Apply now for the 2026 Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program!
Important Dates
June 19, 2026: Millstadt students depart to Germany
July 17, 2026: Millstadt students return home along with German exchange students
August 14, 2026: German students return home
Applications can be submitted electronically through the Google Form links below OR by downloading the PDF and emailing to millstadtyouthambassadors@gmail.com. Questions? Contact Otto Faulbaum at 618-719-6726.
sign up to work the Weihnachtsest Dec. 7 by clicking on the link below To show that you are serious about your interest in our program
sign up to work the Weihnachtsest Dec. 7 by clicking on the link below To show that you are serious about your interest in our program
Interested in the program? Sign up to help at the 2025 Weihnachtsfest!
Every participant in our Youth Ambassador Exchange Program is required to volunteer at the Millstadt Weihnachtsfest and St. Charles Oktoberfest. Click the SignUpGenius link above to choose a volunteer time at the Weihnachtsfest on December 7, 2025 to help in fundraising efforts. Demonstrating your commitment before being selected into the program goes a long way during interviews to participate in the Youth Ambassador Exchange. We look forward to meeting you!
About the Youth Exchange Program
The Millstadt Sister Cities Youth Ambassador Exchange offers local high school students a unique opportunity to experience life abroad while strengthening the bond between Millstadt and its sister city, Groß-Bieberau, Germany. Each summer, up to five Millstadt students spend four weeks living with host families in Germany, followed by a reciprocal month-long visit when their German exchange partners come to Millstadt. Through everyday family life, school activities, group trips, and cultural experiences, participants gain new perspectives, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation of both communities.
Since the program began in 2001, more than 90 Millstadt students and 100 German students have taken part in this exchange. Participants are selected through an application and interview process, and families play an active role by hosting visiting students and supporting program fundraisers. With the guidance of the Millstadt Sister Cities Organization, the exchange provides both students and families with a safe, structured, and meaningful cultural experience that continues to strengthen the partnership between Millstadt and Groß-Bieberau.What makes this program unique?
A Small-Group Opportunity
Our Youth Ambassador Exchange accepts only five students each year — ensuring each participant receives personal attention and a meaningful experience. This small-group format creates a close community where students grow together through genuine cultural connection and hands-on learning.
Personal Growth & Discovery
This program is for students who crave independence, deeper self-knowledge, and real-world experience beyond social media. Participants challenge themselves to step outside their comfort zone, connect meaningfully with people from another culture, and discover their own strengths along the way.
Lifelong Impact
For more than 20 years, the Millstadt Sister Cities Exchange has helped over 100 students transform their perspectives, confidence, and goals. Alumni have formed lifelong international friendships and even shaped their careers based on what they discovered during the program. This is a proven path to meaningful growth and global understanding.
Is this program right for you?
Ask yourself…
How do you imagine your future self?
Are you curious about the world — and about who you might become in it?
Are you brave enough to put down your phone, step away from social media, and have real conversations that lead to real friendships?
Do you believe you already know everything it takes to be successful — or are you ready to keep learning?
Are you open to seeing life from a new perspective?
Are you ready to challenge yourself and discover your inner strength?
Are you prepared to take your first big step toward independence?
Do you sometimes feel different from the people around you — and wish to find a place where that difference feels like a strength?
Do you crave the freedom to explore, grow, and prove to yourself that you can thrive on your own — even halfway across the world?
FAQs
For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions, please download the file.
Who is eligible to participate?
High school students who have completed their freshman through junior year are eligible to apply. Students from Millstadt Consolidated School District #160 will be given preference if they apply before other students have been selected to join the exchange.
How are students selected?
A selection committee reviews student and host family applications, teacher recommendations, and interviews. Candidates are chosen for their maturity, adaptability, and ability to represent Millstadt and the U.S. positively during the exchange.
Do I need to speak German to participate?
No. Knowledge of German is not required—most German students and host families speak English well.
How much does the program cost and is financial assistance available?
Families share in program costs, while Millstadt Sister Cities covers part of the airfare, travel insurance, and a Chicago group trip. Each host family also receives a $500 stipend when their German student arrives. Families of Youth Ambassadors are obligated to assist in the Millstadt Sister Cities Weihnachtsfest and St. Charles Oktoberfest fundraising events which help support the program.
What kinds of activities will the students participate in while abroad and back home?
Participants live with host families, attend classes at the Albert-Einstein-Schule in Groß-Bieberau or Belleville West High School, and join in family events, community gatherings, and local sightseeing. In Germany, activities may include sports practices, group excursions, or a multi-day trip to Berlin. When hosting in Millstadt, students enjoy a welcome pizza party, progressive dinner, local tours, a potluck BBQ, and a three-day trip to Chicago. The focus is on cultural immersion, friendship, and seeing everyday life through a new perspective.
Past Participants
The following is a list of USA and German student participants since 2001. To get in contact with a student to hear more about their experience, please contact Otto Faulbaum at 618-719-6726.
