Study Abroad

The Nordsee-Internat offers its students different opportunities to get to know other countries. Starting with class trips to England (London), France or Italy to individual stays with the German School in Sao Paulo, Brazil, all the way to a 6 to 18 month stay in New Zealand with the possibility of graduating there.

Why study abroad?
In addition to the successful (and highly probable) graduation of its students, the Nordsee-Internat aims to instill in its teens a strong sense of personal responsibility and self-reliance. Beyond the various opportunities offered within our boarding school there can be no better way to learn self-reliance than by studying abroad. This also presents a unique chance to learn another language. Today, one of the most important criteria for some of the most prestigious jobs is to have spent time abroad. So it is no longer a question of should one study abroad, but rather when and where one should study abroad.

When and for how long?
It seems the best time to study abroad would ideally be after the 10th grade, meaning after achieving the "mittlere reife", or graduation upon completion of 10th grade. Possible starting times might be at the beginning of one of the four terms: February 1, May 1, or July 15

The minimum stay should be two terms, or 6 months. A 12 month stay is better. It is possible to achieve graduation from a New Zealand school (NCEA Stage 3) in 18 months.

Where abroad?
If you're going to go, go all the way - to one of the most beautiful corners of the world: New Zealand! Not only desirable because of its scenery, but also because like Finland, Japan and Canada, New Zealand consistently makes the top of the PISA rankings.

There is no better country for a sojourn abroad than New Zealand. New Zealanders themselves are famous for being open and genuine. The lifestyle is relaxed and the climate is pleasant. Besides that, New Zealand is known to be very safe. The extracurricular activities here mean living, learning, and traveling in untouched nature.

Which school and where and how will I be housed?

In a foreign country, far away from friends and family, we think the best choice is to live with a guest family. More than friends and classmates, a guest family can provide closeness and support when it comes to questions, problems or home sickness.

We work with a partner in New Zealand who is German himself, but has lived in New Zealand with his family for over 20 years. While working at a university there, he was able to establish excellent connections to the best local schools on the North Island and in and around Auckland. He helps us in choosing the right school and guest family.
The guest family is carefully selected and undergo a rigorous screening process (e.g police records, etc.). In case of any questions or concerns our partner is always available to us, the parents, and the students.

What about the costs?
The Nordsee-Internat offers the study abroad program to its students (who are qualified) for no additional charge! The only extra expenses are the flight and pocket money.

This means, the contract with our boarding school (which must be in place at least 18 months prior to departure) will simply continue. This covers housing, meals, school fees, broker fees, travel and health insurance, as well as the visa.

The Nordsee-Internat takes care of all formalities and organizational matters such as the visa application, enrollment forms, and choosing the school and guest family. The student is completely involved and must be available to aid us in this process..