Since 2002, the Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP) has offered fully funded professional development study tours to Germany for social studies and STEM educators from the United States and Canada.
The purpose of the TOP study tours is to offer educators a multi-faceted understanding of important issues in contemporary Germany and the European Union and to equip them with information, resources, and networks that they can use in their instruction to increase their students' global competency. If you want to take part in meaningful professional development and have an adventurous international experience with other passionate and inquisitive educators, we invite you to apply for a 2023 TOP study tour!
The TOP 2023 study tours are tentatively scheduled to be two weeks in length. Successful applicants will begin their TOP study tour experience by attending pre-departure webinars, culminating in an in-person orientation session in Washington, DC before traveling with the group to Germany. Groups typically stay in three to four German cities (both small and large) and visit schools, businesses, government offices, non-profits and civic organizations, historical sites, museums, etc.
Please note that TOP study tours are fast-paced and often physically demanding! Also note that the majority of participants' time in Germany is scheduled as a group within the context of a comprehensive daily program, starting early in the morning and concluding late in the evening. Participants typically travel and learn together in groups of 12-15 educators who come from all over the United States and Canada, bringing a variety of different backgrounds, perspectives, and areas of focus to the experience. The TOP study tours are not ideal for those who typically benefit the most from solo, unscheduled travel.
TOP seeks to create diverse – and therefore multifaceted and inspiring – travel groups and we welcome and encourage social studies and STEM educators from all communities to apply! Knowledge of the German language is not a requirement; all study tour events will take place in or be translated to English.
Over 1,800 social studies and STEM educators have traveled to Germany with TOP since 2002. We invite you to take this first step toward joining this TOP Alumni Network of dedicated educators by applying for a TOP study tour today. The application itself will be a learning experience.
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be employed full-time as an educator of social studies or STEM subjects in the Unites States or Canada.
- Applicants must submit a letter from their supervisor confirming their employment status as a full-time social studies or STEM educator in good standing.
- Eligible educator roles include classroom teachers (grades K-12), general education/elementary educators, university methods professors, curriculum coordinators, principals, applicable curriculum authors, applicable district, state, federal employees, etc.
- Applicants who feel they qualify as a social studies or STEM educator but do not fall within the aforementioned eligible roles should contact TOP directly.
- Instructional coaches, librarians, teaching assistants, part-time teachers, are not eligible to apply at this time.
- Opportunities for student-teachers may be announced at a later date.
- Opportunities for those seeking to learn about the German apprenticeship system may be announced at a later date.
- TOP Alumni are not elligible to re-apply.
Acknowledging having read this FAQ is a necessary component of the application form!
- Applicants must be employed full-time as an educator of social studies or STEM subjects in the Unites States or Canada.
- Applicants must submit a letter from their supervisor confirming their employment status as a full-time social studies or STEM educator in good standing.
- Eligible educator roles include classroom teachers (grades K-12), general education/elementary educators, university methods professors, curriculum coordinators, principals, applicable curriculum authors, applicable district, state, federal employees, etc.
- Applicants who feel they qualify as a social studies or STEM educator but do not fall within the aforementioned eligible roles should contact TOP directly.
- Instructional coaches, librarians, teaching assistants, part-time teachers, are not eligible to apply at this time.
- Opportunities for student-teachers may be announced at a later date.
- Opportunities for those seeking to learn about the German apprenticeship system may be announced at a later date.
- TOP Alumni are not elligible to re-apply.
In 2023, the TOP study tours are scheduled to take place from:
- Social Studies: June 9 – June 24, 2023 OR June 23 – July 8, 2023
- STEM: June 23 – July 8, 2023
Thanks to the support of its public and private partners, TOP pays for most domestic and international transportation fees, hotel accommodation, two meals per day while abroad (usually breakfast and dinner), and any mandatory study tour related fees, such as museum entry, etc. Each participant will have his or her own hotel room.
Fully-funded TOP study tours include:
Note: TOP study tours are subject to 2023 budget approval and safe travel conditions for participants, hosts, and employees.
Participants will be responsible for their own airline baggage fees when incurred; transportation fees (metro, taxi, ride sharing, etc.) in Washington, DC, for the orientation; incidental hotel costs, including but not limited to long-distance telephone service, laundry service, mini bar, etc.; and any passport/visa renewal fees that may be required for the participant to travel to Germany. TOP strongly suggests each participant budget $300.00 USD for study tour related gifts, gratuities, and one (1) meal per day during the two weeks abroad.
