Are you a Transition Year student aged 15 to 17 who has been studying German as a foreign language in the 2nd and 3rd year? German is the 3rd most popular foreign language in Ireland (source: Irish Time 2023).
With the oral and written components of the Leaving Certificate now worth 45% of your overall grade, there has never been a better time to immerse yourself in the German language and culture. Imagine the difference it would make to speak German every day—by the time Sixth Year comes around, you’ll be ready to shine.
Looking for an exciting way to fast-track your German fluency and boost your Leaving Certificate results? Spending part of your school year in Germany is the perfect solution! Learn more about your options.
Looking for more advice? Talk to a Nacel Advisor!
Why choose to do a Transition Year program in Germany?
Attending a German Secondary School during your Transition Year is more than just an academic program—it's a life-changing adventure. What do you know about Germany? Its Bavarian castles, the Berlin Wall? The sausages? Soccer? What else? Enrich your cultural knowledge. We offer exciting and welcoming TY programs for Irish students. Discover the benefits of learning German in Germany.
Here’s what makes this program ideal for TY students:
- Full German language immersion
When you live with a German host family and attend classes in German, you’ll practice speaking, reading, and writing every day. You’ll quickly pick up natural expressions, improve your pronunciation, and expand your vocabulary far beyond what’s taught in Irish classrooms.
- Unique academic experience
You’ll attend a Gymnasium or a Realschule (German Secondary School), where subjects may include:
- German
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- History and Social Sciences
- Music, Philosophy, and Civics
- Foreign Languages
All classes are taught in German, but don’t worry—students usually adapt faster than expected.
Ask for a Handbook about High School exchange in Germany
- A different school day
German school days usually start early, around 7:30 AM, and finish between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, with some physical education classes in the afternoon. This leaves plenty of free time to explore your host community, participate in activities such as sports, and use your German language skills outside the classroom.
- Cultural discovery
Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience daily life in Germany—enjoy local traditions, festivals, and food, and discover the country’s rich heritage. From visiting iconic landmarks to forming lifelong friendships, your stay will be packed with unforgettable moments.
Attend a High School in Germany during your Transition Year
Ready for the adventure? At Nacel, we specialize in offering high-quality educational exchange programs for students looking to improve their language skills abroad. Our Transition Year program in Germany includes:
- Placement at a German Secondary School (usually Gymnasium or Realschule)
- Carefully selected German host families
- Full support before and during your stay thank sto our German local coordinators
Explore our TY programs in Germany:
- Short-term German host family and school immersion (for a few weeks only)
- Long-term High School exchange in Germany (Classic, no location choice)
- Long-term High School exchange in Germany (Select, location choice)
Whether you stay for a few weeks, a trimester, a semester, or full academic year, this program is ideal for students who want to boost their German and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
Book your Transition year program in Germany!
