German American Partnership Program (GAPP)

Established in 1972, the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that facilitates bilateral transatlantic exchanges between schools in the U.S. and Germany. With 750+ U.S. schools in our network and 400,000+ alumnae/alumni, GAPP is the largest bilateral exchange program between the U.S. and another country. We empower students to step into adulthood by building lifelong global ties. 

GAPP Students © GAPP/Daniel Seiffert

Our Programs

Our programs strengthen the transatlantic alliance, inspire global understanding, promote German language instruction, and foster new and lasting friendships in the U.S. and Germany. We provide assistance throughout exchanges, and award travel grants and individual scholarships to teachers, exchange groups and individual students.

Short-Term Group Exchanges to Germany (In-Person)

Discover GAPP´s most popular program. All US- based- educators, regardless, whether their school has a German program or not, may apply for travel funding to cover parts of their group exchange. Three funding cycles are offered throughout the year: Spring, Summer and Fall. Individual students within GAPP groups may also apply for two  scholarships: The GAPP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship and the Future Career German(Y) Scholarship to cover their travel costs. In addition to financial assistance, we also offer a wide-range of resources for educators, schools, and students navigating bilateral exchanges.

Students at GAPP Summercamp ©GAPP/Barak Shrama

Workshops and Professional Development

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

Group of people workshop ©Canva

Our Community

About GAPP

GAPP, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, whose prime mission is to create opportunities for exchange between young Americans and Germans. GAPP is part of Germany’s foreign cultural and education policy. It is jointly administered by the Educational Exchange Service (PAD) of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the States of the Federal Republic of Germany, Goethe-Institut New York, and GAPP, Inc.
 
The Program is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, which also bears responsibility for the overall concept. Additional funding is provided by the U.S. Department of State, Joachim Herz Stiftung and Max Kade Foundation, Inc.

Our mission is a follows: 
  • Establish long-lasting interest in the partner country and deepen relations between Germany and the U.S.
  • Promote the study of the German language at high schools in the U.S.
  • Expand  students’ and teachers’ knowledge of the partner country
  • Provide intercultural encounters for all participants
  • Facilitate acquisition and improvement of proficiency in the target language
  • Provide continuing education for exchange coordinators

  • Ajkuna Hoppe

    Executive Director
    GAPP, Inc.
    A cultural anthropologist by training, as well as a teacher, translator and writer, Ajkuna brings 15+ years of experience in educational and cultural institutions in Europe, the US and Asia.

    Tel.: 212-439-8717
    ajkuna.hoppe@goethe.de

    Ajkuna Hoppe

  • Jana Kosancic

    Community Outreach Program Manager
    GAPP, Inc.
    Program Manager and Teacher with a background in Early Childhood Education and Management of Social Institutions, Jana brings 10+ years of experience in the cultural, educational field in Germany, Luxembourg and the US.

    Tel.: 212-439-8686
    jana.kosancic@goethe.de

    Jana Kosancic

  • Caroline Marinoff

    Finance and Operations Manager
    GAPP, Inc.
    With a background in Business Administration and over two decades of immersive experience in German media and transatlantic cultural and educational events and programs, Caroline supports exchanges wholeheartedly.

    caroline.marinoff@goethe.de

    Caroline Marinoff

  • Madelena Caron

    Long Term Exchange Coordinator
    GAPP, Inc.
    Office hours: Tuesdays 9am-1pm, Wednesdays 9am-3pm
    Originally from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, Madelena studied German in college and is pleased to support GAPP’s efforts to provide high school students in Germany and the U.S. with the opportunity for formative intercultural experiences.

    Tel.: 212-439-8716
    madelena.caron@goethe.de

    Madelena Caron

  • GAPPY

    Mascot
    GAPP, Inc.
    Happy Traveler

    gapp@goethe.de

    GAPPY

With over 400,000+ GAPP alumni, we are the largest bilateral exchange program between the U.S. and another country. We have over 750 U.S. schools in our network, with 9,000+ students traveling each year. See if there is a GAPP school near you!
GAPP schools map © GAPP

The Program is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, which also bears responsibility for the overall concept. Additional funding is provided by the U.S. Department of State, Joachim Herz Stiftung and Max Kade Foundation, Inc. 
 
Auswärtiges Amt Great Seal of the United States
JHS Logo Max Kade Foundation Logo

The German American Partnership Program (GAPP) is part of Germany’s foreign cultural and education policy. It is jointly administered by the Educational Exchange Service (PAD) of the Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the States of the Federal Republic of Germany, Goethe-Institut New York, and GAPP, Inc.*

Goethe-Institut Logo © Goethe-Institut Logo: PAD

Are you part of a GAPP exchange and interested in creating custom swag and merchandise for your participants? On our GAPP Brand Hub  you may download high-resolution logos and pre-designed graphics suitable for printing on various items like T-shirts, baseball caps, totes, pens, hoodies, lanyards, and much more. Send us an email to receive access. 

GAPP facilitates enriching cultural exchanges between schools in the U.S. and Germany. Our program inspires intercultural understanding, promotes German language instruction, and fosters new and lasting friendships. Please support our GAPP Scholarship Fund with a donation, which allows students from financially struggling families to take part in their school's GAPP exchange.
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INTERNSHIPS AT GAPP

Interested in shaping the world of transatlantic exchanges, dive into a vibrant, cross-cultural setting, interact with diverse perspectives, refine your intercultural communication skills, and actively contribute to the transformative experience of global education? Check the link below for detailled information about our internship program. 

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