Azubis USA
Scholarships for College Visits in the U.S.
Would you like to travel to the U.S. during your training and gain international experience? Our exchange program offers you exactly that opportunity.
The application period for 2026 has ended. The next one is expected to start in May 2027.
Application
Who is eligible to apply?
Trainees are eligible to apply if they:
- are at least 18 and no more than 27 years old at the time of departure and are still in an apprenticeship,
- are completing their training in one of the following regions: the Hamburg metropolitan region or Schleswig-Holstein
- have sufficient English language skills,
- have little or no previous experience abroad.
Schedule Overview
- May 1 – June 30, 2026: Application period
- September 2026: Interviews
- October 2026: Selection
- Mid-March – End of April 2027: Travel period (6-week college program)
Why apply to “Azubis USA”?
- No interruption in education
- College stays in the U.S.
- High cost coverage through the scholarship
What does the scholarship offer?
Integration of Theory and International Practice:
- Customized specialized courses
- Company tours/specialized lectures
- English courses (various levels)
- Peer-buddy system with KSU students
- Cultural activities
Personal development and international experience:
- Development of intercultural communication skills
- Building self-confidence and independence
Details of the Scholarship
The scholarship includes:
- Organization of a college visit
- Pre- and post-visit seminars
- Cultural activities
- Round-trip flight to the U.S.
- Costs and arrangement of accommodation
- International health insurance
- Monthly stipend for educational expenses during the stay
- Personal and academic support on site
To be paid by the participant:
- Meal expenses in the U.S.
- Costs for obtaining a new passport
- Travel expenses to the following events: selection interview as well as preparatory and follow-up meetings in Hamburg
Travel period: 2027
The trip for the class of 2026 will take place in March/April 2027. The trip will last six weeks.
Good reasons
Only about five percent of all trainees spend part of their training abroad, even though there are many good reasons to do so. After all, a stay abroad:
- improves foreign language skills
- provides insights into the international job market
- strengthens personal and professional development
- promotes understanding of political contexts and transatlantic relations
- expands your (professional) network
- boosts self-confidence
Networking Day – U.S. Mobility in Vocational Education and Training
On September 25, 2026, we invite you to the eighth networking day focused on apprentice mobility and transatlantic exchange. Representatives from vocational education and training, training companies, exchange organizations, ministries, chambers of commerce, as well as alumni and interested individuals will discuss current developments, funding opportunities, and experiences in German-American exchange programs.
The program includes a keynote address by Dr. Andreas Etges (LMU Munich), short presentations, discussions, and a variety of networking opportunities. Participation is free of charge. Registration is open until August 31, 2026.
When: September 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Joachim Herz Foundation, Langenhorner Chaussee 384, 22419 Hamburg
Contact
The best way to contact us is by email.
“Life on the KSU campus gave me the opportunity to interact directly with American students. Above all, I learned to look at things from a different perspective. And I was able to significantly improve my English.”
Tobias, Technischer ProduktdesignerContact Our Alumni
Our alumni answer questions—for example, by phone, email, or messenger—about their time in the U.S. Interested trainees and vocational school teachers can email azusa(at)joachim-herz-stiftung(dot)de with the following information, and we will promptly put you in touch.
- Subject: Question for alumni
- Name and state
- Occupation (trainee, teacher, which profession/subject)
- Contact information (phone number, email address) and, if applicable, times when you are easily reachable.