Application Form
Read the FAQ below.
Click the link below to download the form.
Complete and print the form.
Attach the required supporting documents.
The packet must arrive by February 15, 2010.
2010 Application Form (PDF, 880 KB)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who may apply?
From the United States and Canada: Grades 1-12 Social Studies educators, Social Studies university methods professors, Social Studies curriculum coordinators, and applicable State Departments of Education employees.
2. How long do applicants have to wait before being notified?
Applications are typically due the first half of February. Notification letters are sent via the U.S. Postal Service during the second half of March.
3. What costs are involved?
All expenses are paid by TOP through the generosity of its partners. This includes the cost of flying from your nearest major airport to Washington, D.C. and back (if you live outside a 100-mile radius of Washington, D.C.), the cost of a hotel room in Washington, D.C. on the night prior to departing to Germany, the cost of flying from Washington, D.C. to Germany and back, all study-tour-related transportation within Germany, all lodging in Germany, two meals per day in Germany, and all associated study tour fees.
The Program does not pay for expenses incurred during free time. The Program does not pay for incidental hotel costs (long distance telephone calls, Pay-Per-View, laundry, Internet, etc.). Each participant has her or his own hotel room.
A refundable deposit is required upon acceptance. The deposit amount is currently $250.00 USD. Refund depends on the successful completion of items listed below in question 7.
A $50.00 USD "deviation fee" may also apply.
4. When do the study tours take place?
During the summer months. The first group typically departs in mid June; the fourth and last group returns in mid August. Applicants may request the desired group date(s) on the application form.
5. How long are the study tours?
They are two weeks in length.
6. Is knowledge of the German language a requirement?
No, although experience speaking the German language is always appreciated and only serves to enhance the experience for participants.
7. What is the catch?
Above all, this is a STUDY tour! We ask that all participants come willing to participate, ask questions, and absorb a lot of information during a fun, yet physically and mentally intense two weeks in Germany.
Upon returning from Germany, each participant is required to 1) Write a "unit of learning" consisting of 1+ "Germany" lessons AND 2) Conduct a minimum of two "Germany" workshops at the local, district, state, regional, OR national level within a specified time period.
8. Just how "physically intense" are the study tours?
While the groups travel long distances by train, motor coach, or public transport, participants must often walk distances of several city blocks; for example, from a train station to a hotel or between scheduled events. Punctuality is paramount, so walking briskly is sometimes necessary.
Participants are also asked to be responsible for their own luggage at all times, even when embarking/disembarking trains, often within three minutes or less. Navigating older train station without elevators or escalators can also pose a challenge to the most experienced travelers.
In addition to walking, groups may also explore a town or city while on a bicycle tour.
The fact that the study tours take place during the heat of the summer months can also pose a challenge.
9. How many cities are visited?
Although itineraries are always subject to change, the study tours typically begin in Berlin where the aspects of German government are studied. The tours typically end in Frankfurt am Main due to the city's proximity to the (FRA) international airport. The two or three destinations visited in-between depends largely on which German states have schools in session. Some groups go north, some south. The itinerary does try to maintain a balance between eastern and western German states as well as larger cities and smaller towns. Unless a German border town is being visited, the groups remain in Germany at all times.
10. How can I improve my chances of being selected?
Priority is given to applicants who have experience conducting in-service training workshops. See the Workshops section of this web site for more information.
