Youth Exchange

About the Exchange Program


The annual Youth Exchange program is a key element of the Englewood Sister City Club. On even numbered years, eight teens from the Englewood/Northmont community travel to Germany for a five-week stay in two Billerbeck homes. On uneven years, Billerbeck youths experience life in America under a similar plan.

Trips


Both the Billerbeck and Englewood area teens have a broad range of interesting and diverse experiences during their five-week stay. The Englewood Sister City Club conducts fund-raising projects each year to underwrite the cost of most of the planned activities for the Billerbeck teens, such as:
  • A trip to Washington D.C.
  • Outings to King's Island, the Newport Aquarium and baseball games
  • Air Force Museum, Ohio Caverns and the State House
  • Festivals, fairs and family gatherings
  • Swim parties, dances and social functions
The German teens learn a great deal about our country during their stay. But more importantly, they receive a unique opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyles of typical American family homes.

Attractions


The attractions are much the same when our Englewood kids go to Germany. While a group trip to Berlin is the featured outing during their stay, the American teens enjoy a whirlwind of other activities, as well as spontaneous gatherings and outings that foster close, personal ties to the host family members and others they meet during the five weeks. Over the years, countless close friendships flourish and grow and continue with frequent communication and even return visits.

Participation


To participate in the Englewood Sister City Youth Exchange, a boy or girl must be between 15 and 17 years of age, live in the greater Englewood community, be of good character and have at least one additional year of high school remaining after they return from Germany. Follow this link to see an informational brochure (PDF).