BeSO & College Counseling

School Profile

With the dual diploma, the German International Abitur (DIA) and the High School Diploma, GISSV prepares its students for universities and careers worldwide. Making self-determined and conscious decisions about one's future educational and career path is a challenging task for students at the end of their school journey. With the diverse offerings of academic and career guidance, our expertise, and individual counseling, we support and accompany the students and their families in this decision-making process.

*Logo: Winners of an in-school student competition on the topic of Logo Design in the subject of Art/BeSO in the school year 2022/23 - Grade 11 (Katjana K., Kai F., Fabian Z.)

The Team

We closely collaborate with the school leadership team, the entire faculty, as well as our external experts and alumni network to provide and continually develop personalized, tailored, and up-to-date information and counseling services for the international student body at GISSV.

The team of academic and career counseling/Studien- und Berufsberatung consists of:

Ms. Schwadten

Teacher (Studienrätin) and Systemic Counselor (certified by DGSF), Koordinatorin der Studien- und Berufsberatung (Coordinator of Academic and Career Counseling) (Germany/Europe)

Contact: cschwadten@gissv.org

Ms. Jungeblut

Assistant Principal and College Admission Counselor (U.S. and international)

Contact: jjungeblut@gissv.org

COUNSELING AND COACHING SERVICES FOR GRADES 9-12

For individual counseling, Mrs. Jungeblut, Mr. Traynham (College Counseling USA), and Mrs. Schwadten (Academic and Career Counseling Germany/EU | Studien- und Berufsorientierung Deutschland/EU) are available for students as well as for you as parents in our individual consultations and office hours. Please feel free to email us at any time to schedule an appointment.

Additionally, as a systemic counselor, Mrs. Schwadten is also available for individual student coaching upon request.

INFORMATION AND EVENTS

With the CA High School Diploma and the German International Abitur, the world is open to our students. We provide information on various pathways and opportunities:

Info Night: Education and Study Opportunities in Germany

At the beginning of each school year, we hold a parent night to inform families (starting from Grade 10) about the education and study system in Germany, academic and (dual) career and study paths, as well as their entry requirements and financing (scholarships). We and our partners from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are happy to answer all your questions on this evening. The English-language event is of particular interest to American families who may still be largely unfamiliar with the German higher education and training system.

College Info Night: Studying in the U.S. - The Application Process

Applying to U.S. colleges is a complex process, and students need to start preparing for it already in the first year of high school. During this information session, we present an overview of the different colleges and universities in the U.S. as well as admittance requirements and financial implications. This session is especially important to students and families of grades 8 and 9 as well as newly arrived families from Germany and abroad.

Digital Trade Fairs for Education and Higher Education

The Vocatium Fair has been a well-attended fair for career and educational orientation for over 22 years. In addition to the numerous in-person events held in all regions of Germany, the Vocatium Fair is now also available as a digital fair. Once a year, 11th-grade students voluntarily participate in the digital workshops and discussions offered by the digital fair. As part of the BeSO (Berufs- und Studienorientierung = career and study orientation) class, we prepare for the fair extensively, enabling all students to arrange and attend individual appointments with selected exhibitors and educational institutions, followed by joint evaluations.

Parents also have numerous information and counseling options within the framework of this fair, which you are welcome to take advantage of individually.

Student Internship Fair at GISSV

The insights and experiences gained by students during the Job Shadowing Week and the internship in 10th grade are presented by the students at an internship fair held annually in September. We invite parents, company representatives from various internship placements, as well as students from grades 9, 10, and 12 to participate, allowing for active exchange, reflection on experiences, and the opportunity to build networks.

Internship Experiences for Grades 9–10

Job Shadowing Week (Berufspraktikum) - Grade 10

At GISSV, all 10th-grade students are required to successfully complete a one-week professional internship, known as Job Shadowing Week, at a company or organization of their choice. This can be in any field and should align with the students’ career interests. The goal is to explore potential career paths, gain insights into daily work routines, and acquire initial practical experience in applying and working. It also helps students reflect on the importance of internships and early professional networking.

The dates for Job Shadowing Week are announced at the beginning of each school year. The internship can be completed in the U.S. or Germany and is guided by mentors and our College Counselor (Germany). Students are thoroughly prepared through various events and interdisciplinary collaboration between the BeSO (Berufs- und Studienorientierung), English, Ethics, and German departments.

Additionally, the annual Job Shadowing Fair (for Grades 9–11) provides an opportunity to reflect on experiences, exchange helpful tips, and share contact information.

If you have questions or would like to offer an internship opportunity at your company, please feel free to contact our College Counselor (Germany). See contact information.