A refundable deposit is required upon acceptance. The deposit amount for 2023 participants is $350.00 USD. Deposit refund depends on the successful completion of the participant’s post-tour lesson plan and workshop.
Fully-funded TOP study tours include:
- Airfare to Washington, DC, and to Germany and back.
- Ground transportation in Germany (trains, busses, public transit).
- Accommodations in Washington, DC and Germany – each participant will have their own hotel room.
- Two meals per day: typically breakfast and one group meal.
- Entrance fees for group visits to museums, historical sites, city tours, etc.
- Resources and materials for your classroom.
Note: TOP study tours are subject to 2023 budget approval and safe travel conditions for participants, hosts, and employees.
Participants will be responsible for their own airline baggage fees when incurred; transportation fees (metro, taxi, ride sharing, etc.) in Washington, DC, for the orientation; incidental hotel costs, including but not limited to long-distance telephone service, laundry service, mini bar, etc.; and any passport/visa renewal fees that may be required for the participant to travel to Germany. TOP strongly suggests each participant budget $300.00 USD for study tour related gifts, gratuities, and one (1) meal per day during the two weeks abroad.
A refundable deposit is required upon acceptance. The deposit amount for 2023 participants is $350.00 USD. Deposit refund depends on the successful completion of the participant’s post-tour lesson plan and workshop.
While groups travel long distances by plane, train, or private bus, participants should be prepared for a fast paced, often physically demanding tour where they may walk up to 8-10 miles (13-16 kilometers, 25,000+ steps) in a single day, day after day. Public transportation, such as public bus, subway, etc. is the primary mode of transportation for TOP study tour groups due to environmental concerns.
Participants are responsible for carrying their own luggage, which typically weighs 50-70 pounds (23-32 kilograms), and should be prepared to carry luggage up several flights of stairs and on and off of trains during the tour.
Punctuality is paramount, so walking briskly is sometimes necessary.
The nature of summer weather in Germany, from hot to cold temperatures to frequent rain, can pose unique challenges to travelers. Please note that air conditioning is not common in northern Europe.
Alternative arrangements may be made for participants with disabilities.
Participants are responsible for carrying their own luggage, which typically weighs 50-70 pounds (23-32 kilograms), and should be prepared to carry luggage up several flights of stairs and on and off of trains during the tour.
Punctuality is paramount, so walking briskly is sometimes necessary.
The nature of summer weather in Germany, from hot to cold temperatures to frequent rain, can pose unique challenges to travelers. Please note that air conditioning is not common in northern Europe.
Alternative arrangements may be made for participants with disabilities.
Each study tour is designed with the specific areas of interest of the selected participants taken into consideration. Please consider this when answering the applicable question on the application form regarding topics of interest!
The emphasis will be on contemporary German issues relating to either social studies or STEM topics depending on the type of tour. The TOP study tours are designed to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective of contemporary Germany within the European context and typically include visits to schools, businesses, government offices, non-profits and civic organizations, historical sites, museums, etc.
Participants should keep in mind that this is a group study tour designed for their professional development. The majority of their time in Germany will be spent with the group and the scheduled daily program will typically be from morning until evening. Participants are required to participate in all scheduled group meetings and activities. Some free time will be built into the schedule, but will likely not be more than two half days or one full day.
The emphasis will be on contemporary German issues relating to either social studies or STEM topics depending on the type of tour. The TOP study tours are designed to provide a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective of contemporary Germany within the European context and typically include visits to schools, businesses, government offices, non-profits and civic organizations, historical sites, museums, etc.
Participants should keep in mind that this is a group study tour designed for their professional development. The majority of their time in Germany will be spent with the group and the scheduled daily program will typically be from morning until evening. Participants are required to participate in all scheduled group meetings and activities. Some free time will be built into the schedule, but will likely not be more than two half days or one full day.
No. Since TOP works primarily with American and Canadian educators of social studies and STEM subjects, knowledge of the German language is NOT a requirement. All meetings during the study tour will either be conducted in English or will be translated from German to English by an interpreter.
TOP will offer participants 60-90 minutes of "German for travelers" instruction by professional German language instructors of the Goethe-Institut.
TOP will offer participants 60-90 minutes of "German for travelers" instruction by professional German language instructors of the Goethe-Institut.
Yes! Completely new!
Since 2019, we have been working during the "pandemic years" to create a 100% online application process. The 2023 application period represents the launch of this new application process via the Goethe-Institut Application Portal (GAP).
As we too are "learning by doing" in this case, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we embark on this new process with you.
Since 2019, we have been working during the "pandemic years" to create a 100% online application process. The 2023 application period represents the launch of this new application process via the Goethe-Institut Application Portal (GAP).
