German American Partnership Program - GAPP

Gute Reise! 🇩🇪💙🇺🇸

Wishing our GAPP students all the best on their unforgettable adventure as they head abroad to Germany today! 🇩🇪 ✈️

We are so excited for each of you to experience a new culture, make lifelong memories, and represent our school so well. The friendships, lessons, and experiences ahead will be something you’ll never forget. 🌍

Have an amazing trip — we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures when you return! 🎉

Safe travels! 🇺🇸💙🇩🇪

What do Amanda Beck, Jeffrey Dyer, Jason Herrman, and Melanie Mello have in common? They are all past recipients of the American Association of Teachers of German / Goethe-Institut Outstanding GAPP Coordinator Award, and now it’s your turn to nominate an outstanding educator!

This award recognizes German educators who go above and beyond to create meaningful exchange experiences for their students and school communities. Each year, one exceptional AATG member from an elementary, middle, or high school is honored for their dedication to organizing successful GAPP exchanges.

Eligible nominees are current GAPP coordinators with at least two successful exchanges to Germany and a demonstrated commitment to promoting their program within their school and local community.
📌 Self-nominations are welcome
📌 Deadline: May 31, 2026

Help us celebrate the educators building transatlantic connections and changing students’ lives through exchange. Happy nominating, and good luck to all coordinators! ✨

https://www.aatg.org/outstanding-gapp-coordinator-award

German summer is calling! ☀️📣
Discover adventure, make new friends, and take your German skills to the next level at our summer camps for teens aged 12–17.
This year, we’re offering 7 exciting locations—including 3 brand-new destinations:
⭐ Ruhpolding in the beautiful Bavarian Alps
⭐ Karlsruhe for history, adventure, and sports
⭐ Freiburg – Germany’s sunniest city
Plus our popular locations: Obertauern, Stein an der Traun, Bremen, and Cologne.
✅ Duration: 2–3 weeks
✅ Levels: A1, A2, B1, B2
✅ Age: 12–17
💸 Enjoy an exclusive €150 discount! Email [email protected] to get your code
🔗 Summer camp information in bio 🚀

🌍 What if Germany sent your next basketball hero to your school? Today we’re spotlighting Jona Sellenriek , a long-term exchange student from Germany currently experiencing life in Pennsylvania!

“I’ve been having an amazing time here… from the very first day, I immediately felt included.” From school to basketball games, Jona shares that “everyone was interested in who I am, where I am from,” and that sense of curiosity and connection has continued throughout his stay.

He’s built meaningful relationships both on and off the court - “I’ve met so many great people… everyone is very nice and welcoming, especially my host family,” who make him “feel at home.” Through basketball, he’s connected not only with teammates but also their families, who have shown incredible kindness and support.

One especially meaningful connection has been with Mr. Hudd: “He truly feels like a grandfather to me.” From shared dinners to cheering at games, this bond highlights the lasting impact of cultural exchange.

Beyond basketball, Jona has embraced everyday life in the U.S., from exploring food spots to watching college and NBA games. “Overall, this experience has been incredible… I have so many awesome memories that I probably can’t even list them all.”

A heartfelt thank you to Jona’s host teacher, Ms. Nicole Perrine-Wilson - behind every meaningful exchange is an educator who makes it all possible!

✨ Inspired by Jona’s journey? J-1 student visa applications from German GAPP schools are due May 15th, 2026 - don’t miss your chance to start your own exchange story!

📸 Photos by Brandon Cho .cho_visuals for

A group of are in warm and sunny Phoenix, Arizona, this weekend to learn more about the German American Partnership Program - GAPP and how to start short-term class/school with partner schools! GAPP offers training, resources, and even student scholarships to help you establish an exchange program at your school and give your students a meaningful, affordable international experience!

🌍 Curious about German-American exchange opportunities through GAPP?

👨🏼‍💻 Join us for two upcoming virtual webinars designed to support schools, coordinators, teachers, and students at every stage of the exchange process:

✨ Long-Term Exchange Webinar (Bridge USA J1- Visa Program):
Explore GAPP’s long-term exchange program (5–12 months), including the J-1 visa process, program structure, and support for schools, students, and host families from Germany and the US
🗓️ January 20 | 12PM ET | 6PM CET

🚀 GAPP 101 Webinar:
New to GAPP or need a refresher? Dive into the fundamentals of organizing German-American student exchanges (we are a month away from te application deadline for GAPP travel to Germany in 2026!)
🗓 January 22 | 7PM ET

🔗 Join us virtually and get your questions answered - link in bio to register!