Programs abroad

As a non-profit organization, Open Door International e.V. has been organizing stays abroad for young students in twelve different countries for over 25 years.

Here we would like to introduce our different outbound programs to you.

World-wide student exchange

For all young students who want to discover the world while they are still in high school, ODI offers Academic Year Programs in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Ecuador, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Spain and the USA. Student exchange is a great opportunity to discover a foreign country from a different viewpoint, as it offers aspects which cannot be found in a simple vacation. The students submerge into a foreign culture and a foreign country and thereby develop sensibility and a better understanding of people and the way of life in different nations. In our opinion, these international encounters are a great contribution to a peaceful co-existence of all people.
We also offer short-term programs for those who don’t feel like going abroad for a longer period of time yet.

Work & Travel in Australia or New Zealand (18+)

ODI offers the opportunity to discover Australia or New Zealand on one’s own initiative. With our Work & Travel Program, the time frame and route can be determined freely. Individual travellers can stay live, work and travel in the country for up to twelve months. Possible jobs can be found in the restaurant business or in crop-collection.
ODI offers different starter packages and supports the participants in planning and organizing their stays.

Volunteer Work in Argentina, China, India, South Africa or Tanzania (18+)

Since June 2011, ODI also offers volunteering programs. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in different volunteering projects in Argentina, China, India, South Africa and Tanzania. The volunteer work offers unique insight to the circumstances and habits of the native population.  Such encounters strengthen the awareness of difference through unity.

Scholarships

Since the 2005/2006 school year, ODI awards scholarships for Academic Year Programs in various countries. These scholarships are awarded to students who are commited to voluntary and community services. Hereby, ODI wants to honor voluntary commitment and show how important it is to contribute to society through voluntary services. These days, especially students are under great pressure and have less free time.  If students spend their spare time supporting other people or projects, their commitment should be honored through acknowledgements like scholarships for an exchange year abroad.