Study German in Germany:
Alongside bringing German teachers into UK classrooms, UK–German Connection also offers..
pupils the opportunity to take language learning beyond the classroom through the German Pupil Courses (Deutschland Plus). These two-week immersive programmes give UK pupils the chance to travel to Germany, speak German in real-life contexts, and experience culture, school life, and host family life first-hand.
Pre-Departure Online Preparation
Before travelling, all participants take part in mandatory online pre-course webinars. These sessions allow pupils to meet their group leader and fellow participants, ask questions, and prepare for the experience ahead. They also provide important guidance on logistics, course structure, and outreach activities to ensure pupils feel fully supported and confident before departure.
Eligibility and Course Options
There are two course options:
Option 1
For pupils in Year 12 (England/Wales), Year 13 (Northern Ireland) or S5 (Scotland), with at least two years of German study and meeting UK residency requirements.
Option 2
For pupils in Year 10 (England/Wales), Year 11 (Northern Ireland) or S3 (Scotland), also with at least two years of German study and meeting residency criteria.
Preference is given to pupils with strong engagement in German and a genuine interest in German-speaking culture. Places are limited and may be restricted to one participant per school.
Life on the Course in Germany
Participants travel in groups of 12 pupils with a UK group leader and stay with carefully selected German host families. The programme includes:
- Daily German language and culture lessons
- Joint activities with German pupils
- Thematic workshops and collaborative projects
- Cultural excursions and regional trips
- Everyday life with host families, including social and cultural experiences
This immersive structure enables pupils to use German naturally throughout the day in both formal and informal settings.
Dates, Costs and Support
The courses take place between mid-July and the end of August across three locations in Germany. For 2026, dates include:
- Option 1: 15–29 July or 18 August–1 September
- Option 2: 18 August–1 September
Courses are part-funded by the German government (PAD) and the UK Department for Education. Participants pay £300 towards travel between London and Germany and related costs. Additional costs include domestic travel, insurance, and pocket money. Financial support may be available in cases of need.
A Transformative Language Experience
The German Pupil Courses offer far more than a study trip. They transform German from a classroom subject into a lived experience—helping pupils build confidence, independence, and intercultural understanding through real-world immersion in Germany.