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GAPP Starter Kit

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German American Partnership Program (GAPP)

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GAPP supports your student exchange

Since 1972, GAPP has facilitated enriching exchanges between schools in the US and Germany. A GAPP exchange opens students’ hearts and minds to German culture, people, and daily life. The lessons they learn and friendships they make while living with and hosting their exchange partner last a lifetime.

Gain an esteemed partner

GAPP is supported by the German Foreign Office and the U.S. Department of State. Our exchange program is open to all schools and teachers s, regardless of whether or not your school has a German language program and which subject(s) you teach. Your students deserve the opportunity to step out of the every day, and gain invaluable educational experience beyond the classroom.

Travel is important for young people. It opens their minds and broadens their horizons. It helps to make the world a better place when we can break down stereotypes and begin to share ideas and communicate with each other—when we can see that we are more alike than we are different."

Ms. Thompson, Mount Pleasant High School, Wilmington, Delaware

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a German partner school?

Most US 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 US.

Who coordinates a GAPP exchange

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.

What is the length of a GAPP exchange?

GAPP exchanges must last 14 days or longer, with at least 10 days spent with a host family and 5 days attending their school.

How much does a GAPP exchange cost?

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.

What financial assistance does GAPP offer?

We offer travel grants for coordinators and airfare subsidies for both coordinators and their student groups, depending on their region of departure. GAPP also offers scholarships for individual students who want to participate in the exchange, but can’t afford a trip to Europe.

How can I apply for a grant or scholarship?

Find your partner school, fill out the questionnaire, and we’ll send you the grant application forms. To apply for individual student scholarships, please email or call us and ask for details.

Contact us

Learn more about GAPP and the Goethe Institut at
Goethe.de/GAPP

If you have any questions, email the GAPP team at

gapp@goethe.de or
call us on +1 212 439 8700

We are here to help you.