2025
Thomas Frame – Lena Keil
John Lukomski – Larissa Monnard
2024
Mylie Ann Robertson – Katharina Pesche
Caleb Gruenewald – Julian Krahl
Kaleb Pfiel – Leonard Hasse
Maelyn Vogel / John Lukomski – Lasse Schmidt
Molly Mehrtens – Lenia von Berg
2023
(Adult hosts paired with Youth Ambassadors)
Jane & Dave Kuester – Daniel Koohestanian
Charlene & Otto Faulbaum – Anna Tempel
Charlene & Otto Faulbaum – Merle Neurath
Tracy & Ned Brubeck – Lara Kleemann
Francie Woods & Jim Klein – Theresa Maurer
Francie Woods & Jim Klein – Johanna Keil
2022
Sydni Juhas – Marie Heinevetter
Shanan Riley – Nele Fuchs
2021
(Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
2020
(Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic)
2019
Sophia Biehl – Luca Amann
Devin Tucker – Charlotte Breid
2018
Erica Gruenewald – Liona Rücker
Alyssa Riley – Anne Hartwein
Katherine Stedman – Dennis Barkhausen
Madeleine Trinity – Jana Schneider
Reily Wills – Noah Attardo
2017
Elle Doerr
Sarah Glaeser – Nele Lehmann
Maxwell Juhas – Miriam Büchler
Sam Rosenkranz – Philipp Kraus
Joseph Watson – Katharina Hechler
2016
Annabelle Brown – Marvin Böck
Andrew Graf – Jannis Barkhausen
Ethan Lamons – Pascal Thieroff
Lydia Taylor – Zora Walter
Savannah Tiemann – Olivia Herrmann
2015
Joseph Buessink – Tomke Joechel
Madeleine Brown – Lara Pritsch
Eli Tiemann – Katharina Eisele
Peter Weck – Hannah Palicki
Amanda Wegner – Hanna Bartels
2014
Megan Glaeser – Ann-Catherine Thieroff
Nick Harry – Ilka Meisinger
Jillian Rosenkranz – Hannah Göckel
Hannah Seidlitz – Milena Dahlhof
Jordan Tastad – Clemens Boehm
2013
Joseph Early – Lennart Hermann
Abigail McNames – Annalena Hechler
Carli Tastad – Mia Schmitz
Alexandra Watson – Christian Uhl
Ryan J. Weck – Cem Dagdeviren
2012
Anna Fishbein – Caroline Fischer
Sarah Gruenewald – Adriana Sophia Schenkel
Danielle Hawthorne – Kerstin Leonhard
Nick Klein – Philipp Schellhaas
Rachel Streufert – Finia Penelope Jost
2011
Victoria Braner – Sophia Landzettel
Josephine “Josi” Gass – Lena Schalle
Hannah Harry – Francesca Volz
Henry “Hank” Weck – Karl-Jacob Liebig
Tyler Wilson – Sascha Niklas Jung
2010
Samantha Glaeser – Penelope Grosshaus
Abbie Rolland – Paula Schmidt
Ryan Sisk – Felix Schmidt
Gavin Wilhite – Carsten Fischer
Catherine Young – Anna Aouam
2009
Amanda Araiza – Katrin Bock
Amanda Klein – Lisann Gultz
Kevin Logan – Justus Boehm
Alexandra Rist – Felix Braune
2008
Thomas Granger – Caroline Uhl
Emma Kuester – Luisa Wagner
Lauren Ross – Johanna Brandt
Nolan Wilhite – Christine Fischer
2007
Alex Araiza – Max Boehm
Jamison Klein – Stefanie Krell
Sarah Lantry – Johanna Fornoff
Anne Touchette – Kathrin Steinbach
Colin Zychlewicz – Alisa Schnellbecher
2006
Drew Hall – Tobias Massat
Noah Kuester – Leah Volz
Brian Lantry – Lars Kipferl
Gene Rodemich – Magdalena Bofinger
Patrick Touchette – Justina Voehl
2005
Lauren Acker – Lisa Ackermann
Christine Hummert – Anna Wagner
Kristen Skaer – Tabea Beilstein
Ralf Kolmer
2004
Kyle Braun – Max Benkenstein
Brent Colbert – Michael Kreider
Lauren Davinroy – Niko Schnellbächer
Laura Fite – Jonas Bofinger
Rebecca Fite – Corinne Kolmer
2003
Adam Kuester – Tobias Kessler
Becca Meyer – Paul Wagner
Tara Mueth – Stephanie Lautenschläger
Amanda Rist – Jennifer Göckel
Katie Williams – Nicole Lotz
2002
Paige Brubeck – Noemie Buxmann
Stewart Calhoun – Christoph Klement
Michael Newman – Till Volz
Stacy Woehlke – Lena Richter
Brandon Zollner – Johanna Weber
2001
Philip Cornett – Ben Gulatz
Amanda Parsons-Twesten – Nico Erbs
Gwen Rehling – Kirsten Joachim
Janne Ripper – Erika Schlaht