects such as yoga and pottery are large.

The PPP has established itself over the years as a load -bearing pillar for student exchange. Every year, not only students from Germany will become Germany, but also young Americans have the chance to experience an exchange year in Germany. For the coming school year 2026/27, the application deadline ends on September 12, 2025, and the authorization to apply applies to pupils born between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011, as well as young professionals who were born after July 31, 2001.

financing of an exchange year

Financial support is often a central point for many families. As a rule, parents or legal guardians bear the costs for a year abroad. However, additional support from scholarships or educational grants can help. Full scholarships, as being awarded in the case of Amelie, cover all costs. Sub -scholarships usually take over 1,000 to 2,000 euros, which means that the remaining expenses can still represent a significant amount. According to student exchange.net , the entire sum for an exchange program in the USA can currently be around 12,000 euros.

For many young travelers, there are various alternatives to bridge financial bottlenecks. Fundraising or crowdfunding are popular options, and local sponsors can also offer valuable support. Exchange organizations often offer installment payment plans and sub -scholarships that help families to master the financial burden.

Amelie is now planning to say goodbye to her friends in Germany - a cozy farewell picnic is already being planned. For her it will be the adventure of her life and we wish her all the best in this way!