The summer exchange program spans two consecutive summer vacations and operates independently of public or private school programs in Western New York. For example, students from Dortmund will visit Buffalo during the 2026 summer break, while students from Buffalo will travel to Dortmund in the summer of 2027. Whenever possible, the same exchange partners from 2026 will be paired again for the 2027 visit. Each stay lasts three weeks.
Expected dates for the next exchange
Visit in Buffalo
July 18 to August 08, 2026 (July 18 to July 21 the German group will be in NYC
Return visit in Dortmund
July 17 to August 09, 2027
Young people aged 14 to 18 are invited to participate in the exchange program, which offers 30 spots—15 for participants from Dortmund and 15 from Buffalo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
During the 2026 summer vacation, young people from Dortmund will travel to Buffalo. They will fly from Germany to New York City, spending four days there before taking a private coach to Buffalo, where their host families and program director, Amy Hardy, will be waiting to welcome them. In Buffalo, they will join their American exchange partners for an exciting excursion and sightseeing program, featuring activities like high ropes climbing, river rafting, and trips to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and an amusement park.
The return visit to Dortmund will take place during the 2027 summer vacation. Alongside their German host students, participants will enjoy a variety of excursions and activities. The program features visits to local landmarks in Dortmund, including the BVB football stadium, as well as a multi-day trip to Germany’s capital, Berlin, and the Dutch city of Amsterdam.
