Our exchange programmes

1. Information-gathering interview with Salem's International Office
2. English-language application
3. Reports gathered from boarding school mentor and class teacher
4. Decision to accept application by head of studies and head of boarding school
5. Extensive application portfolio prepared for the partner school
   (personal information and profile, academic record, boarding school report, class teacher report, certificate of health, vaccination record, parental approval)
6. Selection of foreign school made together with the International Office
   (residency in boarding school or with guest family)
7. If necessary: Visa application arranged by the family of the Salem student
8. Travel arrangements organized by the family of the Salem student

In which countries are our exchange school partners located? 

• North America: Canada, U.S.A.
• South America: Peru
• Europe: Switzerland, France, UK, Spain
• Africa: South Africa
• Asia: India, China, Singapore
• Pacific: Australia, New Zealand

What kind of schools are involved?

• Boarding schools (both co-educational and girls' or boys' schools)
• Day schools (with host families)

What are the prerequisites for a successful application?

• Submission of application in English by the deadline
• Good academic record (above-average marks on current grade report)
• Above-average involvement in boarding school community (e.g., as office holder, activity leader); the student is a dedicated member of the community and judged to be a worthy representative of Salem and Germany
• Approval from heads of boarding school and academic studies
• Readiness to host exchange students in Salem, also during school holidays
• Extensive application portfolio for the partner school
• Readiness to make a presentation about Salem at the partner school
• Willingness to maintain contact with teachers and fellow students in Salem regarding current classroom assignments, with subsequent independent self-study
• Continued pursuit of long-term projects
• Presentation at school assembly in Salem
• Written report in English about exchange experience (to be graded by English teacher) within three weeks upon return

What are the duties of an exchange student?

• Active participation in the preparation phase
• Precise agreements with all subject teachers before beginning the exchange
• Regular feedback during the exchange
• Presentation about Salem at school assembly of the partner school
• Hosting of exchange students in Salem
• Hosting of exchange students during shorter school holidays as needed

What deadlines must be observed?

• Counseling interviews take place throughout the Ages with the staff of the International Office
• Applications must be submitted in the school Ages prior to the planned exchange 
• Class 10 students who newly admitted to the school may submit an application by the beginning of the autumn Holidays

When do exchanges take place?

• Exchanges may take place in any of the three trimesters, as well as during the summer holidays
• Newly admitted students may participate no earlier than the 3rd trimester of their first Ages at Salem

How long does an exchange last?

Individual Exchange:

• Approximately six weeks for students holding important offices at Salem
• Up to three months for all other students

Group Exchange:

• China exchange program lasts approximately 10 days
• France Exchange program lasts approximately 1 week

What costs are involved?

• Airline fare
• Pocket money
• Gifts for hosts
• Security deposit to the exchange partner school
• Exchange students continue to pay school fees at their home schools

Who can apply?

• Every student in the middle school
• Preference is given to students in  their last Ages of middle school (IC10 and Ages 10 D)
• Students with an exemplary academic record
• Students with a good academic and boarding school profile
• Students who have not incurred repeated disciplinary measures

Will the exchange school provide certificate of attendance?

• In most cases the exchange student will receive an official certificate.