Next deadline: November 2025
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for Young Professionals is a fellowship funded by the German Bundestag and U.S. Department of State that annually provides 75 American and 75 German young professionals, between the ages of 18½–24, the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning, and living with hosts on a cultural immersion program. The program consists of three phases: (1) two months of intensive German language training; (2) one semester of classes in one’s academic or career field at a university, technical or professional school; and (3) three- to five-month internship in one’s career field. CBYX is open to candidates in all career fields, and applicants from a broad range of backgrounds are selected for the program each year.
Prospective applicants, including recent graduates, should make an advising appointment with Keila Diehl, the campus representative for CBYX.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
• be a U.S. citizen
• be 18½–24 years old on August 1st of program start year
• have a high school diploma
• have some relevant internship, work, or volunteer experience in their career field
Participants are expected to act as “young ambassadors” of the United States in Germany, and to represent the diversity of the U.S. in factors including, but not limited to, career field, educational background, geographic location, disabilities, ethnicity, gender, race, religion and socio-economic status.
Selection Criteria
Successful applicants will:
• exhibit clear career goals and relevant experience (work, internships, or volunteering) in their career field
• have a strong interest in Germany and world affairs (prior German language knowledge is not required, but is preferred)
Application Requirements
• Online application form (opens external site)
• Resume
• Copy of transcript showing at least the last four semesters of study
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• High school diploma or proof of graduation
• One letter of recommendation
For more information about this opportunity, visit the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) website (opens external site)