Heading into the World (Auf in die Welt) Frankfurt

The “Auf in die Welt” student exchange fair is a free public information event aimed at pupils, parents and educators from across the Rhine-Main region. Since its launch in 2008, it has been organised by the Deutsche Stiftung Völkerverständigung (German Foundation for International Understanding), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting international education, intercultural competence and student exchanges throughout Germany. The foundation regularly holds the fair at different venues, usually in schools, providing a valuable platform for young people looking to pursue international opportunities.

The event takes place several times a year in various cities across Germany. Frankfurt stands out as a particularly fitting location thanks to its long-standing educational tradition and international outlook.

The fair is aimed at pupils and school leavers planning to spend time abroad during or after their school years. It provides comprehensive information on programmes such as high school exchanges, boarding schools, private schools, language courses, holiday and summer camps, as well as opportunities for those who have completed their secondary education. These include au pair placements, volunteering, internships, work and travel programmes, language trips and international study opportunities.

One of the fair's distinguishing features is its combination of impartial advice, presentations by leading student exchange organisations from across Germany, informative talks by experts and first-hand accounts from former participants. Visitors can also find information about financial support, including German student funding for studies abroad (Auslands-BAföG) and scholarship programmes, which are presented at the fair, with some scholarships also open for applications. This makes the event not only informative but also a practical starting point for taking the next steps.

The “Auf in die Welt” fair stands out for its comprehensive approach, offering an extensive overview of available opportunities, personalised advice and practical guidance – all in a single day, free of charge and independently provided. It is therefore an essential resource for families and young people seeking to make well-informed decisions about spending time abroad.

The Heading into the World (Auf in die Welt) will take place on Saturday, 13. February 2027 in Frankfurt.