JANNIS RETURNS AGAIN


Our Exchange Student from 2022 has returned to visit us over Christmas and New Year. Jannis has graduated from Gymnasium [German High School] with his Arbitur. The Abitur is the highest German school graduation certificate—part of what in Germany is known as the “Hochschulzugangsberechtigung” (HZB) or Higher Education Entrance Qualification. You need this qualification to study at a university in Germany.

He has decided to enroll in an Ausbildung instead of going to university. Ausbildung or Duale Ausbildung in Germany is a vocational training program or apprenticeship. It is an emerging educational system that is a combination of theoretical learning and practical training, according to the profession of the applicant. About 30-40% of the program is covered by theoretical learning in a professional school or training college (Berufschule). Along with theoretical learning, you have to practically apply the knowledge and skills in the company that has hired you for the Ausbildung. 

So Jannis is working for a Bankruptcy Consultant firm helping clients through complicated filing and reporting. He will return to Germany to begin the Berfschule in class education in March. He is already asking when he can return to California in the summer.

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