Become a new gapp school
 Short-term exchange program

Short Term Exchange Foto: GAPP / B. Ludewig

Our GAPP short-term exchange program is for teachers, schools, and coordinators, who organize student exchanges. GAPP does not act as an organizer for travel, nor for the exchange itself. Instead, we offer assistance to teachers, schools, and coordinators in navigating the framework of an exchange. We also grant financial assistance to groups and chaperones, as well as individual scholarships for qualifying students.

GAPP Starter Kit

How GAPP works

GAPP supports individuals and schools that organize a student-exchange for a group of 10-20 students. These exchanges must be a minimum of 14 days in duration. Financial support can include travel grants for exchange groups and chaperones, as well as individual scholarships for qualifying students. GAPP coordinators can be provided with professional liability insurance at no cost to them. 

We invite all schools in the U.S. – with or without German language program – to take part in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP).
In order to become eligible for the GAPP program, the exchange must include a theme that is covered throughout the exchange in the form of activities, field trips, or a project. Our GAPP travel journal can also fulfill this requirement. If you are interested in working on a project with your students, your partner school is able to apply for extra funding from the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD) for this purpose.

Schools without a German program are encouraged to work with their German counterparts so that the Americans can participate in a crash course in German at their partner school in Germany. This should be documented and turned in to the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD) by the German coordinator after the exchange is complete.
 
Most U.S. schools find their partner schools through www.partnerschulnetz.de — an online forum that enables German and foreign schools worldwide to establish international partnerships. Create your school's profile and get in contact with German schools looking for a partner school in the U.S.
Teachers and schools are responsible for coordinating their exchanges. The flexibility allows you to arrange your group’s travel to Germany (and hosting of your German exchange partner group) to best fit the needs of your students and school.
The recommended group size is 10 to 20 participants. For a group of 11 students and more, two adult chaperones are required. Please contact our office should you have a group considerably smaller than 10 students. Students have the option to only host an exchange student without going on an exchange trip themselves. Details are subject to agreement between partner teachers.
GAPP exchanges must last 14 days or longer, with at least 10 days spent with a host family and 5 days attending their school.
GAPP exchanges cost each student $1,200–$3,200 on average. Exact pricing depends on the size of your student group and where in the US you’re flying out from. Costs are generally low because students stay with their host families free of charge for the majority of the trip. Plus, GAPP offers travel grants and scholarships to qualifying schools and students.
We hope to be able to continue to support most schools that apply. However, should we receive applications from more schools than we are able to support, our criteria are the following: 
  • Is the application complete?
  • Is the school a title 1 school?
  • Is the group diverse?

Planning your GAPP Exchange

  • 1

    At least one year prior to travel:

    • Assess interest
    • Obtain administrative approval
    • Find a partner school

  • 1

    One year prior to travel:

    • Contact your partner teacher
    • Establish travel dates
    • Clarify terms of exchange
    • Contact travel agent
    • Reserve block of seats
    • Make preliminary arrangements for excursions in Germany

  • 1

    Nine months prior to travel:

    • “Informational” parent meeting
    • Parents organize fundraising

  • 1

    Eight months prior to travel:

    • Students apply, are selected and paired with partners
    • Student correspondences begin

  • 1

    Seven months prior to travel:

    • Prep sessions with students (on-going)
    • Discuss behavioral expectations

  • 1

    Six months prior to travel:

    • Students apply for passports

  • 1

    One month prior to travel:

    • Final parent meeting
    • Confirm arrangements with travel agent
    • Collect copies of students’ documents
    • Complete financial arrangements
    • Confirm reservations for excursions
    • Secure insurance

  • 1

    During travel:

    • Enjoy! Send us a postcard :)

  • 1

    After return:

    • Encourage students to correspond with host families
    • Evaluate program
    • Thank program supporters
    • Report to administrators/school board

  • 1

    Three months prior to German students’ arrival:

    • Prepare for their visit
    • Organize parent committees for field trips and activities


For your convenience, we have compiled ready-to-print marketing materials to help you promote a GAPP exchange at your school.
  We have also created a detailed lesson plan to help you promote German at the elementary school in your district and get younger students excited about taking German down the road. 
Ready, set, deutsch! materials
 

Materials for students

You can download a copy of the student journal above or contact us at gapp@goethe.de if you would like to receive printed and bound copies for your students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call us at (212) 439-8700.

Financial Assistance

We offer airfare subsidies for GAPP coordinators and their student groups, depending on their region of departure. GAPP also offers scholarships for financially challenged students.

GAPP awards an average of $2,300 in travel grants and student scholarships to U.S. schools.

  GRANTS for TEACHERS and  CHAPERONES    GRANTS for short-term
exchange GROUPS
  Accompanying GAPP teachers receive air subsidies. GAPP groups of more than 10 students are eligible for 2 teacher grants. The rate is calculated as a flat rate depending on the average regional fare.   GAPP groups receive airfare subsidies depending on their region of their departure. Finalize your participating students list and travel dates and apply for a travel grant.
Teacher Grant map
 

scholarships for individual students

We are happy to accept your application on behalf of your student for an individual scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need. Fill out the online application form here.
 

GAPP Grant Application

Start now

Now, you are ready to begin coordinating your exchange with GAPP. Congratulations! For application and more information on Travel and Accommodation, Insurance, Visa and Travel Safety click
 

For current GAPP schools
 Renew grant application

GAPP is rooted in long-term partnerships between partner schools. We assist schools in building transatlantic relationships that go beyond one student exchange. We would like to thank you for your constant dedication and support in coordinating your GAPP exchange at your school and in your community. You will find the information that you need to continue your successful GAPP exchange below.

Workshops & Trainings

We are committed to helping teachers and schools throughout the exchange process. GAPP offers training and workshops on coordinating successful exchanges and professional development opportunities.

Workshops and Training

back to Home | German American Partnership Program (GAPP)

Our Partners

German American Partnership Program is administered by the Goethe-Institut and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the U.S. Department of State. GAPP is also supported by the WunderbarTogether Campaign. In Germany, GAPP is administered by our partner, the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD).
 

In cooperation with

Goethe-Institut

Logo: PAD

supported by

Auswärtiges Amt

Great Seal of the United States

Logo Wunderbar Together

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