GAPP is one of very few school exchange programs rooted in long-term partnerships between partner schools, teachers, and communities. We strive to enable partner schools to build transatlantic relationships that go beyond a singular student exchange. Below you will find all the information you need to continue building students' trust and interest in German / American culture and language.
Online exchange materials for teachers to use in your German classroom -- whether you are currently working with students virtually or face-to-face!
Submit Grant Application
application Deadlines 2020
February 1, 2020
For a spring / summer 2020 exchange | Groups departing to Germany before August 1, 2020
June 1, 2020
For a fall / winter 2020 exchange | Groups departing to Germany August 1 - December 31, 2020
Please note: Applications will be reviewed after the respective deadline. We will do our best to support as many schools as possible but cannot guarantee that all schools will receive a grant.
Accompanying GAPP teachers receive airfare 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.
GRANTS for GROUPS
GAPP groups receive airfare subsidies depending on the region of their departure. Finalize your participating students list and travel dates and apply for a travel grant.
Supporting documents for upload with your grant application 2020
Please save both documents above to your computer, fill out, and upload them when prompted in the online application form.
EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS
Individual GAPP scholarships are exclusively for financially challenged students. You can submit an application on behalf of your student by filling out the online application form here.
Important information regarding your upcoming exchange
GAPP groups may fly with any carrier of their choice. However, Lufthansa and Icelandair are offering special conditions to GAPP groups for the Exchange Season 2021. Click on the links below to find out more.
If you have very specific questions about exchange logistics (e.g. which carriers to use, best tours in Berlin/Munich/Cologne etc.) we would like to encourage you to join our GAPP Teacher Forum on Facebook. This FB forum is a closed group of currently 500+ American GAPP coordinators and teachers and it is administered by GAPP. Only members can see and submit posts; therefore, it is a safe and supportive environment where you can ask for advice from experienced GAPP colleagues, share your own experiences, and connect with fellow GAPP coordinators from around the U.S.
GAPP does not provide personal liability, health, or accident insurance to groups. However, GAPP groups must have insurance for students and teachers (liability, health & accident) when traveling. Personal liability, health, and accident insurance are mandatory. The GAPP coordinator is responsible to get the group insurance.
However, GAPP provides professional liability and accident insurance for up to two accompanying teachers per group. We can offer this free liability insurance even to groups that do not receive funding in a given year. So it is always worthwhile to hand in your grant application.
You may enroll through the online Grant Application 2020 for coverage through a policy of the Goethe-Institut Munich. With your grant checks you will receive a confirmation of your enrollment, basic information about coverage and information how to contact the insurance broker Klemmer International Versicherungsmakler GmbH in case of an emergency.
GAPP does not charge a fee for any of its services for the short term GAPP exchange. GAPP also does not make any arrangements, such as flight or hotel bookings for the traveling GAPP groups. The respective school administration, parents and guardians, teachers/coordinators, students, and accompanying individuals, are solely responsible for the implementation of the program. The participating school and individuals accept herewith all risks and responsibilities while carrying out the GAPP exchange.
We advise all GAPP teachers and coordinators to get administrative approval from their school. Organizing and conducting the program with approval from your school administration legitimizes the GAPP exchange as a part of the regular school program. It provides you with legal protection and support.
U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter Germany for a GAPP group exchange trip. Upon entering Germany they will be issued a stamp in their passport allowing them to stay within the Schengen Area, which includes Germany, for up to 90 days.
U.S. residents with foreign passports may not be able to enter Germany and the Schengen Area without a visa. Please consult the Visa Regulations Overview of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for detailed information.
If the foreign citizen is a legal U.S. resident and their citizenship requires a visa, they may be eligible to be issued a visa by a German Consulate or Embassy in the United States. This website will guide you through the application process and help you to find a German mission in the U.S.
Please make sure to enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) provided by the U.S. State Department. This is a key resource to help the U.S. Diplomatic Missions in Germany reach out to you in case of an emergency.
The Traveler’s Checklist provided by the State Department for a short summary of the most important points and useful further links.
GAPP Evaluation Documents
Once you have concluded your exchange, we would appreciate it if you would submit your feedback to us, which we will use to improve our program. Please find our program evaluation documents for teachers, students and parents/guardians below.
Note: Please make sure to always obtain parental/guardian consent for our GAPP student evaluation.
Changing Partner Schools
If, for whatever reason, you need to change partner schools, please remember to first let your partner school know about your plans.
If a change in partner schools is necessary, visit www.partnerschulnetz.de to set up a new profile and find your new partner school.
Please inform us about your new partner school by sending an email to gapp@goethe.de.
Workshops & Training
GAPP supports passionate teachers, who want their students to have the best education possible. We offer workshops, training and resources on coordinating successful exchanges. Visit our Workshops and Training page for the latest updates.
GAPP, Inc. is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an authorized visa sponsor organization of the “Exchange Visitor Program” for secondary school students from Germany who are visiting their GAPP partner school in the U.S. for a semester or a school year. Long-term individual exchange
