For decades, the “classic” American high school exchange has been a rite of passage for thousands of German teenagers and students from around the world. However, data from the last 20 years reveals a significant shift in where students are choosing to spend their exchange years.

Join fellow exchange professionals for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of student mobility over the past 23 years. With a special focus on the German market, this seminar digs into the statistics to uncover why the traditional American “monopoly” on exchange is evolving and what new destinations are capturing the interest of young people in 2026. Is the “American Dream” fading for German Gen Z and Gen Alpha, or is it simply being redefined?

We won’t just look at charts—we invite you to bring your own data, anecdotes, and questions. This session provides the statistical insights and historical context needed to strategically navigate the future of bringing European exchange students to the United States.

Presenter: Volker Dankers (Explore), James Manning (Amerigo), Ralf Köhler (AustauschKompass.de)

A team of moderators will lead small discussion groups. Participants will reflect on the “Trends and Developments” they heard in the previous session and respond to essential questions about how we shape “the New Normal” of the United States within the global secondary school exchange community.

Moderators: Ellen Hoggard (CSIET Board Member, High School in the USA), Volker Dankers (Explore), James Manning (Amerigo), Chris Page (CSIET)

Amy Rofman, Supervisory Program Analyst and U.S. Department of State Representative, will discuss the importance of BridgeUSA programs, updates and best practices in secondary school student programming.

Speaker: Amy Rofman, Supervisory Program Analyst, U.S. Dept. of State

As European-U.S. secondary school exchange programs face mounting challenges—from declining student recruitment and visa uncertainty to host family shortages and increased competition from alternative study options—the need for coordinated, strategic advocacy has never been greater. This timely panel at the CSIET International Symposium brings together leaders from across the exchange community to examine the root causes behind these trends and to identify actionable solutions. Panelists will explore shifting perceptions among European families and students, including concerns about safety, cost, academic recognition, and the evolving appeal of English-language destinations beyond the United States. The discussion will also address structural barriers, such as visa policy constraints, school district resistance, and the growing complexity of placement logistics in an increasingly regulated environment. Importantly, the session seeks to move beyond problem identification to focus on advocacy strategies that work. Panelists will share successful approaches to engaging constituents in support of youth exchange. Topics will include coalition-building across CSIET member organizations, messaging that resonates with both European and American audiences, and the role of data and storytelling in demonstrating the long-term value of exchange programs.”

Facilitator and Panelists: Chris Page (Moderator); Oscar Porras (Educatius), Maria Kovacs (InterStudy), Martin Vogt (AYUSA)

Take this opportunity to network and engage with fellow symposium attendees during a afternoon reception at ESPM featuring hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

As international student exchange adapts to a shifting landscape, scholarships are playing a critical role in expanding access and rebuilding participation. This panel highlights key government-funded and privately sponsored scholarship programs supporting high school exchanges between the United States and Italy, Spain, and Germany.

Panelists will explore flagship initiatives such as the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), alongside privately funded and hybrid models that support mobility through partial and full scholarships. The session will examine each program’s purpose, founding history, and evolution, as well as current availability and eligibility criteria across these key European markets.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of program structures, including academic-year and semester programs, as well as insights into application timelines, selection processes, and student preparation. The panel will also address how organizations can effectively promote and offer these scholarships to increase access and participation.

Designed for exchange professionals and organizational leaders, this session provides practical strategies for leveraging scholarships to strengthen transatlantic exchange, expand recruitment, and adapt to the “new normal” in global youth mobility.

Presenter: Constanze Sietz (TravelWorks), Enrique León (Aston Herencia); Mareike von Raepke (YFU)

Moderator: Fenja Heisig