MMS German Exchange
Mansfield Middle School's German Exchange Program is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in another culture and develop lifelong friendships with students across the world. This Exchange has happened annually for over 30 years, and is a 2-year commitment for interested students and families, alternating between travel to Germany and hosting German students in Mansfield. Students will typically join the program as 7th graders, following an application process as 6th graders, and will participate in the two-phase commitment during their 7th and 8th grades.
We hope that this site will help to answer any questions you may have about the program.
Timeline:
Travelling to Germany: 2024-2025 School Year
(Sept. 14 - Oct. 5, 2024)
We will host an informational meeting for 6th grade (Class of 2026) students and families in January 2024.
The application window will open for 1 week following that informational meeting on January 29, 2024.
Students must complete the application during this window of time. Applications are due by February 5, 2024.
Families must complete the candid Parent Survey as a way for us to learn important details about your child (temperament, adaptability, etc.)
Selections will be made and eligible students will be notified. Eligible students and their families will be asked to agree to a 2-year commitment (traveling to Germany in Fall 2024 and hosting Germans in Fall 2025. Once student selections have been finalized, we will have regular, mandatory, afterschool meetings with students. We will also have another meeting with all participating students and families.
Hosting Germans: 2025-2026 School Year
(Dates TBD)
We will host an informational meeting for 6th grade (Class of 2027) students and families in Late Fall 2024.
These students will be 7th graders during the Exchange in September/October 2025.The application window will open for 1 week following that informational meeting.
Students must complete the application during this window of time.
Families must complete the candid Parent Survey as a way for us to learn important details about your child (temperament, adaptability, etc.)
Selections will be made and eligible students will be notified. Eligible students and their families will be asked to agree to a 2-year commitment for home host & traveling students.
Once student selections have been finalized, we will have regular, mandatory, after school meetings with students. We will also have another meeting with all participating students and families.
What we are looking for in prospective participants:
The German Exchange Program is a big commitment; it is not easy to travel to a foreign country, stay with a host family, or attend a foreign school for three weeks. It is also not easy to host a student from a different country, and support them while they fully immerse themselves in a new culture and day-to-day routine.
When we consider student applications, we are especially mindful of a student's ability to manage their time. We consult their current (and former) teachers about the student's tendency to make up any missed work, or proactively seek out help when they need it. Although there are many fun trips and events during the Exchange, it is important that students recognize their responsibility to their school work. This means that when we travel to Germany, students are expected to be working on school work whenever their German host is doing their own work.
Due to the heightened independence that is needed as a 7th or 8th grade student in Germany (traveling to/from school, break times during the school day, etc.), we also consult prospective students' teachers about their behavior. Often times, this is reflected in a student's report card, where we generally look for "Good" and "Excellent" behavior grades.
A child or family's financial situation does not preclude an otherwise qualified student from being accepted into the program. Accommodations such as an extended payment window or a subsidized cost can be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact a program advisor if your family is in this position.