As we too are "learning by doing" in this case, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we embark on this new process with you.
Applications must be submitted on or before 5:00 PM ET on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Based on the feedback of successful applicants, the process takes an average of 5-10 hours. This excludes the time required to obtain the letter from the direct supervisor.
Applicants will be notified about their status (accepted, wait listed, not accepted) by April 1, 2023.
The TOP study tour application requires personal and professional contact information, travel availability (select and rank dates if applicable), topic of interest selection, resumé upload, employment verification (your direct supervisor must upload a letter), and three essays:
The application grading rubric is heavily weighted (over 50%) towards essays 1 and 3 above!
All information submitted to TOP is subject to strict German and EU privacy laws.
- Professional statement of purpose (3,000 characters).
- My contribution to the group (1,500 characters).
- Lesson plan (4,500 characters).
The application grading rubric is heavily weighted (over 50%) towards essays 1 and 3 above!
All information submitted to TOP is subject to strict German and EU privacy laws.
You will need to coordinate with your direct supervisor to submit an “Employment Verification Letter.”
You can download instructions for your supervisor using the link in the application on the “Employment Verification Letter” page. In the application you will need to submit the name and email address of your direct supervisor. They will receive an automated email with a unique link that they must use to access the system and upload the letter.
We recommend discussing the letter and sharing the instructions with your direct supervisor before entering their information into the application system, so that they can be looking for the automated email when it comes through. You cannot submit your application until your direct supervisor has submitted their letter for you. You will be able to see in the system once the employment verification letter has been uploaded but you will be unable to read/access the letter itself.
You can download instructions for your supervisor using the link in the application on the “Employment Verification Letter” page. In the application you will need to submit the name and email address of your direct supervisor. They will receive an automated email with a unique link that they must use to access the system and upload the letter.
We recommend discussing the letter and sharing the instructions with your direct supervisor before entering their information into the application system, so that they can be looking for the automated email when it comes through. You cannot submit your application until your direct supervisor has submitted their letter for you. You will be able to see in the system once the employment verification letter has been uploaded but you will be unable to read/access the letter itself.
You may apply for the both the social studies and STEM tours if you are an educator in both fields, but you will only be accepted to one tour or the other, not both. If you have already traveled with TOP in one tour, you may not apply to participate in the other type of tour. Educators may only travel once with TOP as a participant.
Your application can be enhanced by leading a TOP professional development workshop at your school, district, or at an applicable professional development day or conference. Workshop evaluation forms must be submitted on or before the study tour application deadline to receive credit.
We ask that all participants come prepared, ready to assume the role of a student and willing to consider new ideas, to proactively engage themselves, to be inquisitive, to be flexible, and to learn as professionals during a fun, yet mentally and sometimes physically intense experience in Germany. To adequately prepare participants for their study tour, we ask for participation in pre-departure webinars that are important for enhancing background knowledge, setting the stage, and providing a foundation for group cohesion. We also require that participants complete pre-departure reading assignments.
Upon returning from Germany, every participant is required to 1) author an original unit of learning consisting of one or more lessons and 2) conduct one TOP professional development workshop at the local district, state, regional, or national level by May 1 of the following year.
The ‘unit’ may consist of any ‘contemporary-Germany-related’ topics of the participant’s choosing but should be aligned to C3 (College, Career, Civic Life) or NGSS (for STEM) standards for learning with the goal of enhancing and assessing students’ global competence. The necessary lesson plan authorship templates are provided by TOP.
Upon returning from Germany, every participant is required to 1) author an original unit of learning consisting of one or more lessons and 2) conduct one TOP professional development workshop at the local district, state, regional, or national level by May 1 of the following year.
The ‘unit’ may consist of any ‘contemporary-Germany-related’ topics of the participant’s choosing but should be aligned to C3 (College, Career, Civic Life) or NGSS (for STEM) standards for learning with the goal of enhancing and assessing students’ global competence. The necessary lesson plan authorship templates are provided by TOP.
This policy, also known as the "deviation policy" in travel agency terms, remains dependent on the contractual arrangements made between TOP, its travel agency, and the air carrier providing the service. It also remains dependent on the capacity of TOP personnel to make such arrangements in a manner that is fair to all participants. Such arrangements are logistically and time intensive.
The primary goal for applicants should be the TOP study tour experience itself without any regard for their potential extension of travel in Germany/Europe! TOP's main priority is facilitating study tours and not facilitating individual travel arrangements.
