Bildungsurlaub is allowed across 14 of the 16 German states. Because this is done at a state level, it means that courses that want to be recognised need to go through the process numerous times.

“We are now working with more than 140 schools”

CEO of Bildungsurlaub Service Provider, Sebastian Ernst, told The PIE News that since relaunching the site in October, the faster and more clearly arranged, mobile friendly database has attracted more attention.

“We already have a lot more business since starting the new webpage and we are now working with more than 140 schools as a service provider for the Bildungsurlaub. The schools using our service are paying an annual fee. The final course bookings run directly through the schools or their partner agents.”

According to Ernst, the updated website is also expanding the breadth of customers wanting to travel around the globe.

“Most people request for English in the UK, but Malta is also very popular, for Spanish, South and Central America is getting more and more popular.”

Ernst says that the number of people who undertake a Bildungsurlaub is normally relative to how well the economy is doing.

“Unfortunately, the federal states do not have official statistics [of how many people take a Bildungsurlaub], but in general a good economical situation like we have at the moment in Germany, it is much more popular.”

“At the moment 14 of 16 federal states have a Bildungsurlaub law – only Bavaria and Sachsen do not have a law.”