The Arlington-Aachen High School exchange is returning this summer and currently accepting applicants.
The sister-city partnership started in 1993 by the Arlington Sister Cities Association, which seeks to promote Arlington’s international profile through a variety of exchanges in education, commerce, culture and the arts. The exchange, scheduled June 17th to July 4th, includes a two-week homestay in Aachen plus three days in Berlin. Knowledge of the German language is not required for the trip.
Former participants have this to say:
_”The Aachen exchange was an eye-opening experience where I was fully immersed in the life of a German student. I loved biking through the countryside to Belgium, having gelato and picnics in the town square, and hanging out with my German host student’s friends. My first time out of the country, the Aachen exchange taught me to keep an open mind, because you never know what could be a life changing experience.” – Kelly M._
_”The best part of the exchange was getting to experience another culture first hand rather than learning about it in a textbook. I’m now attending Maastricht University, just 30 minutes from Aachen and remain in touch with several exchange participants.”_ – Kelso W.
Applicants must be high school students between 15 and 18 years old residing in Arlington, and demonstrate leadership, maturity, and an interest in history and foreign cultures. Participants will be invited to host an Aachen student for two weeks in October. Financial aid is available for qualified applicants. [Find out more here.](https://arlingtonsistercities.org/visit-germany-this- summer-with-the-arlington-aachen-high-school-exchange/)