The deviation policy for the 2023 study tours will be announced to successful applicants in the standard acceptance packet documentation in March/April 2023.
Participants are required to accept the travel arrangements made by TOP on their behalf.
Any/all applicable increases in airfare as a result of a potential deviation remain the full responsibility of the participant. TOP is only responsible for participants during the specific study tour dates and assumes no responsibility outside of the specific study tour dates.
The primary goal for applicants should be the TOP study tour experience itself without any regard for their potential extension of travel in Germany/Europe! TOP's main priority is facilitating study tours and not facilitating individual travel arrangements.
The deviation policy for the 2023 study tours will be announced to successful applicants in the standard acceptance packet documentation in March/April 2023.
Participants are required to accept the travel arrangements made by TOP on their behalf.
Any/all applicable increases in airfare as a result of a potential deviation remain the full responsibility of the participant. TOP is only responsible for participants during the specific study tour dates and assumes no responsibility outside of the specific study tour dates.
Accepted study tour participants travel to Germany at the official invitation of the Federal Republic of Germany. This invitation is extended to accepted participants only. An accepted participant may not under any circumstances bring their spouse, significant other, family members, friends, nor pets, etc. Accepted participants may not share their hotel accomodations.
The Transatlantic Outreach Program and the Goethe-Institut Visitors Programm make travel arrangements, such as single occupancy hotel rooms, mini bus reservations, train ticket bookings, etc for inivited participants only and do not have the capacity to accomdate additional guests.
The Transatlantic Outreach Program and the Goethe-Institut Visitors Programm make travel arrangements, such as single occupancy hotel rooms, mini bus reservations, train ticket bookings, etc for inivited participants only and do not have the capacity to accomdate additional guests.
As noted before, TOP study tours are subject to 2023 budget approval and safe travel conditions for participants, hosts, and employees.
TOP study tour participants must adhere to all rules and regulations, regarding Covid-19 or otherwise, as stipulated by the authorities of the District of Columbia, the United States, and/or Germany at the time of travel. Likewise, TOP study tour participants must adhere to the "contract of carriage" as stipulated by the contracted airline(s), which could include specific travel regulations related to Covid-19 or otherwise. Finally, TOP study tour participants must also adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated by specific site hosts, venues, vendors, etc. while in Germany. Study tour participants will be made aware of such regulations as soon as they are made known to TOP.
As of December 2022, study tour participants should anticipate mask wearing while using public transportation in Germany as well as conducting daily Covid-19 antigen self-tests. Providing proof of vaccination is presently not a prerequisite for entering Germany and/or re-entering the United States. These policies are subject to change by June 2023.
TOP study tour participants must adhere to all rules and regulations, regarding Covid-19 or otherwise, as stipulated by the authorities of the District of Columbia, the United States, and/or Germany at the time of travel. Likewise, TOP study tour participants must adhere to the "contract of carriage" as stipulated by the contracted airline(s), which could include specific travel regulations related to Covid-19 or otherwise. Finally, TOP study tour participants must also adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated by specific site hosts, venues, vendors, etc. while in Germany. Study tour participants will be made aware of such regulations as soon as they are made known to TOP.
As of December 2022, study tour participants should anticipate mask wearing while using public transportation in Germany as well as conducting daily Covid-19 antigen self-tests. Providing proof of vaccination is presently not a prerequisite for entering Germany and/or re-entering the United States. These policies are subject to change by June 2023.
Two common issues have been reported as of January 5, 2023, both having to do with the employment verification email.
top@goethe.de
- Issue: Emails from the Goethe-Institut Application Portal (GAP) are not being received. This may be because the receiver's email server is blocking emails from the "@goethe.de" domain.
- Potential solution: check the SPAM inbox. If emails are not there, add "gap-no-reply@goethe.de" and/or emails from the "@goethe.de" domain to the "safe senders" list.
- Potential solution: try sending emails to a different address such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc.
- Issue: The supervisor receives the email, completes the recommendation letter, clicks the upload link in the email, but cannot upload the recommendation letter. This may be because the upload link has expired.
- Potential solution: the supervisor should ask the applicant to log into GAP to re-send the email to the supervisor. The supervisor will receive a new email containing an updated link. This link should be used to upload the completed recommendation letter.
- Potential solution: the supervisor must create a GAP account using their default internet browser and be logged into the GAP portal in order to upload the letter. After the supervisor has completed the letter, they should open their default internet browser, log into GAP using their account information, then finally click the upload link in the email, which should open in a new tab/window in the same default browser. We will try to eliminate this step in the future.
top@goethe.de
