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Student exchange Germany-UK

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hinrimic

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dear all, I am a father of a 17 year old daugther with Typ1 diabetes (since 2008). She will finish school this year and wants to spend a year abroad preferably UK before starting her studies. The UK experience could be anything from language training, internship, au-pair, pre-studies preferably hosted by a family with sound diabetes experience. We are also considerig an ex-change with a Diabetes 1 UK student . We do live close to Duesseldorf in a semi detached house with sufficient space. We have 3 daughters between 17 (twins) and 24 . Any ideas, interests, insights are welcome

thanks in advance

Mike
 
Hi @hinrimic

What kind of school does your daughter attend? Would you expect her to attend school in England, and would her school be happy for her exchange student to attend her school in Dusseldorf?

The main problem with a school-based exchange is that while in Germany you don't sit official exams until Abitur in Class 12 or 13, in England pupils spend much of secondary school sitting exams: one of two GCSEs at age 15, half a dozen more at age 16, then intensive A-level courses for two years with an exam at age 18, and then they leave school. This makes it hard to fit in an exchange, though I have seen one example of a 17-year-old German student doing an exchange with a 13-year-old English one. Or she might have more luck looking for a job as a mother's help or an au pair.

I read your post as I thought my family might be suitable, but I don't think it would fit as my children are boys aged 13 and 15. However, you could try writing to schools directly, as some encourage exchanges and keep a database of interested families. If by any chance your daughter attends the Waldorf school then definitely write to the English Waldorf schools.

Kate
 
Hi Kate, thanks for your reply. Barbara will have finished school by June this year (Abitur). The aim of her stay is to get some abroad experience and improve her language skills. So it could be an internship or family support or courses. Schools in Germany generally do accept students from abroad
Mike
 
Just a thought have you got a twinning association there. I see your twin town in the uk is reading, you may get help going that way


Type 2 diagnosed 24/01/2013.
Novomix 30, Victoza, metformin 2000mg sr (but not taking them as they play havoc with my insides,
 
Hi there

I have a diabetic daughter (who is 6) and 2 older daughters who have just turned 18 & 19 - we just happen to live in Reading.

I also have 3 other young children (aged 5 months - 6yrs) so an au pair would be amazing!

We have lots of other things that would need to be taken in to consideration and it may not actually be possible for us to help at all, but when would your daughter be looking to come over to the UK?

If we aren't able to offer her a place to stay but your daughter does end up in Reading or somewhere nearby, we would always be around for help and support.

Laura



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