Dinu, a senior at McNair Academic High School, has been selected for the Congress-Bundestag
Youth Exchange (CBYX) program, one of the most prestigious and competitive international
exchange opportunities available to American high school students.
Sponsored jointly by the United States Congress and the German Bundestag (Parliament), the
fully funded scholarship will allow Dinu to spend the 2026–2027 academic year in Germany.
During the program, he will live with a German host family, attend a local school, and participate
in civic, cultural, and educational activities designed to foster international understanding and
leadership.
Each year, only about 250 American students are selected nationwide to participate in CBYX.
Established in 1983, the program was created to strengthen the relationship between the United
States and Germany by promoting person-to-person diplomacy and cultural exchange. For
more than four decades, it has provided young Americans with the opportunity to experience life
in Germany while serving as youth ambassadors for their communities and country.
The CBYX selection process is highly competitive and includes three rounds. After completing 2
rounds of written applications, selected semifinalists participate in an in-person selection event
featuring a panel interview and a group activity that evaluates leadership, communication, and
teamwork.
The program places a strong emphasis on civic engagement and democratic values.
Participants are immersed in German society and encouraged to explore how citizens contribute
to their communities, engage with public institutions, and participate in civic life. Throughout the
year, students attend leadership seminars, cultural events, and educational programs that
promote cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation.
In addition to living and studying in Germany, CBYX scholars have unique opportunities to
engage with government and diplomatic institutions. Participants attend official events and
seminars throughout the year and may visit the German Bundestag in Berlin, where they learn
about Germany’s parliamentary system and democratic institutions. Students also have
opportunities to interact with officials from both countries and participate in events connected to
the U.S. Embassy in Germany, further strengthening the program’s focus on international
diplomacy and civic engagement.
Through the program, Dinu hopes to gain a deeper understanding of German society, improve
his language skills, and develop a broader perspective on the role citizens play in democratic
societies. “CBYX is an incredible opportunity to experience another culture firsthand and learn
from people whose perspectives and life experiences may be very different from my own,” Dinu
said. “I am excited to represent my school, my community, and the United States while building
connections that I hope will last a lifetime.” As he prepares for a year abroad, Dinu joins a
distinguished network of CBYX alumni who have gone on to careers in public service, law,
diplomacy, business, education, and international affairs, carrying forward the program’s mission
of strengthening transatlantic alliances.