Travel to Germany and Sweden this summer and dive into the history of the automobile industry in these two influential countries, and witness how tech and automotive companies are propelling us into the electrified and autonomous future. Learn about automation and design with visits to Volkswagen, BMW, and Volvo factory headquarters, and see their current and future electric vehicles. Meet with experts and industry professionals in the worlds of electrified transport, charging systems, and autonomous driving, while exploring careers related to engineering, automotive design, and urban planning.

• Explore the future of the auto industry with visits to VW, BMW, and Volvo
• Meet professionals in automotive engineering and design
• Meet with engineers developing electrified and self-driving cars
• Explore the Gothenburg archipelago of southern Sweden

“Our leaders did a great job putting our activities into perspective and encouraging us to take initiative to seek future internship opportunities.”

—Kedhar B., Wayne, NJ

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in New York, and fly together to Berlin, Germany. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Berlin & Wolfsburg — 4 days

Begin your program in Berlin, known for its vibrant art scene, diverse culinary offerings, and varied architecture. Get to know your peers and leaders with a group orientation, then dive into the history of the automotive industry in Germany, long a leader and innovator in this field and others related to tech and manufacturing. Visit a Berlin car museum and Deutsches Technikmuseum, then get out to meet and interview Berliners to get a sense of their views on automation. Meet with journalists covering the auto industry and with German policymakers working to adapt laws to this rapidly evolving technology.

While here, take time to visit important historic sites, reminders of the country’s turbulent history, and memorials for victims of the World Wars and the Holocaust. Trace the path of the Berlin Wall by bicycle, and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the Turkish market at Maybachufer.

Spend a day exploring Wolfsburg, home to Volkswagen, and learn about the scandal that rocked the automotive industry. Chat with Germans who refer to Volkswagen’s slogan “Fahrvergnügen” (“driving enjoyment”) and question whether automated vehicles can offer that same enjoyment. Visit Volkswagen’s Autostadt—an amusement park-style museum dedicated to the auto giant. Learn about the history and future of Volkswagen, experience a racing simulator, and get a peek inside the factory.

Stuttgart — 2 days

Next, head south to Stuttgart, a manufacturing city home to both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Porsche is dedicated to designing electric vehicles and Mercedes-Benz is taking its highly advanced driver assistance systems to a new level in the race to create self-driving luxury cars. Follow the production line of the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Visit the expansive and impressive museums of these two luxury giants and meet with members of the teams dedicated to bringing these brands into the future.

Munich — 3 days

Travel to Munich, headquarters of one of Germany’s best-known automakers. Visit the BMW Museum and BMW World exhibition to learn more about the history of this iconic brand. Spend an afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets of Bavarian Munich. Hear the bells chime at the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz and sample the traditional noontime meal of sausage and pretzel.

Gothenburg — 4 days

Fly to Gothenburg, Sweden, an up-and-coming tech hub and the home of Volvo. The company recently introduced cars with driver assistance technology—the first step in gaining public trust in autonomous vehicles. Meet with Volvo representatives to learn about their innovations and how they are promoting them to customers. Hear their approaches to legal and ethical concerns, and go behind the scenes on the factory floor. Meet with CEOs and industry professionals developing charging systems and autonomous vehicles. Ride an autonomous bus already on the streets of this university city. Continue your investigation of public opinion through conversations with locals on the street. Brainstorm ways that self-driving technology could be promoted in your own town.

Visit the Skansen Kronan, an old fortress perched on a hill offering spectacular views of the city. Sample fresh seafood at the fish market, take a day trip to the vehicle-free fishing islands of the archipelago, and attend outdoor summer concerts in the park. Present your project to your group and take a Tesla to the airport for your flight home.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Gothenburg, Sweden, to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Program Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.

About the Destination

Germany and Sweden are leading the way in incorporating technology into their public transportation framework. German cities feature e-vehicle ridesharing companies and autonomous buses. Sweden is second only to Norway in the number of electric vehicles sold, and has also deployed autonomous shipping pods. Germany is considered the top economy in Europe and one of the most competitive economies in the world. Sweden has a smaller economy but boasts greater economic freedom, and is also known for its social welfare system, quality of life, health and education systems, and income and gender equality.

Language

German is the official language in Germany and Swedish is the official language of Sweden.

Climate

Daytime temperatures during the summer in Germany and Sweden typically range from 70–85°F ( 20–30°C), with occasional rainfall.

Cuisine

in addition to globally recognized dishes such as bratwurst, currywurst, and schnitzel, the culinary scene in Germany, and especially in Berlin, is a reflection of its large immigrant population, including Turkish foods like kebabs, flatbreads, and salads with yogurt dressing. Swedish cuisine features a hearty mix of meat and dairy products, as well as fresh vegetables, especially in the south of the country. Potatoes are common, as are many types of delicious breads.

About the Destination

Language

German is the official language in Germany and Swedish is the official language of Sweden.

Climate

Daytime temperatures during the summer in Germany and Sweden typically range from 70–85°F ( 20–30°C), with occasional rainfall.

Cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

Review specific program questions here. For more general information, visit our full FAQ:

What are the main focuses of this program?

Putney’s high school Career program in Germany & Sweden program combines automotive engineering, design, and automation with hands-on experiences exploring the future of transportation. Students meet engineers, designers, urban planners, and other innovators, while participating in design workshops, interviews, and factory visits that introduce them to careers shaping the future of mobility.

