We
... are the GLS team in Berlin.
+49 30 780089 - 21
FAQ: Coronavirus & high school exchange in Germany
Corona / Covid 19 - the "new normal"
In August 2021 we welcomed 129 exchange students in Germany, and we expect more students to arrive in February 2022 (see photos). Covid 19 will continue to accompany us for some time, which naturally raises questions. Below you will find the answers to the most frequently asked ones.
Questions?
The GLS High School team in Berlin (photo above, more about them) is happy to answer your questions at any time: german@gls-berlin.de, +49 30 780089 - 21, Skype: glsberlin. The answers to some frequent questions can already be found here, under the videos.
Student experiences with Covid-19
Giulia (from Italy) and Emiliano (from Mexico) about attending a secondary school in Germany (both in Koblenz) in times of Corona:
FAQ 0: In times like these - does it make sense to go to Germany?
Ultimately only you can decide that. Our point of view:
Corona is a pandemic that affects the whole world. Wherever you are - you can't escape it. So you might as well come to Germany and use your time:
A school stay abroad is probably the best and most intensive way to explore a different culture. The experience will help you grow up, becoming a mature and self-confident person. This is already true in "normal" times, and even more so now, with Covid-19.
FAQ 1: Will it be possible to enter Germany?
Yes, entry is possible from EU member states and also from many countries overseas. Which ones please see on the website of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Please keep in mind that the situation can change at any time, in both directions: that entry restrictions will be imposed, but also that they will be lifted again.
- Daily Corona updates for Berlin please see on visitberlin.de
FAQ 2: What happens if the visa is not granted?
In that case the money you paid for the visa application is lost, as the German embassies don't refund it. GLS will refund the money you paid for the exchange program, except the deposit of 500 Euro.
FAQ 3: What about a possible quarantine?
See the current regulations of the website of the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
If quarantine is prescribed for you despite vaccination, it will be organized in individual cases. In the best case you can spend the quarantine with your host family. Otherwise, there is the possibility to make a request to hotels. GLS will be happy to help you and make sure that your stay is pleasant and that all regulations are met. In any case, GLS recommends a complete vaccination against the corona virus before start of your program.
FAQ 4: Are there host families in Corona times?
Yes, there are. All of us - including the host families - have already been living with COVID-19 for some time by now, i.e. the situation is no longer new. Unlike at the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, the parameters are known today and appropriate measures have been initiated.
So don't worry: host families are available, it may just take a little longer than usual to find a suitable one, i.e. one among whose members is not one that belongs to a risk group.
FAQ 5: What does everyday school life look like?
Usually classes in German secondary schools take place face-to-face in the classroom. But at the moment it is difficult to predict what will happen next - whether schools will be closed, for example, and if so, for how long.
Germany consists of 16 federal states, and each state may handle the pandemic differently. Which means, there could be a lockdown for schools in some cities, while they stay open in others.
If a school is closed, classes usually take place online, meaning that you study at home with your host family.
It is also possible that extracurricular activities such as choir or theater group are restricted or not possible, but outdoor sports such as jogging, hiking or cycling are definitely possible.
FAQ 6: What about vacation and a trip home inbetween?
An understandable wish, but not a good idea - not even in "healthy" times. If you go home in between, you interrupt your integration process in Germany. If you really want to learn the language and to familiarize with German culture and everyday life, we recommend to stay and spend as much time as possible in Germany.
And this is especially true in times of the Corona Pandemic. Traveling back and forth means an unnecessary risk of infection, for you and also for your classmates and host family.
FAQ 7: Will I get money back if I want to leave Germany earlier due to Covid-19?
That depends: If you yourself decide to leave earlier, there is no refund.
If it's not your decision and you must leave earlier (because - say - the German goverment issues a respective order), we will refund saved expenses, for example for lodging and meals not used. Most expenses are non-refundable, e.g. fees for registering you with the school, government agency or health insurance. GLS has invested a lot of preparatory work and staff time to make your school stay in Germany possible. And these costs have already accrued, regardless of whether you short-cut or finish the program. Thus these costs are not refundable.
FAQ 8: What if I fall ill while in Germany?
If you fall ill in Germany, from Corona or any other disease, this is covered by the (travel) health insurance that you can book via GLS.
The (travel) health insurance will cover the medical treatment.
It helps if you prepare yourself mentally for a few eventualities: There is no guarantee that your parents will be able to travel to Germany, in case you fall ill (due to possible travel restrictions). Also possible: You have to go into quarantine because a classmate tested positive for Corona, i.e. you have to isolate yourself in your host family's house for some time.
Just be prepared, but don't worry: We, the GLS team, are at your side and will always be available for you.
Contact:
german@gls-berlin.de
+49 30 780089 - 21
Skype: glsberlin
