German American Partnership Program (GAPP)

Established in 1972, the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that facilitates bilateral transatlantic exchanges between schools in the U.S. and Germany. With 750+ U.S. schools in our network and 400,000+ alumnae/alumni, GAPP is the largest bilateral exchange program between the U.S. and another country. We empower students to step into adulthood by building lifelong global ties.

About GAPP

GAPP Students © GAPP/Daniel Seiffert

Our Programs

Our programs strengthen the transatlantic alliance, inspire global understanding, promote German language instruction, and foster new and lasting friendships in the U.S. and Germany. We provide assistance throughout exchanges, and award travel grants and individual scholarships to teachers, exchange groups and individual students.

Short-Term Group Exchanges to Germany (In-Person)

Discover GAPP´s most popular program. All US- based- educators, regardless, whether their school has a German program or not, may apply for travel funding to cover parts of their group exchange. Three funding cycles are offered throughout the year: Spring, Summer and Fall. Individual students within GAPP groups may also apply for two scholarships: The GAPP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship and the Future Career German(Y) Scholarship to cover their travel costs. In addition to financial assistance, we also offer a wide-range of resources for educators, schools, and students navigating bilateral exchanges.

Students at GAPP Summercamp ©GAPP/Barak Shrama

German American Virtual Exchange (GAVE)

GAVE (German American Virtual Exchange) is GAPP’s virtual exchange program available to middle- and high school students. On our website, educators are able to download, free of charge, ready-made lesson plans and worksheets, to enable them to lead successful virtual exchanges with schools in Germany. As of Fall 2023, we are piloting GAVE for elementary schools.
Long Term Exchange Program for Students

GAPP, Inc. is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an authorized sponsor organization of the “Exchange Visitor Program” for secondary school students from Germany. We only process applications for students from Germany, who are visiting their GAPP partner school in the U.S.
Exchange Visitor Program for Teachers and Principals

GAPP, Inc. is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an authorized sponsor organization of the “Exchange Visitor Program” for teachers and principals from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland working for one of the six official German Schools Abroad in the U.S and for the German Language Advisors as determined by the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA).
Alumnae/ Alumni Network

GAPP has supported more than 400,000 students to go on exchange trips to Germany or the United States. That's an amazing amount of experiences, encounters, and stories that have led to lifelong growth and friendships. Discover some of their stories and register to join our network if you have participated in a GAPP exchange.

Workshops and Professional Development

GAPP offers training, webinars, and workshops on coordinating successful exchanges, as well as free teaching resources and professional development opportunities.

Group of people workshop ©Canva

Our Community

Our Students & Teachers

@Webster Groves High School
Our Alumni

©GAPP
Past Events

©Wood Powell/Goethe-Institut
Our History

© Goethe Institut New York

About GAPP

GAPP, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, whose prime mission is to create opportunities for exchange between young Americans and Germans. GAPP is part of Germany’s foreign cultural and education policy. It is jointly administered by the Educational Exchange Service (PAD) of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the States of the Federal Republic of Germany, Goethe-Institut New York, and GAPP, Inc.

The Program is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, which also bears responsibility for the overall concept. Additional funding is provided by the U.S. Department of State, Joachim Herz Stiftung and Max Kade Foundation, Inc.

Our mission is a follows:

Establish long-lasting interest in the partner country and deepen relations between Germany and the U.S.
Promote the study of the German language at high schools in the U.S.
Expand students’ and teachers’ knowledge of the partner country
Provide intercultural encounters for all participants
Facilitate acquisition and improvement of proficiency in the target language
Provide continuing education for exchange coordinators

Ajkuna Hoppe

Executive Director
GAPP, Inc.
A cultural anthropologist by training, as well as a teacher, translator and writer, Ajkuna brings 15+ years of experience in educational and cultural institutions in Europe, the US and Asia.

Tel.: 212-439-8717
ajkuna.hoppe@goethe.de
Jana Kosancic

Community Outreach Program Manager
GAPP, Inc.
Program Manager and Teacher with a background in Early Childhood Education and Management of Social Institutions, Jana brings 10+ years of experience in the cultural, educational field in Germany, Luxembourg and the US.

Tel.: 212-439-8686
jana.kosancic@goethe.de
Caroline Marinoff

Finance and Operations Manager
GAPP, Inc.
With a background in Business Administration and over two decades of immersive experience in German media and transatlantic cultural and educational events and programs, Caroline supports exchanges wholeheartedly.

caroline.marinoff@goethe.de
Madelena Caron

Long Term Exchange Coordinator
GAPP, Inc.
Office hours: Tuesdays 9am-1pm, Wednesdays 9am-3pm
Originally from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, Madelena studied German in college and is pleased to support GAPP’s efforts to provide high school students in Germany and the U.S. with the opportunity for formative intercultural experiences.

Tel.: 212-439-8716
madelena.caron@goethe.de
GAPPY

Mascot
GAPP, Inc.
Happy Traveler

gapp@goethe.de