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German American Partnership Program (GAPP) - School Exchanges

The German American Partnership Program, GAPP, turns 50! In light of this occasion, we are launching the anniversary website to celebrate half a century of intercultural exchange and friendship. We would like to invite you to discover important milestones of our program, hear the stories of our GAPP alumni, witness the fundamental impact of a GAPP exchange and join our GAPP events throughout this year. We are looking forward to celebrating with you!

GAPPY has flown in just in time for our 50th anniversary, to celebrate with us and accompany GAPP students on their 2022 exchanges! 
Thank you again to GAPP student, Lance Hoogendoorn from O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD who created GAPPY’s original concept. 

To welcome GAPPY to our team we invite all GAPP and GAVE students to participate in our 2022 Social Media Challenge for a chance to win 1 of 3 prizes! 

For prize and contest details, download:

• GAPPY Social Media Challenge (PDF, 561 kB)

• GAPPY Challenge Terms and Conditions (PDF, 123 kB)

© GAPP

in May is: Nicole Perrine-Wilson

I currently teach German at Wissahickon High School, in Ambler, PA. I have lead 13 GAPP Exchanges to visit our partner school, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt Gymnasium in Osnabruek (27exchanges overall in 3 states with 2 partner schools)!

Having done so many exchanges, the most rewarding part of GAPP is seeing how it transforms the students who participate on both sides of the exchange. I am still in touch with students from every exchange I have ever taken and all have benefited long-term from their GAPP experience. GAPP is the regular shot in the arm that has kept me going as a teacher, even when times are tough. It is the single most rewarding part of my job, and I couldn't imagine being a German teacher without it!

GAPP is recognizing the effort and dedication of GAPP Coordinators in 2022, nominated by collegues, who have successfully lead students on short-term exchanges to Germany and that show a passion for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
Come back each month to learn why these amazing teachers are a part of GAPP!

Meet Rileigh from Michigan, who traveled to Germany and produced a video about her experience. Learn about Spaghetti-Ice-Cream, German castles, international communities, Germany's strategies to tackle climate change, and finding inspiration for the future.

We offer support and financial assistance to teachers, schools, and students navigating the framework of a bi-lateral exchange. 
Starting a new GAPP program
For existing GAPP coordinators

GAPP students interested in spending a semester or a year at their GAPP partner school may be eligible for visa sponsorship from GAPP.

We offer teachers a framework, lesson plans and worksheets, access to an online exchange platform, and financial support to lead a successful virtual exchange. 

Available to teachers working at official German Schools Abroad in the U.S. or German Language Advisors (Berater für Deutschunterricht) as determined by the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA).

Being a part of a GAPP or GAVE exchange has many long-term benefits for students, including scholarships for German language courses and eligibility to be a U.S. State Department alumni.

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

Our dedicated team ensures that you succeed in your student exchange. By supporting you in implementing student exchanges, we seek to deepen relations between Germany and the U.S.

The German American Partnership Program (GAPP) is part of Germany’s foreign cultural and education policy.