Will students have the opportunity to practice the local language?

Proficiency in German and Swedish is not required for this program. However, if you study either language in school, you will have opportunities to practice while communicating with local people. English is used in all the offices, factories, and laboratories we visit, and previous language study is not required. Students who do not speak these languages will equally enjoy their experience and learn some basic phrases and vocabulary.

What is an Independent Project?

All students on Putney programs pursue an independent project as a way to more deeply engage with aspects of local culture that are of particular interest to them. In Germany & Sweden, you can pursue and explore an aspect of the automotive industry of particular interest to you—become an expert on the state of automation, design a mock-up of your own vehicle, or map out the changes necessary to bring electric or autonomous vehicles to your hometown.

What is the technology and cell phone policy?

To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney Student Travel experience, we do not allow use of cell phones or other internet-connected devices (including tablets, smart watches, laptops, etc.) on our middle school or high school travel programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During the group’s in-country orientation, program leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our Approach to Technology.

How physically active is this program?

This is a physically active summer travel program. Students can expect to spend time walking and cycling as they explore cities in both Germany and Sweden. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

What are the accommodations for this program?

Accommodations on our Germany & Sweden program include a mix of small and large family-run hotels, and rooms vary throughout the itinerary. In some destinations we stay in rooms that are dormitory-style (larger rooms separated by gender, with a shared bathroom), while in other destinations we stay in double rooms with private baths. Leaders reside with students for the duration of the program.

What are meals like in Germany and Sweden?

We eat most breakfasts in our accommodations, which might include bread with jam, muesli with yogurt and fruit, eggs, and sliced meats and cheeses. Lunches are either eaten in restaurants or picnic-style on the go. Dinners are eaten out at restaurants. Students can choose from a variety of local specialties, including schnitzel, currywurst, fischbrotchen and knäckebröd. All dietary needs and restrictions can be accommodated.

What type of student is most successful on this program?

Our Germany & Sweden Career program is designed for curious, motivated high school students (grades 9–12) who are interested in the future of transportation and how technology shapes the way we move through the world. Students may come with an interest in cars and motorsport, electric vehicles and charging technology, autonomous transportation, urban planning, or infrastructure design. An interest in the history and cultures of Germany and Sweden, along with a willingness to ask questions, meet new people, and explore unfamiliar ideas, will help students get the most out of the program.

What makes Germany and Sweden good locations for a Putney Student Travel program?

Germany and Sweden are global leaders in automotive innovation, sustainable transportation, and the future of mobility. From Germany’s renowned engineering tradition and automotive manufacturing expertise to Sweden’s pioneering work in electric vehicles, clean technology, and urban design, these countries provide an ideal setting for students to explore how transportation is evolving. Through Putney’s longstanding relationships with local experts, universities, companies, and organizations, students gain access to engineers, designers, and innovators working on the challenges that will define the future of transportation.

How does the Germany & Sweden program compare to Putney’s other Career programs?

This program offers a unique balance of exploration, hands-on learning, and cultural discovery. Like all Putney Career programs, students engage directly with experts and gain insight into real-world careers, but this program stands out by exploring complex topics like automotive engineering, automation, and the future of transportation through a global lens.

Our Germany & Sweden program is a great fit for students who are excited by innovation and technology but also want the opportunity to experience the culture, history, and daily life of two dynamic European countries. Students leave with a deeper understanding of emerging industries while also enjoying the exploration, independence, and adventure that make international travel so meaningful.

Do students need prior experience or specific skills to join this program?

No specific experience or technical skills are required to participate in the Germany & Sweden high school program. Students do not need a background in engineering, automotive design, or technology—just curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. The program is designed for high school students at a range of experience levels who are excited to learn, ask questions, and explore the future of transportation.

What outcomes, skills, or growth can students expect to gain from this experience?

Students leave with a deeper understanding of how engineering, design, and technology are shaping the future of transportation. They develop problem-solving skills, design thinking, and a greater awareness of potential career paths they may not have previously considered. Beyond the program themes, students gain confidence navigating new environments, communicating with new people, and exploring different cultural perspectives. Experiencing Germany and Sweden firsthand helps students broaden their understanding of innovation, collaboration, and the ways different societies approach challenges of the future.

A Day in the Life: Berlin

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day on the program.

9:00am

Eat a hearty breakfast with your group

10:00am

Visit the German Technikmuseum to check out their exhibit on transportation through the ages

12:00pm

Grab lunch from the food trucks at Alexanderplatz

2:00pm

Take a guided tour from a former race car driver of the Classic Remise museum

4:00pm

Take a bike ride to see some of Berlin’s most famous historical sites

6:00pm

Relax in Viktoriapark—toss the frisbee, relax on a picnic blanket, or take a stroll

8:00pm

Head out to a traditional German dinner of kase spaetzle and bratwurst

10:00pm

Visit Brandenburg Gate, lit up spectacularly in the evening

10:30pm

Group meeting to discuss the next day’s schedule

“Jessie came home feeling inspired, engaged, curious, and enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and their future.”

—Corrina & Peter B., Yardley, PA

Program Directed by

John Ralston

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

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Germany & Sweden

The Future of Transportation