Social Service Internship (Sozialpraktikum) - Grade 9

All 9th-grade students are required to complete a mandatory social service internship, consisting of 20–25 weekly hours. This program was successfully introduced in the 2023/24 school year, though it was initially established by the school in 2019 before being delayed due to COVID.

Students are thoroughly prepared for the internship through various events and interdisciplinary collaboration between the BeSo, English, Ethics, and German departments. The program encourages students to independently find and apply for a social internship while raising their awareness of social issues and the importance of community engagement. It also aims to strengthen their social skills, including empathy, civil courage, and helpfulness.

The dates for the internship week are announced at the beginning of each school year. However, students may also complete their required hours flexibly throughout the school year. Internships can be completed in the U.S. or Germany and are supported by mentors and our College Counselor (Germany).

If you have questions or would like to offer a social internship opportunity at your organization or social service institution, please feel free to contact our College Counselor (Germany). See contact information.

MENTORING PROGRAM

"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction." (J. Crosby)

For several years now, we have been offering a personalized mentoring program at GISSV for grades 9-11. At the beginning of the school year, all students in these grade levels choose a teacher as their contact person and confidant for all matters related to their academic development. In one-on-one conversations, mentors provide individual and personalized support. The goal of the program is to enhance personal learning paths and provide assistance in the decision-making process about one's own future. More detailed information can be found here.

CAREER ORIENTATION/BeSO IN GRADES 10-11

Introduction Workshop Grade 10

In this one-day modular workshop, students in Grade 10 are introduced to essential aspects of career and study orientation at GISSV (pathways after high school in the USA/Germany). Additionally, they are encouraged to delve deeper into their own personality, strengths, individual values, goals, and future aspirations. The workshop also aims to teach them stress management skills and enhance their resilience. The results, new perspectives, thoughts, and inspirations of the students are documented in an individual portfolio, preparing them for the BeSO (career and study orientation) class.

Application Training Grade 10-11

Application training for students takes place in English class in Grade 10 and is further developed in the BeSO (career and study orientation) class in Grade 11. The formats of cover letters and resumes are practiced in English. In the BeSO class, application interviews and assessment tasks are simulated, tested, and reflected upon through group exercises.

BeSo - Career and Study Orientation as a Subject in Grade 11

In Grade 11, the BeSO class is introduced. This 45-minute class is non-graded. The aim is to provide information about study and training pathways and opportunities in Germany and the U.S., and to support students in the process of individual orientation and decision-making.

Through exercises, practical methods, various testing procedures, and group discussions, students are encouraged to engage deeply with their own personality, strengths, individual values, goals, and future aspirations, ultimately leading to a well-considered career or study choice. This process is mandatory and documented in an individually created portfolio.

To facilitate an inspiring exchange, invited guests, alumni, and experts share their career paths and personal experiences from their work lives with the students, engaging in conversations about their journeys.

ORIENTATION - PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL IN GERMANY & PARTNERSHIPS

To study in Germany or pursue a state-recognized training program with promising employment and future prospects, there are several options. The application processes for these opportunities are usually relatively short-term and often much less complex than those for American universities. An initial overview and some general research links are provided in this brief presentation. You can obtain more in-depth information and explanations at our information sessions or through personal discussions.

STUDYING IN THE U.S./ COLLEGE COUNSELING

ALUMNI NETWORK

ALUMNI NETWORK

See the video to learn more about GISSV's Career Orientation (BeSO) class and Job Shadowing Week.

SPOTLIGHTS
Field Trips - Experts in the Classroom - BeSO Class

DAS Alumni Panel Discussion 2024: Opening Doors to Colleges Worldwide

Six graduates of German International Schools in North America shared how the German International Abitur opened doors to top colleges around the world. It was great to hear firsthand how the Abitur helped our alumni navigate their academic journeys and secure spots at leading universities. Special shout-out to our GISSV alumnus Matthew (GISSV class of 2015) and a big thanks to our fantastic moderator, Jens Korte, President & Senior Correspondent at New York German Press, who reports daily from the New York Stock Exchange!

DAS Alumni Panel Discussion 2023: Building a Career on the German Abitur

Ten German International School graduates in North America shared exciting career insights during our first virtual alumni panel. Thanks to the global school network, they seamlessly relocated, embraced challenging programs, made friends worldwide, excelled at prestigious institutions, and now enjoy successful careers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Gratitude to all participants, alumni, and a special shout-out to our GISSV alumni Roline and Jack! Many thanks to our fantastic moderator, Jens Korte.

BeSO & College Counseling

SPOTLIGHTS Field Trips - Experts in the Classroom - BeSO Class

DAS Alumni Panel Discussion 2024: Opening Doors to Colleges Worldwide

DAS Alumni Panel Discussion 2023: Building a Career on the German Abitur

SPOTLIGHTS
Field Trips - Experts in the Classroom - BeSO Class