I am a sophmore currently but am applying for my junior year. I was wondering if something like this would look good to colleges and universities because i know it probably messes up your credits and stuff like that and my resume is a huge deal to me. The program is sponsored by the US State Department and is called the Congress-Bundestag program.. anyone ever heard of it or know of anyone who might have gone? Any advice on foreign exchange experience would be very helpful!

While the other poster gave some good info, unfortunately it's all related to college and by your question, you are a high school student.

First, colleges and universities LOVE exchange students, to the point where many offer preferred admissions and/or scholarships! Your organization may have a list of those which do. In addition, learning another language will be a huge benefit to you in the workforce after college (especially if you keep it up). So, no worries on your resume!

As to you high school credits, you need to sit down with your counselor and discuss what classes you might need to take now, or in the summer. Many take American History in their sophomore year if going on a junior year exchange for example. Find out what credits your high school will grant you for your exchange year -- at a minimum you should receive foreign language, social studies and math. Since you will most likely be placed in a gymnasium (highest secondary school level in Germany) you probably will have English and science as well. Then get a list of what classes you will need in your senior year. Graduating on time should be no problem -- but, GET IT IN WRITING!

As to the exchange experience in general, I will refer you to Exchange Student World. This is a web site written by exchange students covering the entire gamut of the experience from the idea to returning home! http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

Good luck and have fun!